The Culinary Delights of Hoi An: 15 Must-Try Local Specialties and Souvenirs

The ancient town of Hoi An is a culinary delight, offering a plethora of mouth-watering specialties that will tantalize your taste buds. From delectable dishes to savory snacks, Hoi An's diverse cuisine is a feast for the senses, and its 15 most famous specialties are a must-try for any discerning foodie. Indulge in the unique flavors of this charming town and embark on a gastronomic journey like no other.

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Hoi An has contributed to the diversity and richness of Vietnamese cuisine. Join us as we explore the top 15 must-try dishes and perfect souvenirs to bring home. The culinary delights of Hoi An will surely not disappoint!

1 Introduction to Hoi An Tourism

Hoi An is a city in the province of Quang Nam, located at the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River delta. This place is famous not only for its delicious and mouthwatering specialties but also as a popular tourist destination, especially the ancient town of Hoi An.

When visiting Hoi An, you will be immersed in novel moments hidden within the ancient charm of the old tiled houses. Everything here exudes a gentle and captivating beauty, with poetic and romantic scenery, and friendly and hospitable locals.

Introduction to Hoi An Tourism

2 Top 15 Hoi An Specialties to Try

Specialties to Try in Hoi An

Cao Lau Hoi An

Chewy Cao Lau Noodles

Cao Lau is a must-try dish when visiting Hoi An. At first, it may seem unusual, but the more you eat, the more you’ll fall in love with its unique flavor: chewy noodles, tender meat, and refreshing herbs.

Estimated Price: 15,000 – 33,000 VND/bowl

Recommended Restaurants:

+ Thanh Restaurant: 26, Thai Phien, Hoi An

+ Hong Restaurant: 18, Thai Phien, Hoi An

Wonton Noodles

Delicious Wonton Noodles

Although this dish originated in China, the people of Hoi An have added their creative touch to make it extraordinary, infusing it with the unique flavors of Vietnam and Hoi An.

Estimated Price: 20,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl

Recommended Restaurants:

+ Van Loc Restaurant: 27, Tran Phu, Hoi An

+ Anh Dung Restaurant: 14 Ba Trieu, Hoi An

Mi Quang Hoi An

Mi Quang – Colorful Noodles

Don’t leave Hoi An without trying Mi Quang. This dish is not only visually appealing but also tantalizes your taste buds: white rice noodles, tender meat, and flavorful shrimp. One bowl is never enough!

Estimated Price: 15,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl

Recommended Restaurants:

+ Mr. Hai’s Mi Quang: 6A, Truong Minh Thuong, Hoi An

+ Ms. Sinh’s Mi Quang: 170 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoi An

Banh Dap with Stir-fried Baby Clams

Banh Dap with Stir-fried Baby Clams

If you have the chance to visit Hoi An, don’t forget to try Banh Dap with baby clams. Although it’s a simple dish, its irresistible crunch and flavor will leave you wanting more: crispy Banh Dap, juicy clams, and savory dipping sauce.

Estimated Price: 15,000 – 50,000 VND/serving

Recommended Restaurants:

+ Baby Clam Stir-fry by Ms. Gia: Thon 1, Cam Nam, Hoi An

+ Cam Nam Restaurant: 679 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An

Che Hoi An

Sweet and Refreshing Che

Hoi An offers a variety of delicious che, including che dau xanh (green bean pudding), che thap cam (mixed pudding), and che hat sen (lotus seed pudding). These sweet treats are sure to captivate dessert lovers. Give them a try!

Estimated Price: 8,000 – 20,000 VND/bowl

Recommended Restaurants:

+ Mrs. Muoi’s Floating Che: 4 Hoang Dieu, Hoi An

+ Mrs. Nam’s Lotus Seed Che: 01 Hoang Van Thu, Hoi An

Com Hen (Baby Clam Rice)

Com Hen – A Signature Dish

This is arguably the most famous baby clam dish in Hoi An, and you shouldn’t miss it. Even from a distance, you’ll be enticed by the aromatic fragrance wafting from the Com Hen restaurants. The taste is exceptional, reflecting the dedication and precision of the people of Hoi An.

Estimated Price: 20,000 – 50,000 VND/serving

Recommended Restaurants:

+ Cuong Restaurant: 01 Nguyen Hoang, Hoi An

+ Mon Hue Hoi An Restaurant: 21 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An

Banh Xeo Hoi An (Hoi An Savory Pancake)

Crispy and Golden Banh Xeo

The hot and crispy Banh Xeo will leave a lasting impression on visitors. Hoi An’s Banh Xeo has gained widespread popularity due to its variety of dipping sauces, including the traditional sweet and sour sauce and a unique peanut-infused soy sauce blend.

Estimated Price: 8,000 – 10,000 VND/piece

Recommended Restaurants:

+ Gieng Ba Le: 45/51 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An

+ Song Hoai: 59/32, 18 Thang 8, Hoi An

Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)

Nutritious and Delicious Com Ga

This dish can be considered the best chicken rice in Vietnam. Anyone who has tried it will remember its unique flavor. The rice is carefully prepared by first rinsing it with water and then cooking it with chicken broth and pandan leaves, resulting in a soft and perfectly cooked texture.

Estimated Price: 20,000 – 50,000 VND/serving

Recommended Restaurants:

+ Ms. Buoi’s Com Ga: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An

+ Ms. Thuan’s Com Ga: 14/7 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An

Hoi An Specialties to Buy as Souvenirs

Banh Dau Xanh Hoi An (Hoi An Green Bean Cake)

Banh Dau Xanh – A Popular Treat

Hoi An’s green bean cake is a well-known specialty that makes a great gift for family and friends. It comes in two varieties: dry and wet, both featuring a unique salty-sweet taste and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Estimated Price: 35,000 – 40,000 VND/box

Where to Buy:

+ Ba Trinh Green Bean Cake: 62 Le Loi, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

+ BONG Green Bean Cake – Hoi An Specialty: 195 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Cam Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Hong Dao Wine

Hong Dao Wine

Hong Dao Wine is known for its distinctive spicy and pungent flavor, characteristic of Hoi An, along with its alluring aroma. It is made by mixing cooked rice with yeast and allowing it to ferment for about a week. Then, thin slices of ripe peaches are added, and the mixture is left to ferment for another 100 days to create the final product.

Estimated Price: 130,000 – 150,000 VND/bottle

Where to Buy: You can find it at various specialty shops in Quang Nam Province.

Pho Hoi Chili Sauce

Pho Hoi Chili Sauce

The dishes of Quang Nam often include a special condiment: chili sauce with a spicy kick and a subtle sesame fragrance. It pairs perfectly with Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and other local specialties. This sauce also makes a great gift for loved ones who enjoy spicy food.

Estimated Price: 55,000 VND/115g bottle

Where to Buy

+ Trieu Phat Chili Sauce: 41 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Mam Thinh (Fermented Fish Dip)

Mam Thinh – A Local Favorite

This is a distinctive specialty of Hoi An, known for its pungent aroma and made from a variety of fresh and firm-fleshed fish, such as mackerel and mackerel scad.

The fish is first cleaned and then salted for a few days in the sun. Once the mixture develops a strong smell, the liquid is drained, and the fish is mixed with roasted rice flour and left to ferment further.

Estimated Price: 50,000 – 200,000 VND/kg

Where to Buy

+ Hoi An Market: 19 Tran Phu, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam

Banh Dua Nuong (Grilled Coconut Cake)

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