10 Must-Try Dishes in Hoi An Ancient Town: A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam’s Heritage

Hoi An Ancient Town, now a ward of Da Nang City following the merger of Quang Nam Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its vibrant cuisine, blending Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. As a historic 16th-century trading port, Hoi An’s food reflects its multicultural past, offering dishes like cao lầu and banh bao banh vac that attract over 4.5 million visitors yearly. From bustling Hoi An Market to lantern-lit riverside stalls, this culinary haven captivates food lovers. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly food tours to savor these delicacies, bookable via links throughout this guide. Dive into Hoi An’s gastronomic heritage—reserve your tour now!

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences with a focus on sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Hoi An culinary tours feature eco-conscious activities like market explorations, cooking classes, and tastings, using electric bikes and boats for minimal environmental impact. We support local vendors and align with Da Nang City’s “Taste of Heritage” initiative to preserve Hoi An’s food traditions. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Explore our curated tours to taste Hoi An responsibly—book via the links on this page!

Hoi An’s cuisine is a cultural mosaic, shaped by centuries of trade. Signature dishes like mi quang, with its turmeric-infused noodles, and banh beo, delicate steamed rice cakes, showcase local creativity and foreign influences. Eateries and markets, concentrated in Hoi An Ward, operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with dishes priced from $0.50–$5 (12,500–125,000 VND), supporting local communities. Hoi An’s food scene offers an authentic taste of Vietnam’s central coast, making it a must-visit for culinary explorers.

Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, transforming Hoi An from a city to a ward under Da Nang City’s administration. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s culinary and cultural identity remains unchanged. Da Nang City aims to position Hoi An as a “Global Culinary Ward,” enhancing its appeal with sustainable dining initiatives and improved infrastructure.

1. Cao Lầu

Indulge in Hoi An’s iconic cao lầu, featuring chewy noodles made with Ba Le Well water, topped with pork, greens, crispy wontons, and a light broth.

• Cost: $1.50–$3.50 (37,500–87,500 VND).

• Where: Ms Vy’s Morning Glory Restaurant, 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “Hoi An’s culinary soul” (Tripadvisor, 4.8/5 stars).

• Tip: Try at Hoi An Market for authenticity; pair with passionfruit juice. Included in our Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80).

2. Banh Mi

Relish Hoi An’s globally acclaimed banh mi, a crusty baguette stuffed with pork, pate, pickled carrots, cucumber, and chili.

• Cost: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND).

• Where: Banh Mi Phuong, 2B Phan Chau Trinh (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “World’s best sandwich” (Tripadvisor, 4.9/5 stars).

• Tip: Visit early to beat the crowds; opt for the classic pork filling. Included in our Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80).

3. Pho Hoi Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà Phố Hội)

Enjoy this comforting dish of turmeric rice topped with shredded chicken, served with chili sauce, pickled papaya, and a side of cucumber soup.

• Cost: $2–$4.50 (50,000–112,500 VND).

• Where: Ba Buoi Chicken Rice, 22 Phan Chu Trinh (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “A local favorite” (Vietnam Tourism).

• Tip: Add fresh herbs; visit for lunch to savor freshness. Included in our Hoi An Culinary Journey Tour ($65–$85).

4. Banh Bao Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings)

Delight in these translucent dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, garnished with fried shallots and served with a sweet-spicy fish sauce.

• Cost: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND).

• Where: White Rose Restaurant, 533 Hai Ba Trung (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “Delicate and delicious” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).

• Tip: Order a combo plate; pair with green tea. Included in our Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80).

5. Hoanh Thanh (Wonton)

Sample Hoi An’s version of wontons, available fried, steamed, or in a fragrant broth with shrimp, pork, and greens, inspired by Chinese cuisine.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Where: Vy’s Market Restaurant, 3 Nguyen Hoang (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “Crispy perfection” (Vietnam Tourism).

• Tip: Choose fried wontons for snacking; dip in house-made chili sauce. Included in our Hoi An Culinary Journey Tour ($65–$85).

6. Banh Beo

Savor these steamed rice cakes in ceramic cups, topped with minced shrimp, scallions, pork cracklings, and a drizzle of chili fish sauce.

• Cost: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Where: Hoi An Market stalls, Tran Phu Street (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “A street food gem” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Order multiple cups; eat fresh from vendors. Included in our Hoi An Street Food Adventure ($55–$75).

7. Banh Xeo

Bite into these crispy rice flour pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, wrapped in rice paper with peanut-fish sauce.

• Cost: $1.50–$3.50 (37,500–87,500 VND).

• Where: Bale Well Restaurant, 45/51 Tran Hung Dao (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “A crunchy delight” (Tripadvisor, 4.8/5 stars).

• Tip: Share a plate; roll with fresh mint. Included in our Hoi An Street Food Adventure ($55–$75).

8. Mi Quang

Taste this colorful noodle dish with pork, shrimp, peanuts, herbs, and a turmeric broth, finished with crushed rice crackers.

• Cost: $1.50–$4 (37,500–100,000 VND).

• Where: Mi Quang Ba Linh, 45 Thai Phien (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “Central Vietnam’s finest” (Vietnam Tourism).

• Tip: Customize spice levels; pair with iced coffee. Included in our Hoi An Culinary Journey Tour ($65–$85).

9. Che Bap (Sweet Corn Pudding)

Cool off with this silky dessert of sweet corn, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls, served warm or chilled.

• Cost: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND).

• Where: Nguyen Hoang Night Market, An Hoi Islet (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “A sweet escape” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tip: Try chilled in warm weather; buy from riverside vendors. Included in our Hoi An Night Culinary Tour ($55–$75).

10. Hoi An Spring Rolls (Chả Giò Hội An)

Enjoy these golden spring rolls stuffed with pork, shrimp, taro, and vegetables, served with a tangy dipping sauce.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Where: Streets Restaurant, 17 Le Loi (Hoi An Ward).

• Highlights: “Crispy and flavorful” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).

• Tip: Order as a starter; pair with a local beer. Included in our Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80).

• Dining: Dishes $0.50–$5 (12,500–125,000 VND); restaurant meals (e.g., Morning Glory) $3–$15; drinks $0.50–$4 (12,500–100,000 VND).

• Activities: Food tours $10–$45; cooking classes $25–$45; market visits free; bike rentals $2–$4/day; tips $1–$2.

• Transport:

  • From Hanoi (750 km, round-trip): Flight $70–$140; train $35–$60 + $6–$12 taxi; bus $20–$35 + $6–$12 taxi; private car $160–$230.

  • From Ho Chi Minh City (900 km, round-trip): Flight $80–$160; bus $30–$45 + $6–$12 taxi; private car $200–$280.

  • From Da Nang (30 km, round-trip): Taxi/Grab $14–$22; shuttle bus $6–$10; motorbike $6–$10/day + $4 fuel.

  • From Hue (120 km, round-trip): Bus $10–$15; private car $60–$80; motorbike $6–$10/day + $6 fuel.

  • Within Hoi An (1–5 km): Bicycle $2–$4/day; motorbike $6–$10/day; taxi/Grab $3–$6/trip.

• Accommodation: Budget hostels (e.g., Tribee Ede Hostel) $15–$35/night; mid-range (Hoi An Ancient House Resort) $80–$150; luxury (Anantara Hoi An Resort) $200–$400.

• Total Daily Cost: $20–$120 (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120).

• Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Hoi An Ward (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for eco-friendly transfers.

From Hanoi (750 km, ~1–1.5 hours by flight, 14–16 hours by train/bus)

• Flight: $35–$70 one-way to Da Nang International Airport; 45-minute taxi ($14–$22) to Hoi An.

• Train: $17–$30 one-way to Da Nang Station; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Bus: $10–$17 one-way to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Private Car: $80–$115 one-way.

• Guided Tour: Our tours ($100–$200) include eco-transfers.

From Ho Chi Minh City (900 km, ~1.5 hours by flight, 18–20 hours by bus)

• Flight: $40–$80 one-way to Da Nang; 45-minute taxi ($14–$22).

• Bus: $15–$22 one-way to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Private Car: $100–$140 one-way.

• Guided Tour: Our tours ($120–$220) include transfers.

From Da Nang (30 km, ~30–45 minutes)

• Taxi/Grab: $7–$11 one-way.

• Shuttle Bus: $3–$5 one-way; departs hourly (6:00 AM–9:00 PM).

• Motorbike: $6–$10/day + $2 fuel.

• Guided Tour: Our half-day tours ($55–$75) include transfers.

From Hue (120 km, ~2–3 hours)

• Bus: $5–$7 one-way; departs every 2 hours (6:00 AM–7:00 PM).

• Private Car: $30–$40 one-way.

• Motorbike: $6–$10/day + $3 fuel.

• Guided Tour: Our tours ($80–$100) include transfers.

Within Hoi An (1–5 km, ~5–15 minutes)

• Bicycle: $2–$4/day; 5–10 minutes to most food spots.

• Motorbike: $6–$10/day; 5–15 minutes.

• Taxi/Grab: $3–$6/trip.

• Walking: Free; 5–15 minutes within Hoi An Ward.

Route Tip: Use Hoi An Market as a base; most eateries are within walking distance. Offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) are essential. Parking: $0.25–$0.60/motorbike (6,250–15,000 VND).

• Spring (February–April): Mild (18–28°C), perfect for street food tours and the Full Moon Lantern Festival, ideal for night market dining. Book 2–3 weeks ahead.

• Autumn (September–November): Cool (20–30°C), fewer crowds, great for market visits and cooking classes.

• Dry Season (January–August): Warm (20–35°C), ideal for outdoor dining; visit early to avoid heat.

• Rainy Season (September–December): Cooler (20–30°C), occasional showers; budget-friendly with 10–20% discounts. Morning visits (7:00–10:00 AM) avoid rain.

• Tip: February–April for food festivals; evenings for lantern-lit dining by the Thu Bon River.

• Plan Ahead: Book food tours 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456). Confirm eatery hours (typically 6:00 AM–10:00 PM).

• Dress Code: Wear comfortable attire and walking shoes; cover shoulders for upscale restaurants like Morning Glory.

• Pack Smart: Reusable water bottle, small cash (VND) for stalls, wet wipes for sticky fingers, camera for food photography (ask vendors’ permission).

• Budget Wisely: Expect $20–$120/day; carry VND; ATMs in Hoi An Ward. Verify prices to avoid overcharges.

• Stay Safe: Check for food allergies; choose busy stalls for freshness; secure valuables in crowded markets.

• Sustainability: Support local vendors; minimize plastic use; choose eco-friendly tours. Our tours promote sustainable dining.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to vendors; avoid food waste; tip restaurant staff ($1–$2).

• Navigation: Start at Hoi An Market; allow 2–4 hours for food tours, 1–2 hours per sit-down meal. Offline maps are essential.

Our eco-friendly food tours immerse you in Hoi An’s culinary heritage, designed for sustainable travel:

• Hoi An Street Food Adventure ($55–$75/person): Banh beo, banh xeo, che bap at Hoi An Market and Nguyen Hoang Night Market. Includes transfers from Da Nang/Hoi An.

• Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80/person): Cao lầu at Morning Glory, banh mi at Phuong, banh bao banh vac at White Rose Restaurant. Includes transfers and tastings.

• Hoi An Culinary Journey Tour ($65–$85/person): Chicken rice at Ba Buoi, mi quang at Ba Linh, hoanh thanh at Vy’s Market. Includes transfers and meals.

• Hoi An Food & Craft Tour ($75–$95/person): Cooking class ($25–$45), market tour, spring rolls at Streets Restaurant. Includes transfers and meals.

• Hoi An Night Culinary Tour ($55–$75/person): Nguyen Hoang Night Market, che bap, banh xeo, riverside dining. Includes transfers.

• Hoi An Food Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): All 10 dishes, cooking classes, homestays ($15–$35/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, tastings, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!

Hoi An Ancient Town, a culinary cornerstone of Da Nang City, offers a mouthwatering journey through Vietnam’s central coast flavors. From the unique noodles of cao lầu to the delicate banh bao banh vac, these 10 dishes capture Hoi An’s rich multicultural heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Hoi An Tours guide you through this gastronomic adventure, ensuring a sustainable Hoi An Travel experience that supports local vendors and preservation efforts. Don’t miss this gastronomic adventure—browse our featured tours and book your Hoi An culinary journey today!
Ready to savor Hoi An’s iconic dishes? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and taste Vietnam’s culinary heritage!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.