Hoi An Chicken Rice: Origins, Recipe and Best Places to Try

Hoi An chicken rice is a culinary icon of the ancient town, captivating diners not only with its rich flavor but also with the cultural story it carries. Join Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery in discovering the delicious essence of this renowned dish and fully immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Hoi An.

The Origins of Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An chicken rice originated in the 1950s in the ancient town of Hoi An, Quang Nam Province. During the 1960s and 1970s, when daily life was still marked by hardship, the dish became a familiar staple in humble local eateries. Carefully prepared by generations of women using family recipes, it reflects both Vietnamese culinary tradition and subtle influences from Chinese cuisine. Over time, this humble yet flavorful dish has become an irreplaceable culinary symbol of Hoi An, making it a must-try experience during your Hoi An travel.

How to Make Authentic Hoi An Chicken Rice

Ingredients for Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An Chicken Rice is made with free-range chicken, fragrant rice, fresh herbs, crispy fried shallots, chili satay, flavorful chicken broth, and a variety of local vegetables. Each ingredient contributes to the unique and unmistakable taste of this iconic dish.

To prepare a portion for 2–3 people, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken:

• Type: Free-range chicken (Ga Ta or Ga Ri) around 6–8 months old is preferred for its firm texture and natural flavor.
• Weight: Ideal size is 1.5–2 kg, ensuring the meat is tender yet not overly fatty.
• Quality: The chicken should have fresh, yellow skin with no bruising. Locals believe that free-range chickens fed on natural grains produce sweeter, more fragrant meat.

Rice:

Choose fragrant long-grain rice such as Tam Thom or Jasmine (Hom Mali), known for their aroma, good water absorption, and ideal tenderness when cooked. Use about 2 cups (400g) of rice to serve 2–3 people. The recommended ratio of rice to chicken broth is 1:1.2, meaning approximately 2.5 cups (600ml) of broth. This ensures the rice cooks evenly without becoming too soft or mushy.

Seasonings & Aromatics:

• Shallots (100g): Fried until golden for extra fragrance.
• Garlic (3–4 cloves): Minced or crushed for marinating and seasoning.
• Ginger (20g): Smashed and added to the boiling water to remove any poultry odor.
• Turmeric powder (½ tsp): Enhances the golden color of the chicken.
• Chili satay (1–2 tsp): Used in the dipping sauce for an extra kick.
• Sugar (½ tsp), salt (1 tsp), pepper, and MSG (½ tsp): Adjust to taste.
• Chicken fat or cooking oil (2–3 tbsp): Used for stir-frying shallots and giving the rice a glossy finish.

Accompanying Fresh Herbs and Vegetables:

• Vietnamese coriander (rau ram, approx. 20g): Finely chopped; an essential herb that gives the dish its distinctive aroma.
• Thai basil (10–15 leaves): Can be finely sliced or left whole.
• Sawtooth coriander (ngo gai, 10g): Finely chopped, used depending on each recipe.
• Lime leaves: Thinly sliced to enhance fragrance.
• Banana blossom (50g): Thinly shaved and soaked in diluted salt water to prevent browning and add a crisp, slightly sweet texture.
• Lettuce (50g): Washed and drained.
• Cucumber (100g): Thinly sliced or julienned.
• Tomato (50g): Often used as garnish; cut into wedges for presentation.

Dipping Sauces:

• Hoi An-style chili sauce: Made from fresh chili, garlic, sugar, and salt.
  Blended fish sauce: A mix of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili, adjusted to a unique house recipe.
• Special sate chili: Many eateries have their own version—slightly sweet with a moderate level of heat.

Accompanying Soup:

Typically prepared with onions, ginger, and seasoning, and sometimes includes vegetables like carrots to enhance flavor.

Steps to Make Authentic Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An chicken rice requires meticulous preparation techniques from perfectly poaching the chicken and shredding it into just the right texture, to cooking the rice in rich chicken broth and crafting a flavorful, aromatic dipping sauce. The key lies in how the chicken is boiled and how well the seasonings are balanced.

To create an authentic version of Hoi An chicken rice, follow these steps carefully and patiently.

Step 1: Preparing and Boiling the Chicken (The Most Important Step!)

Cleaning the Chicken:

• Remove the internal organs and any remaining fine feathers.
• Rinse thoroughly with cold water, then rub the chicken with salt and smashed ginger to remove any odor.
• Let it dry, then lightly season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic for 15–20 minutes.

Boiling the Chicken:

• Place a pot of water on the stove. Add 2–3 slices of smashed ginger, a few shallots, a pinch of salt, and some kaffir lime leaves.
• Wait until the water comes to a boil, then gently lower the chicken into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium.
• Maintain a gentle simmer—avoid boiling too vigorously, as it can cause the chicken meat to fall apart.
• Boil for about 25–30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. To check if it’s done, pierce the thigh with a chopstick—if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.
• Key tip: As soon as the chicken is just cooked (not overcooked), turn off the heat and remove it immediately. Soak it in a bowl of ice water for 5–10 minutes. This technique helps keep the skin firm and crisp while locking in moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Preparing the Chicken After Boiling:

Let the chicken drain and cool slightly. Then, lightly brush the skin with a bit of cooking oil or chicken fat to give it a glossy, appetizing appearance. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces to avoid tearing it too small to preserve its natural sweetness. Carefully remove the bones, and make sure to keep the golden skin intact for serving.

Step 2: Cooking the Rice with Chicken Broth

Prepare the Rice
Measure 2 cups of rice (about 400g). Rinse it 2–3 times with cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 15–20 minutes, then drain it thoroughly.

Cook the Rice
Strain the chicken broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove any impurities or excess fat this helps prevent the rice from becoming too greasy. Use about 2.5 cups of broth for the 2 cups of rice (a 1.2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio). Season the broth with a pinch of salt, a little sugar, and a small amount of MSG for a light, savory flavor. Optionally, add a bit of turmeric to give the rice a beautiful golden color. Add the rice and broth to a rice cooker or a regular pot. If using a pot, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for another 15 minutes until done. Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the grains to finish steaming and become fluffy and evenly cooked.

Step 3: Preparing the Side Components

Making the Dipping Sauce:

• Option 1 (Hoi An Chili Sauce): Blend 100g of fresh chili peppers with 3–4 cloves of garlic until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Simmer gently with 3 tablespoons of cooking oil until fragrant. This creates a rich, spicy, and flavorful sauce.
• Option 2 (Sweet and Sour Fish Sauce): Mix 3 tablespoons of fish sauce with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add finely chopped garlic and sliced chili for extra aroma and heat.

Preparing Crispy Fried Shallots

Finely chop 100g of shallots, then fry them in a pan with cooking oil or chicken fat over low heat. Stir constantly until the shallots turn golden, fragrant, and crispy. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Preparing Fresh Herbs

• Banana blossom: Thinly slice and soak in water mixed with lemon juice or vinegar to prevent discoloration.
• Vietnamese coriander, basil, sawtooth herb: Pick, wash thoroughly, and finely chop.
• Cucumber: Peel, then slice thinly or cut into fine strips.
• Lettuce: Wash, drain, and tear into bite-sized pieces.

Preparing the Soup

• Strain the chicken broth and bring it back to a boil.
• Season with salt, pepper, and MSG to taste.
• Add chopped scallions right before turning off the heat.

Step 4: Plating and Serving

Traditional Presentation:

• Scoop the yellow chicken rice onto a plate, shaping it neatly.
• Arrange shredded chicken on top.
• Sprinkle crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs over the chicken.
• Garnish with cucumber slices and tomato wedges.
• Serve with a side bowl of hot chicken broth.
• Provide a separate dipping sauce bowl for personal seasoning.

Best Way to Enjoy:

• Mix chicken, rice, herbs, and dipping sauce before eating.
• Pair each bite with fresh vegetables and sips of warm broth for balance.
• For extra spice, add fresh chili slices to taste.

By following these steps carefully, you can recreate an authentic Hoi An Chicken Rice that captures the true essence of the ancient town. Though the process may seem intricate, each step is essential in delivering the iconic flavor and texture of this beloved dish.

Best Places to Try Hoi An Chicken Rice

Hoi An is famous for its high-quality chicken rice eateries, each offering a unique flavor and character. From the time-honored Ba Buoi Restaurant to Com Ga Nga with its family-secret recipe, visitors can easily find authentic chicken rice throughout the ancient town and nearby areas all at reasonable prices.

When visiting Hoi An, don’t miss out on these must-try chicken rice spots:

Ba Buoi Chicken Rice – A Timeless Tradition

The oldest and most famous chicken rice restaurant in Hoi An, known for its family recipe passed down for over 40 years. The rice is cooked with chicken broth and fresh turmeric, giving it a rich aroma and an appealing golden color. Each grain is soft, fluffy, and deeply infused with the essence of the broth. The highlight is the house-made garlic chili sauce, a key element in Ba Buoi’s reputation, combining the mild sourness of lime, the sweetness of rock sugar, and the bold heat of freshly ground chili.

The restaurant features traditional Hoi An architecture with yellow walls, vintage wooden doors, and simple wooden furniture, offering an authentic dining experience for those looking to explore local food culture at its purest.

• Address: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
• Price range: 40,000 – 60,000 VND per portion

Nga Chicken Rice – A Perfect Balance of Tradition and Modernity

The rice at Com Ga Nga has a lighter yellow hue compared to other places, but it stands out with its exceptional aroma and soft, chewy texture. It is cooked using chicken broth blended with a touch of sesame oil, creating a distinct and memorable flavor. The dipping sauce here is spicier and more intense, making it ideal for diners who prefer bold tastes.

The restaurant blends modern design with traditional elements, featuring a spacious air-conditioned area that suits families and groups of friends. They also offer side dishes like chicken and mushroom soup or grilled chicken with lime leaves, adding variety to the menu.

• Address: 30 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
• Price range: 35,000 – 55,000 VND per portion

Ty Chicken Rice – A Local Dish with an International Appeal

The chicken at Com Ga Ty is shredded just right, retaining its tenderness and natural sweetness. The banana blossom is specially prepared to be crisp without bitterness, blending perfectly with the other ingredients. The rice has a light yellow color, is fluffy yet slightly sticky, and fully infused with the rich flavor of chicken broth.

The dipping sauce leans toward natural sweetness with a mild spiciness, making it suitable for most palates, especially international visitors. The restaurant also offers a unique steamed chicken with lime leaves version, providing a refreshing twist for those familiar with the traditional dish.

The upper floor features a balcony overlooking the ancient town, perfect for diners who want to enjoy their meal while taking in the charm of Hoi An.

• Address: 180 Le Loi, Hoi An
• Price range: 40,000 – 60,000 VND per serving

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is a 5-star hotel in a prime location, just a few minutes’ walk from Hoi An Ancient Town. The hotel boasts a unique architectural style, blending classic French elegance with the refined aesthetics of Japanese culture. Each luxuriously designed room offers stunning views of either the Thu Bon River or the city, ensuring a sophisticated and comfortable stay.

For assistance and reservations, please contact the Hotline: +84(0)235 3950 888 for quick and professional support.

Conclusion

Hoi An chicken rice is more than just a meal it’s a flavorful journey through the cultural heart of this ancient town. Whether you’re savoring the tender, aromatic rice at a time-honored eatery or recreating it at home with carefully selected ingredients, this dish brings you closer to the heritage and warmth of Hoi An. For food lovers and travelers alike, tasting Hoi An chicken rice is a must to fully experience the soul of this charming destination. 

Below are the shares of Hotel Royal Hoi An gallery about Hoi An chicken rice, hope this will be a useful article for you.

Read more:

• Top 10 Hoi An Street Food You Must-Try: Best Local Dishes & Where to Eat
• Hoi An Bread – 10 Must Try Banh Mi Shops in Hoi An