Discover Hoi An’s iconic Banh Bao Banh Vac, the delicate White Rose dumplings! Learn about prices, ingredients, top restaurants, and sustainable food tours in Da Nang City’s UNESCO gem. Book your culinary adventure today!
Capture the culinary beauty of Hoi An’s iconic dish (Source: Internet)Photo @chudu24 Banh Bao - Banh Vac is a streamed shrimp dumpling that is only found in Hoi An Ancient Town. What make this one unique are the ingredients. The rice flour is from the Mekong Delta, and the water is taken from the old well in this town. Banh Bao - Banh Vac is currently sold at a lot of restaurants within Hoi An. Recommendation: 533 Hai Ba Trung street.
Photo @emhotel These particular Hoi An specialities have dumpling wrappers which are more like a very, very thin, slightly springy rice noodle than a traditional bready dumpling wrapper. They are filled with minced shrimp and spices, steamed, and laid out nicely on a plate, served sprinkled with fried garlic, crispy shallot, and green onion. Then, there’s a light, sweet sauce to drizzle over the top. You can buy these dumplings at many places in Hoi An, but apparently, they are all supplied by one single family - Mr Tran Tuan Ngai, the grandson of the original inventor of the secret recipe, along with his spouse and children. One serving at The White Rose Restaurant is priced at 70,000 VND (3 USD).
Photograph the artisanal allure of Hoi An’s heritage (Source: Internet)Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, making Hoi An a ward under Da Nang City’s administration. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s UNESCO status and culinary prestige remain unchanged. Da Nang City aims to elevate Hoi An as a “Global Culinary Ward,” promoting sustainable dining through eco-friendly initiatives and enhanced tourism infrastructure.
Experience Hoi An Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)The magic of Banh Bao Banh Vac lies in its meticulous preparation and local ingredients:
Dough: Made from finely ground rice flour, kneaded with water from Ba Le Well or other local sources, creating a thin, translucent, and slightly chewy wrapper.
Filling: Typically minced shrimp or pork, blended with black fungus, wood ear mushrooms, and spices like pepper and shallots for a savory, aromatic core. Some variations include herbs from Tra Que Vegetable Village.
Garnishes: Fried shallots, crispy garlic, and chopped green onions add crunch and flavor.
Dipping Sauce: A blend of fish sauce, sugar, lime, chili, and sometimes garlic, balancing sweet, sour, spicy, and umami notes.
The dough is shaped into delicate petals, filled, and steamed to perfection, resembling white roses. Historically, one family, led by Mr. Tran Tuan Ngai, held the secret recipe, supplying most of Hoi An’s restaurants, though many vendors now craft their own versions with slight tweaks.
Street Stalls: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) for a plate of 6–8 dumplings.
Restaurants: $2.50–$5 (62,500–125,000 VND) per serving, depending on ambiance and portion size.
Cooking Classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND), including a hands-on lesson to make Banh Bao Banh Vac.
Tip: Prices may be 10–15% lower during the rainy season (September–January) due to seasonal promotions.
Hoi An’s eateries, from humble stalls to upscale restaurants, serve this delicacy with pride. Top spots in Hoi An Ward include:
White Rose Restaurant: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An Ward. The historic home of Banh Bao Banh Vac, offering authentic dumplings for $3–$4 (75,000–100,000 VND). Famous for its traditional recipe.
Morning Glory Restaurant: 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An Ward. A renowned venue for regional dishes, serving White Rose dumplings for $3.50–$5 (87,500–125,000 VND) in a charming setting.
Hoi An Market: Tran Phu Street, Hoi An Ward. Street vendors offer budget-friendly plates for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), perfect for a quick bite.
MÙA Restaurant: Tra Que Mansion, Cam Ha Ward. A fine-dining experience with seasonal, sustainable Banh Bao Banh Vac for $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND). Mosquito repellent recommended for outdoor seating.
Tip: Pair your dumplings with a glass of local bia hoi (fresh beer) or iced tea for a complete Hoi An experience.
Hoi An’s food scene is evolving with a focus on sustainability, driven by Da Nang City’s tourism growth and global trends:
Local Sourcing: Many restaurants, like MÙA, use organic herbs from Tra Que Village and sustainable seafood from the Thu Bon River, reducing carbon footprints.
Eco-Friendly Practices: Vendors increasingly adopt biodegradable packaging and minimize plastic waste, aligning with Hoi An’s UNESCO sustainability goals.
Cultural Preservation: Cooking classes and food tours promote traditional recipes, supporting local families and artisans while educating tourists.
Legend Travel Group’s tours emphasize these trends, partnering with vendors committed to sustainable practices, ensuring your culinary adventure benefits Hoi An’s community.
Start your Hoi An Travel with a savory bite (Source: Internet)Dining: Banh Bao Banh Vac $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND); other street food $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND); restaurant meals $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND); drinks $0.50–$4 (12,500–100,000 VND).
Activities: Food tours $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND); cooking classes $25–$45; market visits free; bike rentals $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).
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.
Within Hoi An (1–5 km): Bicycle $2–$4/day; motorbike $6–$10/day; taxi/Grab $3–$6/trip.
Accommodation: Hostels $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND); homestays $15–$50/night (375,000–1,250,000 VND); hotels $70–$200/night (1,750,000–5,000,000 VND); resorts $180–$450/night (4,500,000–11,250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost: $20–$120 (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120).
Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Hoi An Ward (Vietcombank, BIDV). Book tours for eco-transfers to support sustainable tourism.
Learn Hoi An’s culinary legacy with expert insights (Source: Internet)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.
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.
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.
Bicycle: $2–$4/day; ideal for Hoi An Ward.
Motorbike: $6–$10/day; good for reaching Cam Ha Ward.
Taxi/Grab: $3–$6/trip.
Walking: Free; most eateries are walkable from Hoi An Market.
Route Tip: Base yourself in Hoi An Ward; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: $0.25–$0.60/motorbike (6,250–15,000 VND).
Spring (February–April): Mild (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), low rainfall (25–50 mm). Ideal for outdoor dining at Hoi An Market or riverside stalls. Book 2–3 weeks ahead for festivals like the Full Moon Lantern Festival.
Summer (May–August): Warm (25–38°C or 77–100.4°F), occasional showers (90–120 mm). Perfect for indoor restaurants like Morning Glory; book early for peak season.
Rainy Season (September–January): Cooler (19–29°C or 66.2–84.2°F), heavy rain (150–500 mm, peaking October–November). Opt for indoor venues like MÙA; enjoy 10–20% discounts. Check flood forecasts for November.
Tip: February–April offers the best weather for street food exploration; rainy season provides a cozy ambiance for restaurant dining.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Hoi An Travel (Source: Internet)Plan Ahead: Book food tours or cooking classes 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Klook (+84 825862222). Confirm restaurant hours (typically 6:00 AM–10:00 PM).
Dress Code: Casual attire for street stalls; smart-casual for upscale venues like MÙA. Bring mosquito repellent for outdoor dining.
Pack Smart: Reusable water bottle, small cash (VND) for stalls, wet wipes for sticky fingers, camera for food photos (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 shrimp or pork allergies; choose busy stalls for freshness; secure valuables in crowded markets.
Sustainability: Support vendors using local, organic ingredients; avoid plastic waste; choose eco-friendly tours. Our tours promote sustainable dining practices.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to vendors; avoid wasting food; tip restaurant staff ($1–$2).
Navigation: Start at Hoi An Market; most eateries are within a 10-minute walk. Allow 1–2 hours for dining, 2–4 hours for food tours. Offline maps are essential.
Our sustainable food tours immerse you in Hoi An’s culinary heritage, tailored for eco-conscious travelers:
Hoi An Street Food Adventure ($55–$75/person): Hoi An Market, Banh Bao Banh Vac at street stalls, banh xeo tasting. Includes transfers from Da Nang/Hoi An.
Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80/person): White Rose Restaurant, Morning Glory, cao lầu sampling. Includes transfers and tastings.
Hoi An Culinary Craft Tour ($75–$95/person): Banh Bao Banh Vac cooking class, Tra Que Village visit, market tour. Includes transfers and meals.
Hoi An Night Food Tour ($55–$65/person): Nguyen Hoang Night Market, Banh Bao Banh Vac, che bap dessert. Includes transfers.
Hoi An Culinary Explorer ($350–$450/person, 3–4 days): All Hoi An specialties, cooking classes, homestays ($15–$50/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!
Banh Bao Banh Vac, Hoi An’s delicate White Rose dumplings, encapsulate the culinary and cultural essence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site within Da Nang City. From their intricate preparation to their vibrant flavors, these dumplings offer a taste of Hoi An’s historic trading port legacy. Whether savored at a bustling market stall or a fine-dining venue, they’re a highlight of any food journey. Legend Travel Group’s Hoi An Tours guide you to these gastronomic treasures, ensuring a sustainable Hoi An Travel experience that supports local artisans and eco-conscious practices. Don’t miss this iconic dish—browse our featured tours and book your Hoi An culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Hoi An’s White Rose dumplings? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and savor Vietnam!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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