Cao Lau Hoi An: Origins, Tradition, and 9 Top Restaurants You Can’t Miss

May 22, 2025
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Cao lau Hoi An is the soul of the ancient town’s cuisine, offering a unique flavor from its golden chewy noodles, char siu pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. Discover its origin, how it’s made, and the best places to try it with Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery!

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Discover cao lau Hoi An – The signature flavor of the ancient town

Cao lau Hoi An is not just a dish, but a cultural story that reflects the unique culinary fusion of Hoi An. Let’s explore its origins, preparation methods, and the irresistible charm of this local specialty.

What is cao lau Hoi An? Its origin and traditional story

Cao lau is a noodle dish from Quang Nam, Vietnam, best known in Hoi An. This unique specialty features chewy golden noodles typically served with shrimp, char siu-style pork, fresh herbs, and a rich, flavorful broth that leaves a lasting impression.

The origins of cao lau reflect the cultural fusion found in Hoi An. Influenced by Chinese and Japanese cuisines, the dish was adapted and reinvented by the Vietnamese to suit local tastes, resulting in a distinctive flavor that is unmistakably Hoi An.

The name “cao lau” translates to “delicacies enjoyed from a high floor,” referring to the idea of savoring fine food from an upper-level dining space overlooking the charming ancient town. Over time, cao lau has become a culinary symbol of Hoi An, carrying with it the memory of a once-thriving trading port.

The secret to making cao lau noodles and how the dish is prepared

To create the distinctive flavor of Cao Lau Hoi An, the preparation process typically involves two key steps: making the noodles and preparing the accompanying ingredients. Below are the details of each stage:

Cao Lau noodles: Considered the “soul” of the dish, these noodles bring a unique taste and appearance. They are made from high-quality rice grown in Quang Nam, soaked in alkaline water drawn from Cu Lao Cham to achieve their signature golden-yellow hue. After soaking, the rice is finely ground, kneaded into dough, then rolled out, steamed, and cut into evenly sized cao lau noodles.
Char siu pork: Carefully prepared from whole cuts of lean pork, marinated with fish sauce, five-spice powder, salt, and minced garlic, then simmered over low heat until tender and richly colored.
Broth: Made from simmered pork or chicken bones, enhanced with tomatoes, finely blended onions, and oil to create a savory, slightly fatty base.

Accompanying ingredients that create the distinctive flavor

To create an authentic bowl of Cao Lau, the accompanying ingredients play a crucial role alongside the chewy noodles and richly flavored char siu pork. These components help bring harmony and depth to the overall taste, contributing to the dish’s unique appeal.

Fresh herbs and vegetables are essential to Cao Lau in Hoi An. A typical bowl includes 12 types of greens from Tra Que village, such as baby mustard, fish mint, lettuce, bean sprouts, basil, banana blossom, starfruit, bitter herb, chrysanthemum greens, cucumber, cilantro, and other aromatics. Their crisp freshness balances the richness of the sauce and pork.
Other accompanying ingredients: Crispy rice crackers, fragrant roasted peanuts, rich pork cracklings, and pure fish sauce with garlic and chili enhance the flavor. Cao Lau also has variations such as vegetarian Cao Lau (made with mushrooms and tofu) or dry Cao Lau (tossed with sauce), catering to all tastes.

The combination of firm noodles, thick savory broth, marinated pork, and fresh herbs creates a truly unique and memorable culinary experience.

The best cao lau restaurants in Hoi An

Hoi An is the birthplace of Cao Lau, where you’ll find the most authentic and flavorful bowls that awaken your taste buds. Below are 9 of the best Cao Lau restaurants.

Faifo Café Restaurant

Faifo Cafe is located on the ground floor of the Wakaku building within the premises of Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery. The restaurant harmoniously combines classical and modern elements in a luxurious and refined space, with a design inspired by Art Deco style.

Diners can choose to enjoy their meals indoors or outdoors, while taking in the peaceful scenery of Hoi An Ancient Town. Cao lau at Faifo Cafe is served with richly flavored char siu pork, fresh vegetables, and a fragrant, savory broth, offering diners a sophisticated culinary experience.

Not only impressive with its appealing menu and elegant space, Faifo Cafe also earns praise thanks to its professional staff, who always pay attention to even the smallest details in the customer experience. From warm greetings and quick service to thoughtful dish recommendations, every interaction reflects the hospitality standards of a restaurant located within a five-star hotel.

Address: 39 Dao Duy Tu, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily

Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh – Authentic flavor of the ancient town

Located in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh is a popular spot for those seeking an authentic bowl of Cao Lau. The restaurant features a rustic design that embraces nature, with plenty of greenery and traditional lanterns, creating a peaceful and charming old-town atmosphere.

In addition to Cao Lau, the restaurant also offers a variety of Hoi An specialties such as chicken rice, grilled rice paper with toppings (banh trang dap), and wontons. The friendly and attentive staff is another highlight that keeps many visitors coming back.

Address: 687 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND per serving

Cao Lau Trung Bac – A century old heritage

Trung Bac restaurant, located on Tran Phu Street, is a legendary spot with over 100 years of history, right in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town. Its vintage atmosphere, yellow walls, wooden tables, and traditional lanterns evokes the charm of old Hoi An.

A visit to Trung Bac is a blend of culinary and cultural experience. Diners love the nostalgic setting and the quality of the food. Despite its popularity, the restaurant maintains clear, fixed prices, making it an accessible stop for anyone wanting to try authentic Cao Lau.

Address: 87 Tran Phu, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Price range: 40,000 – 60,000 VND per serving

Cao Lau Ba Thanh – A flavor perfected over 30 years

Ba Thanh restaurant, located on Thai Phien Street, offers a small yet clean and authentic Hoi An style setting. From the wooden tables, you can enjoy views of the peaceful street and feel the rhythm of local life. With over 30 years of history, this eatery has become a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Ba Thanh represents simplicity and authenticity. Diners appreciate the original flavor of the dish and the warm hospitality of the owner. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a truly traditional Cao Lau experience in Hoi An.

Address: 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Price range: 30,000 – 45,000 VND per serving

Cao Lau Lien – A treasured family recipe

Cao Lau Co Lien is one of Hoi An’s long-standing culinary spots, known for serving traditional Cao Lau. Originally just a small street food stall, it has grown into a well loved destination for both locals and tourists.

Every morning, Co Lien personally selects each ingredient to ensure freshness and food safety. The noodles are briefly blanched to order, preserving their chewy texture and signature flavor. Although the space is simple, it is always clean and tidy, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Address: 16 Thai Phien, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price range: 25,000 – 30,000 VND per serving

Tam Quang Minh Cao Lau – A pure and peaceful flavor

Tam Quang Minh is one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in the ancient town, attracting a large number of diners who enjoy plant-based cuisine. With a diverse menu of nearly a hundred dishes, the restaurant offers not only vegetarian Cao Lau but also many other local specialties such as Mi Quang, banh xeo, glass noodle soup,… delivering a rich and flavorful culinary experience.

The vegetarian Cao Lau here is made entirely from plant-based ingredients, yet it retains the signature flavors of the traditional version. The noodles are chewy and springy, the broth is light and delicate, and it’s served with fresh herbs and vegetarian toppings like fried tofu and sautéed mushrooms, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying bowl.

The restaurant’s space is simply designed, peaceful, and decorated in soft tones, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The owner and staff are always welcoming and attentive, contributing to a warm and memorable dining experience.

Address: 33 Ly Thai To, Son Phong, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price range: 15,000 – 50,000 VND per serving

Cao Lau Ba Be – A rustic taste from Hoi An Market

Tucked away in the food court of Hoi An Market on Tran Phu Street, Cao Lau Ba Be is a small eatery known for its traditional flavors, beloved by both locals and tourists.

Dining at Ba Be offers a simple and authentic experience. Visitors appreciate the affordable prices and original taste, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy classic street-style Cao Lau in Hoi An.

Address: Hoi An Market, Tran Phu Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price range: 20,000 – 45,000 VND per serving

Cao Lau Bon – Near the sea, rich in flavor

Bon Restaurant is located near Hoi An Beach, offering an open and inviting space. From the wooden tables, you can hear the sound of waves and feel the fresh sea breeze. Dining at Bon is a refreshing and memorable experience. Visitors enjoy the seaside location and the dish’s unique flavor. It’s an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy Cao Lau after a swim at the beach.

Address: 474 Cua Dai, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price range: 20,000 – 50,000 VND per serving

Cao Lau Ba Le – Authentic flavor all day long

Ba Le Restaurant, located on Tran Hung Dao Street, offers a lively atmosphere that captures the charm of the ancient town. From its wooden tables, you can observe the bustling Minh An neighborhood and soak in the rhythm of Hoi An’s daily life. Open all day, the restaurant is a convenient stop at any time.

A standout feature of the restaurant is its Cao Lau noodles, made from rice soaked in water from the Ba Le well, giving them a signature chewiness and flavor. The char siu pork is richly marinated and pairs perfectly with fresh herbs and a light, fragrant broth coming together to create a truly appealing bowl of Cao Lau.

Address: 49/3 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Monday to Friday), 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Price range: 20,000 – 45,000 VND per serving

Cao lau Hoi An is not just a dish, but a culinary symbol of the ancient town. If you have the chance to visit Hoi An, be sure to stop by the recommended restaurants on this list to enjoy an authentic, flavorful bowl of cao lau. To make your trip even more complete, book your stay at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery, a luxurious and comfortable resort perfectly located for exploring the old town.