How to eat like a local in Hoi An

With a historical past as a thriving trading port between the 15th to the 19th centuries, Hoi An demonstrates a well-preserved city with local and foreign influences visible in its heritage buildings. The old city which beckons visitors from far and wide boasts ancient Chinese shophouses, ornate Vietnamese houses, a beautiful Japanese Bridge, and many French colonial buildings. Whether you are sightseeing in Vietnam or on a work assignment, learn how to uncover the best Vietnamese food.

Baoothersks, Cao lầu (144854 994), CC BY-SA 4.0 

Introduction

Hoi An’s dining scene is a good reflection of its rich heritage making its cuisine vibrant with a combination of domestic as well as foreign flavours. Most local favourites are made with fresh greens, seafood, herbs, and meat sourced from neighbouring villages, thus are fresh and of good quality which are relished by visitors too.In your explorations in the old city (or ancient town) of Hoi An, apart from the fascinating landmarks of the past you experience, spend some time uncovering the good selection of restaurants in Hoi An. These range from many European restaurants to restaurants serving Vietnamese Food. 

A few tips for enjoying food in Hoi An  

• Be adventurous when eating in Hoi An, don’t stick to only restaurants and cafes, they are great however try street food as well as food at the Hoi An night market.
• Don’t miss Vietnamese coffee in Hoi An
• Enjoy the offers during the Happy Hours at Bars and Cafes, though varying by establishment it is generally between 5 to 8 pm.
• Don’t fail to try out the dishes listed below.

Savour local favourites 

There are heaps of other Hoi An dishes worth trying, as you enjoy these favourites and want to experience more of Hoi An food try them at restaurants, street stalls and the night market as most visitors at hotels like Anantara Hoi An Resort do during their stay in this city.

Cao Lau – This is a dish of thick rice noodles and barbecued pork slices in a thick pork-based sauce garnished with bean sprouts, croutons, and fresh herbs. Served at almost all Vietnamese restaurants in Hoi An.

Com Ga – This is a filling and delightful dish of chicken rice. The rice is cooked in clay ovens with chicken stock, a dash of turmeric and pandan leaves making it an aromatic and pale yellow dish served with shredded chicken, herbs and chilli jam. This is available all over in Hoi An. 

Banh Mi – This is the unique Vietnamese baguette, a blend with the French culture. This Vietnamese version packs the buttered baguette with pickled vegetables, soy sauce, pate, cilantro, chilli and peppers. Those who wish to have meat/seafood variations can opt to have the meat or seafood in place of vegetables. 

 Mi Quang – This is a seafood noodle made at all the restaurants and street food stalls and has originated in Quang Nam province of which Hoi An is a part. With a lot of greens and less broth, this is topped with an egg, shrimp or marinated pork. 

Banh Bao Banh Vac - Called White Rose Dumplings is another authentic Hoi An dish loved by locals. The steamed dumpling made with rice flour is filled with minced pork and shrimp oozing with flavour. The lovely white dumplings are served garnished with deep-fried shallots making them appear like roses.

Beverages and Desserts

Ca Phe Sua Da – This is the delicious Vietnamese Iced Coffee with condensed milk, and for those longing for that decadent steaming coffee, try Ca Phe Sua Nong. Of course, there are black coffees and many other variations, however, you must taste a Vietnamese drip filter coffee to savour its richness. 

Che Bap – A creamy and soothing dessert made with locally grown corn, coconut cream and tapioca pearls. 

Hoa Qua Dam – A colourful and healthy dessert of fresh fruits, coconut cream and ice shavings. Variations are added by some restaurants such as more fruits, pandan jelly and tapioca pearls. 

Banh Su Kem - These light cream puffs are nice with coffee, as a snack or as a dessert when you want a sugar rush. Available at bakeries in Hoi An the light puff is filled with soft vanilla cream.