Top 10 Hoi An Street Food You Must-Try: Best Local Dishes & Where to Eat

Hoi An is not only famous for the ancient charm of its old town but also captivates visitors with its diverse cuisine, rich in traditional flavors. Strolling through its narrow streets, you’ll come across countless tempting delicacies, from the savory cao lau, and fragrant chicken rice, to the crispy banh mi. If you’re wondering what to eat in Hoi An, don’t miss this list of 10 must-try local specialties for an unforgettable culinary journey!

Cao Lau (Rice Noodles with Barbecued Pork, Greens, and Croutons)

Cao Lau is a signature dish of Hoi An, dating back to the 17th century and influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisine. This dish is distinguished by its thick, chewy yellow noodles, made from rice flour and water sourced from the ancient Ba Le well—a vital ingredient that gives the noodles their unique flavor. Another key element is the ash from Cu Lao Cham wood, which enhances the noodles’ elasticity and distinct golden color.

Cao Lau is typically served with crispy roasted pork, fresh herbs from Tra Que village, grilled rice crackers, and a rich, flavorful sauce. To enhance the taste, diners often add fresh chili, lime, or fermented anchovy sauce (mam nem).

Where to eat Cao Lau in Hoi An

1. Cao Lau Thanh – 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An
2. Cao Lau Lien – 120 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An
3. Cao Lau Ba Be – 19 Tran Phu, Hoi An

Cao Lau is a signature dish of Hoi An

Banh Mi (Vietnamese Bread)

Banh Mi is one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes, renowned worldwide for its delicious combination of crispy baguette, savory fillings, and fresh herbs. Hoi An’s version is particularly famous for its crispy crust and flavorful fillings, ranging from roasted pork, cold cuts, and pâté to eggs, combined with fresh vegetables, cucumber, scallions, and coriander.

What sets Hoi An’s banh mi apart is its crunchy exterior paired with a diverse selection of fillings, including grilled meats, meatballs, and homemade pate. A touch of spicy chili, pickled vegetables, and signature sauces brings everything together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Where to eat the best Banh Mi in Hoi An

• Banh Mi Phuong – 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
• Banh Mi Madam Khanh – 115 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An

Banh Mi is one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes

Hoanh Thanh Chien (Fried Wonton)

Fried Wonton is a dish with Chinese culinary roots, adapted to become a must-try specialty in Hoi An. It consists of crispy, golden wonton wrappers, filled with minced pork, fresh shrimp, and aromatic seasonings. The dish can be enjoyed in two main styles: crispy deep-fried wontons or wontons served with hot broth, providing a delightful contrast between crunchiness and rich flavors.

One of the highlights of Hoi An’s wontons is the sweet and sour sauce, made using a special local recipe that enhances the dish’s appeal. Some restaurants also serve steamed wontons or wontons with tomato sauce, offering visitors a variety of delicious experiences.

Where to eat Fried Wonton in Hoi An

• Mi Hoanh Thanh So 5 – 222 Ly Thuong Kiet, Son Phong, Hoi An
• Thanh Thanh Restaurant – 152/1 Tran Phu, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An

Fried Wonton is a dish with Chinese culinary roots, adapted to become a must-try specialty in Hoi An

Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice)

Com Ga Hoi An is a signature dish of the ancient town, inspired by Hai Nam chicken rice but adapted to suit local tastes. The dish features golden, fluffy rice, cooked in chicken broth and fresh turmeric, giving it a rich flavor and vibrant color.

The chicken, typically free-range for firmer texture, is either boiled or roasted, then shredded and mixed with onions, fresh herbs, and a tangy pickled salad. The combination of savory chicken, aromatic rice, and pandan leaves creates a distinctive taste. This dish is usually served with a hot bowl of broth and a side of garlic chili fish sauce, adding a flavorful kick.

Where to Eat Com Ga in Hoi An

• Com Ga Ba Buoi – 22 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
• Com Ga Xi Hoi An – 47/2 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An
• Com Ga Ba Nga Hoi An – 8 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An

Com Ga Hoi An is a signature dish of the ancient town

Mi Quang (Quang Noodles)

Mi Quang is one of the most famous dishes of Hoi An and Quang Nam province, offering a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The thick, yellow-tinted rice noodles, made with fresh turmeric, give the dish its signature chewy texture. Unlike other noodle soups, Mi Quang contains just enough broth to coat the ingredients, ensuring that the flavors remain rich while maintaining the crispness of the toasted sesame rice crackers served on the side.

A traditional bowl of Mi Quang is topped with pork, shrimp, chicken, or beef, along with fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, fried shallots, and a hint of spicy fish sauce. This dish is perfect for any meal, from breakfast to dinner.

Where to eat Mi Quang in Hoi An

• Mi Quang Ong Hai – 6A Truong Minh Luong, Hoi An
• Mi Quang Di Hat – 81 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
• Mi Quang Ba Minh – 61 Duong 18/8, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An

Mi Quang is one of the most famous dishes of Hoi An and Quang Nam province

Banh Dap Hen Xao (Clams Served with Smashing Rice Paper)

Banh Dap Hen Xao is a unique dish from Hoi An, combining crispy rice paper and stir-fried baby clams, creating a delightful textural contrast. The “banh dap” (smashing rice paper) consists of a crispy grilled rice paper layer and a soft steamed rice sheet, which diners lightly smash before eating, making it a fun experience.

The stir-fried clams are harvested fresh from the Thu Bon River, then sautéed with garlic, onions, ginger, chilies, and roasted peanuts, delivering a savory, aromatic flavor. Served with fresh herbs and a special dipping sauce, this dish offers a perfect blend of nuttiness, spiciness, and natural clam sweetness.

Where to eat Banh Dap Hen Xao in Hoi An

• Banh Dap Ni Ba Gia – 34 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Nam, Hoi An
• Quan Banh Dap Hen Tron Co Ngay – 76 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Nam, Hoi An

Banh Dap Hen Xao is a unique dish from Hoi An

Xi Ma Phu (Black Sesame Sweet Soup)

Xi Ma Phu, or black sesame sweet soup, is a distinctive Hoi An dessert with roots in Chinese cuisine, similar to the Cantonese “Chi Ma Fu” (芝麻糊 – Black Sesame Paste). However, the Hoi An version has a unique taste, blending ground black sesame, sticky rice, coconut milk, and rock sugar to create a smooth, mildly sweet, and nutty-flavored soup.

This dessert has a thick, velvety consistency with a deep black color, offering a warm and comforting sensation, especially during cooler weather. Besides its delicious taste, Xi Ma Phu is also valued for its nutritional benefits, as black sesame is rich in healthy fats and essential minerals.

Where to eat Xi Ma Phu in Hoi An

• Xi Ma – Quan Ong Lao – 02 Nguyen Truong To, opposite Hoi An Church
• Che Xi Ma Phu – 45/17 Tran Hung Dao, Dai Phuc, Hoi An

This dessert has a thick, velvety consistency with a deep black color

Banh Beo (Bloating Fern-shaped Cake)

Banh Beo is a popular Hoi An street food, known for its small, delicate shape and rich flavors. Made from steamed rice flour, these soft, round cakes are typically served in small oval-shaped bowls, resembling fern leaves (“beo”), which gives the dish its name.

Despite its simple preparation, Banh Beo offers a complex and satisfying taste. Each soft cake is topped with a savory mixture of dried shrimp, minced pork, crispy fried shallots, and a flavorful sauce such as fermented anchovy sauce (mam nem) or sweetened fish sauce. The combination of smooth rice cake and savory toppings creates an irresistible contrast of textures and flavors.

Where to eat Banh Beo in Hoi An

• Quan Banh Beo Ba Bay – 2 Hoang Van Thu, Hoi An
• Banh Beo Ba My – Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An

Despite its simple preparation, Banh Beo offers a complex and satisfying taste

Banh Bao – Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings)

Banh Bao – Banh Vac, also known as White Rose Dumplings, is a traditional Hoi An specialty, named after its delicate, rose-like shape. The dumplings are made from finely milled rice flour, steamed until translucent and soft. The filling consists of minced shrimp or pork, carefully seasoned and wrapped into elegant folds resembling flower petals.

What makes this dish unique is that the recipe is exclusively preserved by one family in Hoi An, making it an irreplaceable local delicacy. When eaten, the dumplings melt in the mouth, with a natural sweetness from the shrimp filling, combined with fragrant fried shallots, a slight peppery kick, and a tangy-sweet fish sauce that enhances the dish’s flavor.

Where to eat Banh Bao – Banh Vac in Hoi An

• Quan Hoa Hong Trang (White Rose Restaurant) – 533 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
• Trung Bac Restaurant – 87 Tran Phu, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An

Banh Bao – Banh Vac, also known as White Rose Dumpling

Che Bap (Corn Sweet Soup)

Che Bap is a well-loved Hoi An dessert, especially popular on hot summer days. This sweet and creamy dessert is made from fresh corn, sticky rice, and coconut milk, creating a light yet satisfying treat that is both nutritious and refreshing.

The dish is mildly sweet, with the natural aroma of fresh corn, blended with the chewiness of sticky rice and the richness of coconut milk. Typically served chilled, Che Bap is perfect for those who prefer a dessert that is sweet but not overwhelming. The crunchiness of the corn kernels adds an appealing texture, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Where to eat Che Bap in Hoi An

• Quan Che Bap Hoi An – Co Nga – 45 Le Loi, Hoi An
• Che Thap Cam Co Suong – 57 Tran Cao Van, Hoi An

Che Bap is a well-loved Hoi An dessert

We hope this article has given you a deeper insight into the culinary essence of Hoi An, from humble street food like Banh Beo and Banh Dap Hen Xao to iconic specialties such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and Banh Bao – Banh Vac.

If you are planning a trip to Hoi An, be sure to take the time to experience these unique flavors to fully immerse yourself in the town’s rich gastronomic culture. To make your journey even more memorable, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is ready to accompany you with luxurious accommodations, a prime location near famous eateries, and world-class services, ensuring a truly unforgettable stay.

Book your stay at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery today and discover Hoi An at its finest!