Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau), Hoi An, Vietnam - Food History

The Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as Chua Cau, is a beautiful historical piece of architecture that dates back to the 18th century in Hoi An, a city that has long been a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. The bridge itself, while not directly related to food, is located in the heart of Hoi An's old town, where food culture is rich and diverse, having evolved over centuries of foreign influences, including Japanese and Chinese traders, French colonists, and local Vietnamese flavors. The area around the bridge is home to many street food vendors and restaurants that serve an array of dishes which are a testament to the city’s culinary history.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau), Hoi An

1. Cao Lau (Non-Veg) - A Hoi An specialty, this noodle dish is made with pork, herbs, and local greens, served over rice noodles that have been soaked in a lye water, giving them a distinctive texture and color.
2. Banh Mi (Non-Veg/Veg available) - The Vietnamese sandwich that has gained international fame. Typically filled with a variety of meats, pate, vegetables, and herbs, you can also find vegetarian versions in Hoi An.
3. White Rose Dumplings (Non-Veg) - Delicate dumplings made from translucent white dough filled with seasoned shrimp or pork, steamed and served with a dipping sauce.
4. Banh Bao Vac (Non-Veg) - Similar to White Rose Dumplings, these are often referred to as 'White Roses' and are filled with spiced minced shrimp or pork.
5. Chicken Rice (Non-Veg) - Simply called "Com Ga" in Vietnamese, this dish is made with seasoned rice and is served with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and spices.
6. Vegetarian Pho (Veg) - A vegetarian version of the classic Vietnamese noodle soup, typically made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and a variety of fresh vegetables and tofu.
7. Banh Xeo (Non-Veg/Veg available) - A crispy crepe bulging with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, plus the garnish of fresh herbs that the Vietnamese love. Vegetarian options often substitute tofu for the meat.
8. Banh Beo (Veg/Non-Veg available) - These are small steamed rice cakes typically topped with a shrimp or a savory soy mixture for vegetarians.
9. Morning Glory (Veg) - Sauteed morning glory is a simple yet delicious vegetable dish, quickly cooked with garlic and spices.
10. Mango Cake (Veg) - Not a traditional cake but rather a sweet, glutinous rice treat filled with a slice of mango, best enjoyed as a dessert or a snack.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau), Hoi An

1. Morning Glory Restaurant

Address: 106 Nguyễn Thái Học, Cẩm Phô, Hội An
Famous for: Street Food Feast with both Veg and Non-Veg options

2. Miss Ly Cafeteria

Address: 22 Nguyễn Huệ, Phường Minh An, Hội An
Famous for: Cao Lau and other local specialties (Non-Veg with Veg options)

3. Banh Mi Phuong

Address: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An
Famous for: Banh Mi with a large variety of fillings (Non-Veg and Veg)

4. The Little Menu Restaurant

Address: 12 Lê Lợi, Phường Minh An, Hội An
Famous for: Vietnamese home cooking with a modern twist (Non-Veg and Veg)

5. Hoi An Food Market

Address: Bordered by Tran Phu, Hoang Dieu, Bach Dang, and Nguyen Hue streets
Famous for: Street food, including Banh Beo and Morning Glory (Veg and Non-Veg)

When visiting Chua Cau and its surrounding areas, you’ll find that Hoi An’s food scene is a tapestry of flavors, with options catering to meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Each dish tells a story of the city's rich cultural tapestry and is an essential part of the travel experience.