If you visit Hoi An without trying its local specialties, your trip won’t be truly complete. Let’s check out 15 must-try Hoi An specialties that are not only delicious but also rich in Central Vietnam flavors, as highlighted in this article by Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery!
Cao Lau Hoi An
Cao Lau Hoi An is a local specialty from Hoi An (Quang Nam, Vietnam), known for its golden noodles made from high-quality rice soaked in ash water from tràm trees and cooked with water from Bá Lễ well.
Unlike pho or Mi Quang, Cao Lau has a chewy, firm, and dry texture, typically served with char siu pork, crispy pork skin, and fresh herbs from Tra Que Village – a famous herb village that supplies clean vegetables to restaurants and hotels in Hoi An.
What makes Cao Lau stand out is its dry preparation and bold flavors, blending savory-sweet braised pork sauce, crispy pork skin, refreshing herbs, and fragrant noodles.
The best time to enjoy this dish is in the morning when all the ingredients are fresh. However, having Cao Lau in the evening, when the old town lights up, also provides a unique experience – quiet and full of Hoi An charm.
Suggested places to try Cao Lau:
- Thanh Restaurant – 26 Thai Phien
- Ba Be Restaurant – Inside Hoi An Market
- Lien Restaurant – 09 Thai Phien
- Morning Glory – 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Price range: 30,000 – 60,000 VND/bowl
Mi Quang Hoi An
Mi Quang Hoi An is a famous specialty from Quang region, loved for its rich flavor and unique preparation. The large, yellow noodles are made from rice flour and turmeric powder, creating a soft yet chewy texture that feels both rich and light.
Unlike many noodle dishes with a lot of broth, Mi Quang only has a little thick broth simmered from pork bones, shrimp, and traditional spices. The bowl is filled with shrimp, sliced pork, boiled egg, grilled rice paper, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs.
The flavor of Mi Quang is a harmonious mix of sweet broth, rich peanuts, crispy rice paper, and fragrant turmeric and fried shallots. Each simple ingredient complements the others, creating a mouthwatering dish.
The best time to enjoy Mi Quang is at lunch or in the cool afternoon. At this time, the dish is not too heavy, and a few slices of lime and some green chili complete the flavor – just like the “afternoon snack” of Central Vietnam locals.
Suggested places to try Mi Quang:
- Mi Quang Ba Minh – Cam Ha, Hoi An
- Aunt Hat Restaurant – 81 Phan Chu Trinh
- Mi Quang Ong Hai – 6A Truong Minh Luong
- Quan Ty – 65 Ly Thuong Kiet
Price range: 25,000 – 45,000 VND/bowl
Read more: Top 10 Hoi An Street Food You Must-Try: Best Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Banh canh
The noodles of Hoi An’s banh canh are made from rice flour or tapioca flour, offering a soft, slightly chewy texture that “melts as you chew”—a signature characteristic.
The broth, made from pork bones, fish, or shrimp, is naturally sweet and light, with a clear or deep brown color depending on the recipe. A bowl usually includes fried fish cake, pork leg, lean meat, quail eggs, and is topped with scallions, cilantro, pepper, and sliced chili.
What makes Hoi An’s banh canh special is the balance of mildly sweet broth, tender noodles, and rich flavors from fish cake or meat. Add a few drops of fish sauce, a squeeze of lime, and some chili to enhance the aroma and balance the taste.
Banh canh is best enjoyed in the early morning or cool afternoon. It’s easy to digest, suitable for both adults and children, and often enjoyed by locals as a light, comforting snack.
Suggested places to try banh canh:
- Banh canh Ba Quyt – 67 Tran Hung Dao
- Banh canh Co Loc – 55/3 Phan Chau Trinh
- Banh canh Ruong – 33 Nguyen Truong To
- Banh canh ca loc – 143 Nguyen Trai
Price range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/bowl
Hoi An Wontons
Wontons are a fusion dish of Vietnamese and Chinese cultures, originating from China but adapted by the people of Hoi An to suit local tastes, creating a flavor that is both familiar and unique.
Common variations include fried wontons, soup wontons, and mixed wontons, each with its own distinct taste, beloved by many diners.
The thin, chewy wrapper is folded around a savory pork and shrimp filling. Fried, it turns crispy; with broth or sauce, it softens and soaks up flavor. Fried wontons with sweet tomato sauce and fresh herbs are especially popular with tourists.
Hoi An Wontons are notable for their balanced texture: a crispy or soft wrapper, with a fragrant, piping-hot filling that is never greasy, whether served fried or in soup. Each piece is meticulously crafted from the folding to the seasoning.
This dish can be served as an appetizer or a light meal in the evening. Especially in the cool atmosphere of the ancient town, sitting at a small shop enjoying crispy, hot wontons is unbeatable.
Suggested places to try wontons:
- Wontons Vạn Lộc – 27 Tran Phu
- Trung Bắc Restaurant – 87 Tran Phu
- Quán ông Hai – 6A Truong Minh Luong
- White Rose Restaurant – 533 Hai Ba Trung
Price range: 30,000 – 60,000 VND/portion
Banh Uot Cuon Thit Nuong
Banh uot cuon thit nuong is a simple yet irresistibly appealing dish for both Hoi An locals and visitors. It showcases the rich Central Vietnamese flavors through the soft texture of steamed rice paper and the fragrant, savory grilled pork.
The rice paper is made from finely ground rice flour, steamed and cut into thin sheets. The grilled pork, often made from pork belly or shoulder, is marinated with signature spices and grilled over charcoal, releasing an enticing aroma. Everything is rolled together with fresh herbs, crunchy bean sprouts, and fragrant fried shallots.
What sets banh uot cuon thit nuong apart is the sweet-sour fish sauce—an essential part of every roll. It balances saltiness and acidity, blending with the rich pork and fresh herbs for a memorable harmony of flavors.
This dish is commonly enjoyed in the morning or during cool afternoons. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a light yet nutritious meal. If you visit Hoi An, this is definitely a culinary experience not to be missed.
Suggested places to try banh uot cuon thit nuong:
- Banh uot thit nuong Ba Hien – 69 Nguyen Thai Hoc
- Banh uot cuon thit nuong Ba Sau – 71 Tran Quang Khai
- Banh uot cuon thit nuong Huong – 42 Dinh Tien Hoang
- Quan Anh Ba – 56 Tran Phu
Price range: 25,000 – 50,000 VND/serving
Banh Vac (Hoi An White Rose Dumplings)
Banh vac, also known as “white rose,” is a famous Hoi An dish loved for its delicate appearance and unique flavor.
Made from finely ground rice flour, the dumplings are skillfully shaped into petal-like folds, filled with seasoned minced shrimp and pork. When steamed, the translucent, soft wrapper resembles flower petals, earning the dish the poetic nickname “white rose”—both elegant and artistic.
Banh vac has a mildly sweet taste and chewy texture, complemented by the fragrant shrimp filling. It’s served with sweet-and-sour fish sauce, creating a perfect balance between the chewy dumpling and the savory dip. The dish is often topped with crispy fried shallots for an added layer of flavor.
This light dish is typically enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon. With its harmonious blend of ingredients and graceful presentation, banh vac leaves a lasting impression on visitors to Hoi An.
Recommended places to try banh vac:
- Banh Vac Ba Van – 53 Phan Chau Trinh
- Hong Hoa Banh Vac Restaurant – 92 Tran Hung Dao
- Hong Van Eatery – 48 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Price range: 25,000–50,000 VND/serving
Hoi An Banh Beo Specialty
Banh beo is a familiar dish in the ancient town, reflecting Central Vietnam’s culinary culture. Made from rice flour, these soft steamed cakes are served in small bowls, topped with shrimp, minced pork, fried shallots, and sweet-and-sour fish sauce.
What makes banh beo special is the soft, delicate cake layer, topped with shrimp or minced pork and spices, creating a delicious combination. The sweet-and-sour fish sauce is an essential element, enhancing the flavors and perfecting the dish.
Banh beo in Hoi An is usually enjoyed as a light breakfast or during the late afternoon, offering a satisfying yet not overly heavy meal. It’s an ideal choice for those who enjoy subtle and well-balanced flavors.
Recommended places to try banh beo:
- Banh Beo Ba Bay – 78 Ly Thai To
- Thanh Banh Beo – 45 Tran Hung Dao
- Banh Beo Restaurant – 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Price range: 20,000–40,000 VND/serving
Banh Xeo
Banh xeo Hoi An stands out from other regions with its distinctive flavor and meticulous preparation. The batter, made from rice flour mixed with coconut milk, creates a crispy, golden crust, typically served with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
When eaten, the pancake is wrapped in rice paper along with fresh herbs, starfruit, cucumber, and dipped in a sweet-and-sour fish sauce with a touch of chili and garlic. This dish offers a perfect combination of crispy texture and the sweetness of the ingredients.
Banh xeo Hoi An is an integral part of the local culinary culture, often enjoyed at gatherings or for a light dinner. It is ideal for those who love the balance of crispy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Suggested locations to try Banh Xeo:
- Banh Xeo Ba Dung – 36 Tran Quang Khai
- Banh Xeo Thanh Huong – 80 Nguyen Trai
- Banh Xeo Ba Them – 6 Dinh Tien Hoang
Price range: 25,000 – 50,000 VND/portion
Com Ga Hoi An
Com ga Hoi An is a must-try dish when visiting the ancient town. The rice used in this dish is carefully selected and cooked with chicken broth, creating a fragrant and flavorful texture. The chicken is simply boiled until tender, shredded, and served with crispy fried shallots and seasonings.
What sets Com Ga Hoi An apart is its signature sweet-and-sour fish sauce, made with fresh ingredients, providing a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. The dish is typically served with fresh herbs and a bit of seasoning to enhance the taste.
This dish is easy to eat and ideal for a light lunch or dinner.
Suggested locations to try Com Ga:
- Com Ga Ba Buoi – 22 Phan Chau Trinh
- Com Ga Thinh – 99 Tran Quang Khai
- Com Ga Xi – 12 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/portion
Read more: Hoi An Chicken Rice: Origins, Recipe and Best Places to Try
Banh Mi Phuong
Banh Mi Phuong features a crispy crust and a variety of fillings, including pork, sausage, chicken, pate, and fresh vegetables.
What sets Banh Mi Phuong apart is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients, rich spices, and the shop’s special sauce. With each bite, you’ll experience the crispiness of the bread, the creaminess of the pate, and the aroma of grilled meats.
This dish is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or light afternoon snack, making it an ideal choice for those who want a quick yet nutritious meal. Banh Mi Phuong is a great blend of traditional cuisine and unique creativity.
Suggested locations to try Banh Mi Phuong:
- Banh Mi Phuong – 2B Phan Chau Trinh
- Banh Mi Ba Lan – 11 Nguyen Hue
- Banh Mi Hoi An – 31 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Price range: 25,000 – 40,000 VND/portion
Read more: Hoi An Bread – 10 Must Try Banh Mi Shops in Hoi An
Hen Tron Cam An
Hen Tron Cam An is a simple dish from Hoi An, showcasing the rich flavors of Central Vietnam. Fresh hen (small clams) is boiled, shelled, and mixed with spices such as onion, garlic, chili, and herbs. The dish is served with rice paper and sweet-and-sour fish sauce.
What makes Hen Tron Cam An special is the combination of the natural sweetness of the hen and the spicy kick from the chili, all blending into the tender, crunchy clams. In addition, fresh herbs and crispy rice paper add a delightful variety of textures and flavors.
Hen Tron Cam An is perfect for a cool afternoon snack or light appetizer, offering a delicious taste of Central Vietnam.
Suggested locations to try Hen Tron:
- Hen Tron Cam An – 98 Nguyen Duy Hieu
- Quan Hen Ba Thanh – 42 Cam An
- Hen Tron Ba Lien – 55 Tran Quang Khai
Price range: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/portion
Banh Dap Hen Xao
Banh Dap Hen Xao combines crispy grilled rice paper, soft steamed rice cake, and flavorful stir-fried clams, seasoned with fried shallots, pepper, and lemongrass.
To eat, diners gently “smash” the two layers of rice paper together with the stir-fried clams in between. The sweetness of the clams blends with the crispness of the rice paper and the softness of the steamed rice cake, creating an enticing and deliciously unique dish.
Banh Dap Hen Xao is usually enjoyed as a light snack, especially in the afternoon. It’s a fun, hands-on dish that offers a true taste of Central Vietnam, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Suggested locations to try Banh Dap Hen Xao:
- Quan Ba Gia – Thon 1, Xa Cam Nam
- Quan Banh Dap Ba Lam – Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Cam Nam
- Quan Hen Xao – 679 Hai Ba Trung
Price range: 20,000 – 35,000 VND/portion
Che bap Cam An
Che bap Cam An is a famous dessert in Hoi An, with a sweet and fragrant flavor. The main ingredient is young glutinous corn grown along the river, cooked with sugar to create a mild and smooth sweetness.
What makes this dish special is the natural sweetness of the corn and the chewy texture of the sticky rice. It is served hot or cold, with a drizzle of rich coconut milk, giving a light, simple feeling that truly reflects Hoi An.
This dessert is typically enjoyed after a meal or during a leisurely afternoon stroll around the ancient town. A bowl of che bap not only refreshes but also preserves the taste of the homeland.
Suggested places to try che bap:
- Che bap Ba Lac – Tran Phu Street
- Che bap Cam An – 134 Nguyen Trai
- Che bap by the Hoai River – near An Hoi Bridge
Price range: 10,000 – 20,000 VND/bowl
Banh dau xanh nhan thit
Banh dau xanh nhan thit is a traditional hometown gift in Hoi An, often enjoyed during holidays and Tet celebrations.
The cake has a shell made from steamed, mashed mung beans, wrapped around a filling of pork fat cooked with sugar, fish sauce, and pepper. The combination blends rich, mildly sweet, and slightly salty flavors, making it perfect with hot tea.
It is meaningful to enjoy the cake in the afternoon or give it as a gift. This dish reflects a strong connection to tradition and the delicate culinary art of Hoi An.
Suggested places to buy banh dau xanh nhan thit:
- Tien Banh Van Loc – 27 Tran Phu
- Cho Hoi An – Tran Quy Cap Street
- Quay Dac San Pho Co – 79 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Price range: 40,000 – 70,000 VND/box
Banh To Hoi An
Banh to is a traditional cake often seen during Tet Nguyen Dan in Hoi An. The cake is shaped like a bird’s nest, dark brown in color, made from sticky rice, brown sugar, and ginger, symbolizing unity.
The cake is soft, mildly sweet, and fragrant with the aroma of sticky rice. It is often lightly fried to make the surface crispy. This dish is closely tied to childhood memories and the long-standing culinary culture of the people of Hoi An.
Banh to is not just a food, but a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It is often bought as a Tet gift or used in ancestor offerings.
Suggested places to buy Banh To:
- Banh To Ba Gia – 65 Nguyen Duy Hieu
- Hoi An Specialties – 57 Tran Hung Dao
- Tet Stall at Hoi An Market
Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/piece
Enjoy a Memorable Stay at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery
After savoring the iconic specialties of Hoi An, it’s time to reward yourself with a truly worthy retreat. Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is the ideal choice you shouldn’t miss.
Located by the tranquil Hoai River and just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town, the hotel offers a stay that perfectly balances convenience and privacy — close enough to feel the heritage rhythm, yet peaceful enough to unwind after a day of exploration.
The space here is a refined blend of elegant Indochine style and graceful Japanese aesthetics, inspired by the historic love story of Princess Ngoc Hoa and merchant Sotaro Araki.
This is the perfect stop for those who wish not only to stay near the Old Town, but also to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of Hoi An through architecture, ambiance, and cultural depth.
The highest room level outside suite categories, Royal Deluxe offers a luxury experience rivaled by none in Hoi An. Opulence is carried over to every detail of Royal Deluxe rooms that contain a spacious 40 sqm area featuring a private balcony to enjoy a corner view of the Thu Bon River and Executive Lounge benefits.
- 40 sqm (430sq ft)
- 3 Adults
The cuisine of Hoi An is like the people here – simple, refined, and full of character. We hope this list of Hoi An specialties suggested by Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery will help you have a memorable culinary experience on your journey of discovery.
