Discover Cơm Gà Hội An, Hoi An’s legendary chicken rice, in Da Nang City! Explore prices, authentic ingredients, top restaurants, and sustainable food tours in this UNESCO gem. Book your culinary adventure today!
Capture the flavorful essence of Hoi An’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)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 lantern-lit streets and vibrant culinary heritage. Among its gastronomic treasures, Cơm Gà Hội An, or Hoi An chicken rice, stands as a cultural icon, captivating over 4.5 million annual visitors with its fragrant, golden rice and tender, flavorful chicken. Rooted in Hoi An’s 16th-century trading port history, this dish blends Chinese Hainanese influences with Vietnamese ingenuity, creating a unique comfort food that locals proudly claim as their own. Often cited as a must-try, visitors quip, “You haven’t been to Hoi An without tasting Cơm Gà!” Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly food tours to savor this delicacy, bookable via links throughout this guide. Dive into Hoi An’s culinary heart—reserve your tour now!
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, emphasizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Hoi An food tours feature low-impact activities like market visits and cooking classes, using electric bikes for eco-conscious exploration. We support local vendors and align with Da Nang City’s “Culinary 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 culinary journey. Taste Cơm Gà Hội An responsibly with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!
Cơm Gà Hội An, known locally as Hoi An chicken rice, is a dish that embodies the town’s multicultural history as a trading hub under the Nguyen Dynasty. Introduced by Chinese Hainanese immigrants in the 16th century, it was adapted by Hoi An locals to suit Vietnamese tastes, using free-range chicken and organic herbs from Tra Que Vegetable Village. Unlike Hainanese chicken rice, which emphasizes poached chicken, Hoi An’s version features hand-shredded or sliced chicken, marinated with spices and served atop turmeric-infused rice cooked in chicken broth. The dish’s vibrant flavors and accessibility have earned it a place as a national culinary treasure, celebrated for its balance of simplicity and sophistication. Available at street stalls, markets, and restaurants across Hoi An Ward, Cơm Gà Hội An is a must-try for any visitor to Da Nang City.
Photograph the authentic allure of Hoi An’s heritage dish (Source: Internet)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 UNESCO status and culinary legacy, including Cơm Gà Hội An, 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)Cơm Gà Hội An’s distinctive flavor stems from its meticulous preparation and premium local ingredients:
Rice: High-quality rice, soaked for 2–3 hours, then cooked in chicken broth with turmeric and pandan leaves for a glossy yellow hue and fragrant, slightly greasy texture. Some chefs add chicken fat for richness.
Chicken: Free-range chicken, typically 1.5 kg, boiled to retain juiciness, then hand-shredded or sliced. Marinated with salt, pepper, chili, and Vietnamese coriander (rau răm), it’s often mixed with thinly sliced white onions pickled in sugar, fish sauce, and vinegar.
Accompaniments: Served with fresh herbs (lettuce, Vietnamese mint, coriander), sweet-sour pickled papaya and carrots, and a side of cucumber or cabbage soup with ginger. A dipping sauce of chili jam, soy sauce, or a mix of fish sauce, sugar, lime, and chili adds tanginess.
Garnishes: Sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and occasionally fried shallots or scallion oil enhance color and flavor. Some variations include hard-boiled egg yolk or offal for traditionalists.
The dish is assembled with rice as the base, topped with chicken, herbs, and pickles, creating a harmonious balance of savory, tangy, and fresh notes that reflect Hoi An’s culinary artistry.
Street Stalls: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND) per plate, ideal for budget travelers.
Restaurants: $2.50–$6 (62,500–150,000 VND), depending on venue and portion size (e.g., with drumstick or soup).
Cooking Classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND), including a hands-on Cơm Gà lesson and market tour. Tip: Prices may drop 10–15% during the rainy season (September–January) due to seasonal promotions.
Hoi An’s eateries, from vibrant markets to cozy restaurants, serve Cơm Gà Hội An with local flair. Top spots in Hoi An Ward include:
Cơm Gà Bà Buổi: 22 Phan Chau Trinh, Minh An Ward. A historic eatery since the 1950s, known for golden rice, firm free-range chicken, and rich chili sauce. Priced at $2–$3.50 (50,000–87,500 VND).
Cơm Gà Bà Hương: 60 Le Loi, Minh An Ward (Sica Lane). A small, air-conditioned spot with fragrant chicken and signature brown sauce, costing $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND). Clean and cozy, ideal for tourists.
Cơm Gà Xi: 47/2 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An Ward. Offers diverse variations with drumstick salad, priced at $2.50–$4 (62,500–100,000 VND). Fast service despite crowds.
Hoi An Central Market: Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward. Street vendors serve budget-friendly plates for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), perfect for an authentic, quick bite.
Tip: Pair Cơm Gà with fresh fruit juice or bia hơi (local draft beer, $0.25–$0.50 or 6,250–12,500 VND) for a complete Hoi An experience. Visit mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid peak dining hours.
Hoi An’s food scene is embracing sustainability, driven by Da Nang City’s tourism growth and global eco-conscious trends:
Local Sourcing: Eateries like Cơm Gà Bà Buổi use free-range chicken and organic herbs from Tra Que Village, reducing carbon footprints and supporting local farmers.
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 Cơm Gà recipes, preserving Hoi An’s culinary heritage while boosting local economies.
Legend Travel Group’s tours emphasize these trends, partnering with vendors committed to sustainable practices, ensuring your Cơm Gà experience benefits Hoi An’s community and environment.
Start your Hoi An Travel with a savory breakfast (Source: Internet)Dining: Cơm Gà Hội An $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 $0.25–$4 (6,250–100,000 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, ~30–45 minutes, round-trip): Taxi/Grab $14–$22; shuttle bus $6–$10; bus #1 $0.30–$1.20 (8,000–30,000 VND); motorbike $6–$10/day + $4 fuel.
Within Hoi An (1–5 km): Bicycle $2–$4/day; motorbike $6–$10/day (restricted in Old Town pedestrian zones 9:00 AM–11:00 AM, 3:00 PM–10:00 PM); taxi/Grab $3–$6/trip; cyclo $2–$5/trip (50,000–125,000 VND); walking free.
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.
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.
Bus #1: $0.30–$1.20 (8,000–30,000 VND); departs every 30 minutes (5:30 AM–5:00 PM) to Hoi An Bus Station; 10-minute walk to eateries.
Taxi/Grab: $7–$11 one-way.
Shuttle Bus: $3–$5 one-way; hourly (6:00 AM–9:00 PM).
Motorbike: $6–$10/day + $2 fuel; restricted in Old Town pedestrian zones.
Guided Tour: Our half-day tours ($55–$75) include transfers.
Bicycle: $2–$4/day; ideal for Minh An Ward.
Motorbike: $6–$10/day; restricted in Old Town pedestrian zones.
Taxi/Grab: $3–$6/trip.
Cyclo: $2–$5/trip (50,000–125,000 VND); cultural experience.
Walking: Free; 5–15 minutes from Japanese Covered Bridge.
Route Tip: Base yourself in Hoi An Ward; eateries like Cơm Gà Bà Buổi are walkable from Hoi An Market. Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: $0.25–$0.60/motorbike (6,250–15,000 VND) outside pedestrian zones.
Spring (February–April): Mild (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), low rainfall (25–50 mm). Perfect for outdoor dining at Hoi An Market or Tran Phu Street stalls. Book 2–3 weeks ahead for festivals like Nguyen Tieu.
Summer (May–August): Warm (25–38°C or 77–100.4°F), occasional showers (90–120 mm). Ideal for air-conditioned venues like Cơm Gà Bà Hương; Cơm Gà’s light flavors suit hot weather. 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 eateries like Cơm Gà Xi; 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 with Cơm Gà’s warm soup.
Plan Ahead: Book food tours or cooking classes 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Klook (+84 825862222). Confirm eatery hours (typically 6:00 AM–10:00 PM).
Dress Code: Casual attire for street stalls; smart-casual for restaurants like Cơm Gà Xi. 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 chicken allergies; choose busy stalls for freshness; secure valuables in crowded markets.
Sustainability: Support vendors using local, organic ingredients like Tra Que herbs; avoid plastic waste; choose eco-friendly tours. Our tours promote sustainable dining.
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, with Cơm Gà Hội An as a highlight:
Hoi An Street Food Adventure ($55–$75/person): Hoi An Market, Cơm Gà at Bà Buổi, banh xeo tasting. Includes eco-transfers from Da Nang/Hoi An.
Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80/person): Cơm Gà Bà Hương, Morning Glory for cao lầu, banh mi at Phuong. Includes eco-transfers and tastings.
Hoi An Culinary Craft Tour ($75–$95/person): Cơm Gà cooking class, Tra Que Village visit, market tour. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Hoi An Night Food Tour ($55–$75/person): Nguyen Hoang Night Market, Cơm Gà Xi, che bap dessert. Includes eco-transfers.
Hoi An Culinary Explorer ($350–$550/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!
Cơm Gà Hội An, Hoi An’s iconic chicken rice, is a culinary masterpiece that captures the soul of Hoi An Ancient Town’s UNESCO World Heritage legacy. From its turmeric-infused rice to fragrant, hand-shredded chicken, this dish reflects Hoi An’s 16th-century trading port heritage and Vietnamese ingenuity. Whether savored at bustling market stalls or historic eateries, Cơm Gà Hội An offers an unforgettable taste of Central Vietnam. Legend Travel Group’s Hoi An Tours guide you through this gastronomic pride, ensuring a sustainable Hoi An Travel experience that supports local farmers, artisans, and eco-conscious practices. Don’t miss Hoi An’s culinary treasure—browse our featured tours and book your Cơm Gà Hội An adventure today!
Ready to taste Hoi An’s Cơm Gà Hội An? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and savor Vietnam’s culinary heritage!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, 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.
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