Food In Hoi An Ancient Town Unesco World Heritage Site

Food History of Hoi An Ancient Town

The culinary history of Hoi An is a tapestry woven from both indigenous and foreign influences due to its past as a bustling international port from the 15th to the 19th century. Traders from various parts of the world, especially China and Japan, along with the local Vietnamese created a fusion of flavors that define Hoi An's cuisine today. Thanks to this blend of cultures, the town is known for its unique dishes that can't be found elsewhere in Vietnam.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Hoi An Ancient Town

1. Cao Lau (Non-Veg) - This signature noodle dish of Hoi An made with thick rice noodles, slices of pork, and local greens in a rich and slightly sweet broth.
2. Mi Quang (Non-Veg) - A flavorful bowl of turmeric-yellow rice noodles, typically served with shrimp, pork, hard-boiled eggs, and garnished with herbs and toasted sesame rice crackers.
3. Banh Mi (Veg/Non-Veg options) - Vietnam's famous sandwich can be enjoyed with various fillings, including vegetarian options. The best Banh Mi embodies a perfect balance of meat (or tofu for vegetarians), pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili.
4. White Rose Dumplings (Non-Veg) - These delicate dumplings made from translucent white dough filled with seasoned shrimp or pork are a Hoi An specialty.
5. Hoi An Pancake (Banh Xeo) (Non-Veg) - Crispy rice flour pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and served with a side of fresh herbs and fish sauce for dipping.
6. Banh Bao Banh Vac (Non-Veg) - These "White Rose" dumplings are similar to the former and feature a shrimp or pork filling but are shaped differently, resembling a floral shape.
7. Com Ga (Non-Veg) - Hoi An style chicken rice, with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, spices and served with a side of chicken broth.
8. Banh Beo (Veg/Non-Veg options) - Steamed rice cakes topped with a mixture of shrimp and crispy pork skin crumbs, usually accompanied by a sweet dipping sauce.
9. Banh Dap (Non-Veg) - A combination of two types of rice paper, one being crispy and the other steamed, filled with herbs and enjoyed with a fish sauce dip.
10. Vegetarian Pho (Veg) - The vegetarian version of Vietnam's famous noodle soup, typically made with a flavorful vegetable broth and packed with a variety of fresh veggies and tofu.

Top Famous Restaurants in Hoi An Ancient Town

• Morning Glory Restaurant

  Address: 106 Nguyễn Thái Học, Cẩm Châu, Hội An

  Famous for: Cao Lau (Non-Veg) and Vietnamese Stir Fry Dishes (Veg/Non-Veg options).

• Banh Mi Phuong

  Address: 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An

  Famous for: Banh Mi with a variety of fillings (Veg/Non-Veg options).

• The Mermaid Restaurant

  Address: 2 Tran Phu Street, Hội An

  Famous for: Mi Quang (Non-Veg) and locally sourced ingredients.

• Hoi An Vegan

  Address: 339 Trần Hưng Đạo, Cẩm Phô, Hội An

  Famous for: A wide range of creative vegan dishes, including Vegetarian Pho (Veg).

• Bale Well

  Address: 45/11 Trần Hưng Đạo, Cẩm Phô, Hội An

  Famous for: Hoi An Pancake (Banh Xeo) (Non-Veg) and Banh Khot (small savory pancakes).

When visiting Hoi An, savoring the local cuisine is a cultural experience that is as enriching as exploring its streets and architecture. Each dish tells a story of Hoi An's past and present, offering a delicious way to connect with the town's history.