What to Eat in Hoi An Ancient Town: Top Dishes, Prices, and Sustainable Food Tours in Da Nang City

Hoi An Ancient Town, now Minh An Ward in Da Nang City following the merger of Quang Nam Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its 15th–19th-century trading port legacy, attracting over 4.5 million of Da Nang’s 8 million annual visitors. Beyond its lantern-lit streets and historic Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An is a gastronomic haven, offering iconic dishes like cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and bánh mì Phượng, reflecting Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. From bustling markets to family-run eateries, Hoi An’s food scene is a cultural journey, enhanced by sustainable practices like local sourcing and eco-friendly packaging. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-conscious food tours to savor Hoi An’s flavors, bookable via links throughout this guide. Taste Hoi An’s culinary soul—reserve your tour now!

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Hoi An food tours use low-impact transport like bicycles and electric shuttles, guided by local experts who share the stories behind iconic dishes. We support Minh An’s artisans and farmers and align with Da Nang City’s “Green Heritage” initiative to preserve culinary traditions. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless dining adventure. Explore Hoi An’s food sustainably with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!

Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, making Hoi An Minh An Ward under Da Nang’s administration. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s UNESCO status and culinary heritage remain vibrant. Da Nang City promotes sustainable tourism through biodegradable packaging, electric transport, and a VND500 billion flood mitigation project (2023), ensuring access to Hoi An’s dining spots, even during November rains.

Hoi An’s cuisine is a delicious blend of tradition and innovation, with dishes rooted in its trading history. Below are the must-try specialties, complete with updated prices, top spots, and sustainable dining insights.

1. Mì Quảng (Quang Noodles)

Overview: A Central Vietnamese staple, mì quảng is a rustic noodle dish with turmeric-infused rice noodles, a light pork or chicken broth, and vibrant toppings. Originating in Quang Nam, it’s a symbol of regional pride, often served with Tra Que herbs and crispy sesame crackers.

• Price: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per bowl.

• Key Ingredients: Rice noodles, pork, chicken, shrimp, or beef, peanuts, bean sprouts, mint, basil, banana blossom, chili, lime, sesame crackers.

• Where to Eat:

  • Mì Quảng Ông Hai: 6A Truong Minh Luong Street, Minh An Ward. Family-run, known for rich broth and fresh herbs. $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND). Hours: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.

  • Hoi An Central Market: Tran Quy Cap & Nguyen Hue Streets. Street stalls offer authentic versions. $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND). Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Sustainability: Vendors source 80% of ingredients from Tra Que Village, reducing transport emissions; biodegradable bowls common.

• Feedback: “The perfect balance of flavors, a Hoi An must!” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Add chili for a kick; visit early for freshest herbs. Included in our Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80).

2. Cao Lầu

Overview: A Hoi An-exclusive dish from the 17th century, cao lầu features chewy, ash-infused yellow noodles, roasted pork, Tra Que greens, and a splash of savory broth. Its unique noodles, made with Ba Le Well water and Cu Lao Cham melaleuca ash, reflect Hoi An’s trading port heritage.

• Price: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND) per bowl.

• Key Ingredients: Rice noodles, char siu pork, bean sprouts, lettuce, mint, basil, fried noodle squares, peanuts, light pork broth.

• Where to Eat:

  • Thanh Cao Lầu: 26 Thai Phien Street, Minh An Ward. Authentic, family-run since the 1980s. $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND). Hours: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM.

  • Morning Glory Restaurant: 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. Gourmet version in a colonial setting. $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND). Hours: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Sustainability: Tra Que herbs and local pork; 70% of vendors use biodegradable packaging.

• Feedback: “Unlike any noodle dish, a Hoi An classic!” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).

• Tip: Try at Thanh Cao Lầu for authenticity; included in our Hoi An Street Food Adventure ($55–$75).

3. Bánh Tổ (Tet Sticky Rice Cake)

Overview: A traditional Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year, January–February) treat, bánh tổ is a sweet, sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, infused with ginger and cane sugar. Symbolizing prosperity, it’s a festive delight, sometimes available year-round.

• Price: $0.50–$1.50 (12,500–37,500 VND) per cake (100–500g).

• Key Ingredients: Glutinous rice flour, cane sugar, ginger, banana leaves.

• Where to Eat:

  • Hoi An Central Market: Tet stalls with fresh cakes. $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND). Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

  • Bánh Tô Cô Năm: 15 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. Year-round availability. $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND). Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

• Sustainability: Banana leaf wrapping; local rice from Duy Xuyen Ward supports farmers.

• Feedback: “Sweet, sticky, and festive, perfect for Tet!” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tip: Visit during Tet for authenticity; pair with tea. Included in our Hoi An Tet Food Adventure ($55–$75).

4. Cơm Gà (Chicken Rice)

Overview: Hoi An’s chicken rice is a fragrant dish of turmeric-tinted rice, tender boiled or shredded chicken, and a side of sweet-sour pickled vegetables. Its distinct flavor, enhanced by Tra Que herbs, sets it apart from other Vietnamese versions.

• Price: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per plate.

• Key Ingredients: Free-range chicken, turmeric rice, cucumber, pickled carrots, chili sauce, mint, basil.

• Where to Eat:

  • Cơm Gà Bà Buội: 26 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Minh An Ward. Historic since the 1950s. $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND). Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM.

  • Cơm Gà Bà Nga: 8 Phan Chu Trinh Street. Popular for soft chicken. $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Hours: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.

• Sustainability: Local free-range chicken; biodegradable serveware at many stalls.

• Feedback: “The turmeric rice is divine, a Hoi An must!” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Order with extra chili sauce; included in our Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80).

5. Bánh Tráng Cuốn Thịt Heo (Pork Rice Paper Rolls)

Overview: A Dai Loc specialty popular in Hoi An, this dish features thinly sliced boiled pork, fresh vegetables, and herbs rolled in soft rice paper, dipped in mắm nêm (fermented anchovy sauce). It’s a fresh, communal meal.

• Price: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per serving (4–6 rolls).

• Key Ingredients: Boiled pork, rice paper, cucumber, mango, lettuce, mint, basil, mắm nêm sauce.

• Where to Eat:

  • Quán Mậu: 35 Đỗ Thúc Tịnh Street, Minh An Ward. Known for fresh pork and tangy sauce. $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND). Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.

  • Hoi An Central Market: Affordable street stalls. $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Sustainability: Local vegetables; rice paper from Dai Loc; eco-friendly packaging common.

• Feedback: “Fresh and flavorful, perfect for sharing!” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tip: Request extra herbs; included in our Hoi An Street Food Adventure ($55–$75).

6. Bánh Mì Phượng

Overview: Hoi An’s famous bánh mì, perfected at Bánh Mì Phượng, is a crusty baguette stuffed with meats, pâté, herbs, and chili sauce. Its global fame, boosted by Anthony Bourdain, draws long queues but delivers unmatched flavor.

• Price: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) per sandwich.

• Key Ingredients: Baguette, pork, chicken, or tofu, pâté, cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro, chili sauce, mayonnaise.

• Where to Eat:

  • Bánh Mì Phượng: 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street, Minh An Ward. Iconic since 1980s. $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Hours: 6:30 AM–9:30 PM.

  • Bánh Mì Madame Khanh: 115 Tran Cao Van Street. Known as “Bánh Mì Queen.” $0.80–$1.50 (20,000–37,500 VND). Hours: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.

• Sustainability: Local bread and Tra Que herbs; some vendors use biodegradable wrappers.

• Feedback: “Best bánh mì ever, worth the wait!” (Tripadvisor, 4.8/5 stars).

• Tip: Arrive early to avoid queues; try vegetarian options. Included in our Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80).

7. Bánh Bao & Bánh Vạc (White Rose Dumplings)

Overview: These delicate, translucent dumplings, resembling rose petals, are a Hoi An exclusive, with bánh bao (purse-shaped, pork/shrimp) and bánh vạc (cauldron-shaped, stir-fried shrimp). Originating with the Trinh family, they’re a cultural icon.

• Price: $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND) per plate (6–8 dumplings).

• Key Ingredients: Rice flour, shrimp, pork, wood ear mushrooms, scallions, fried shallots, nuoc cham dipping sauce.

• Where to Eat:

  • White Rose Restaurant: 533 Hai Ba Trung Street, Cam Pho Ward. Original Trinh family recipe. $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND). Hours: 7:00 AM–8:30 PM.

  • Trung Bắc Restaurant: 87 Tran Phu Street. Historic setting. $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Hours: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Sustainability: Mekong Delta rice; Tra Que herbs; biodegradable packaging at many venues.

• Feedback: “Delicate and flavorful, a Hoi An must!” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).

• Tip: Watch dumpling-making at White Rose; included in our Hoi An Culinary Craft Tour ($75–$95).

Hoi An’s food scene is evolving with sustainability at its core:

• Local Sourcing: Over 80% of ingredients (rice, herbs, pork) come from Tra Que Village and Duy Xuyen Ward, supporting 200+ farmers and reducing emissions.

• Eco-Friendly Packaging: 70% of vendors use biodegradable or banana leaf packaging, per Vietnam’s 2022 anti-plastic campaign.

• Cultural Preservation: Dishes like cao lầu and white rose dumplings are taught in community workshops, ensuring traditions endure.

• 2026–2028 Trends: Expect solar-powered kitchens, vegan options (e.g., tofu cao lầu, mushroom dumplings), and QR-coded menus to cater to Asian tourists (Chinese, Korean markets). Eco-lodges will offer cooking classes.

• Community Impact: Dining revenue funds heritage restoration via the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management, employing 100+ artisans.

Legend Travel Group’s tours align with these trends, partnering with eco-conscious vendors and promoting low-impact dining, ensuring your culinary experience supports Hoi An’s heritage.

Hoi An’s Minh An Ward is 28 km from Da Nang International Airport (DAD), a 45–60-minute ride. Sustainable travel options include:

From Hanoi (764 km, ~1.5 hours by flight, 15–17 hours by train/bus)

• Flight: $35–$140 one-way (875,000–3,500,000 VND) to DAD; 45-minute taxi ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND). Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air.

• Train: $20–$85 (500,000–2,125,000 VND) to Da Nang Station; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND). Vietnam Railways (SE1, SE3).

• Bus: $16–$45 (400,000–1,125,000 VND) to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18). Operators: Futa Bus, Hanh Cafe.

• Sustainable Tip: Trains emit 42.61 kg CO2 vs. 121.74 kg for flights; use Xanh SM electric taxis (30% less CO2).

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

From Ho Chi Minh City (610 km, ~1.5 hours by flight, 17–19 hours by train/bus)

• Flight: $40–$160 one-way (1,000,000–4,000,000 VND) to DAD; 45-minute taxi ($12–$15).

• Train: $20–$85 (500,000–2,125,000 VND) to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Bus: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

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

From Da Nang to Hoi An (28 km, ~45–60 minutes)

• Bus #1: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND); every 15–20 minutes (5:00 AM–9:00 PM); 10-minute walk to Old Town.

• Taxi/Grab: $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxis $13–$16 (325,000–400,000 VND).

• Shuttle Bus: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND); hourly (6:00 AM–9:00 PM).

• Bicycle/Motorbike: Bike $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND); motorbike $5–$10/day + $2 fuel (restricted in Old Town).

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

Route Tip: Base yourself in Minh An Ward; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Old Town is pedestrianized (8:30 AM–11:00 AM, 3:00 PM–9:30 PM); park outside zones.

• Spring (February–April): Mild (24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F), low rainfall (25–50 mm). Ideal for outdoor dining; book 2–3 weeks ahead for Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th lunar day monthly).

• Summer (May–August): Warm (25–38°C or 77–100.4°F), occasional showers (90–120 mm). Evening dining at markets; vibrant festival atmosphere.

• Rainy Season (September–January): Cooler (19–29°C or 66.2–84.2°F), heavy rain (150–500 mm, peaking October–November). Indoor eateries like Morning Glory; 10–20% discounts. Check November flood forecasts via AccuWeather.

• Tet Nguyen Dan (January–February, lunar): Peak for bánh tổ; vibrant markets but crowded (hotels $100–$300/night).

Tip: February–April balances weather and crowds; Tet offers festive dishes like bánh tổ.

• Plan Ahead: Book food tours or cooking classes 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Klook (+84 938 987 654) for festivals or peak seasons. Confirm eatery hours (typically 7:00 AM–9:00 PM).

• Dress Code: Casual attire; bring mosquito repellent for outdoor stalls; comfortable shoes for Old Town’s cobbled streets.

• Pack Smart: Reusable water bottle, small VND for stall payments, wet wipes for sticky fingers, camera (ask permission for vendor photos).

• Budget Wisely: Expect $20–$120/day (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120). Dishes $0.50–$3; tours $10–$120.

• Stay Safe: Check for allergies (e.g., shrimp in white rose dumplings, fish sauce in mì quảng); secure valuables in markets; avoid slippery paths during November floods.

• Sustainability: Support vendors using biodegradable packaging (e.g., White Rose Restaurant); opt for bike tours ($1–$2/day) or walking; avoid plastic waste with reusable containers.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); bargain politely at markets; tip servers ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

• Navigation: Most eateries are within 5–10 minutes’ walk from Old Town center; combine with Hoi An Market or Japanese Covered Bridge for a half-day itinerary. Offline maps essential.

Our sustainable food tours immerse you in Hoi An’s culinary heritage, featuring iconic dishes:

• Hoi An Street Food Adventure ($55–$75/person): Cao lầu at Thanh Cao Lầu, white rose dumplings at White Rose Restaurant, bánh mì Phượng, Hoi An Market. Includes Old Town ticket ($6), eco-transfers, and lunch.

• Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80/person): Mì quảng at Ông Hai, bánh tổ at Cô Năm, pork rice paper rolls at Quán Mậu, banh xeo tasting. Includes eco-transfers and tastings.

• Hoi An Culinary Craft Tour ($75–$95/person): Cooking class with white rose dumplings, Tra Que Village, lantern-making workshop. Includes bike rentals, boat transfers, and meals.

• Hoi An Night Glow Tour ($55–$75/person): Cao lầu, Full Moon Lantern Festival, Nguyen Hoang Night Market, river boat ride ($6–$8 or 150,000–200,000 VND). Includes eco-transfers and snacks.

• Central Vietnam Culinary Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): Hoi An’s signature dishes, Da Nang, Tam Ky, cooking classes, homestays ($15–$50/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees ($6), 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 in Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 30 km from Da Nang City, offers an unforgettable culinary journey through dishes like cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and bánh mì Phượng, priced at $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND). From vibrant street eats at Hoi An Night Market to immersive cooking classes in Tra Que Vegetable Village, Hoi An’s flavors captivate thousands yearly. Sustainable practices like Tra Que’s organic sourcing and eco-friendly packaging preserve its cultural heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Hoi An Tours ensure an eco-conscious Hoi An Travel experience, supporting local artisans with visits to Japanese Covered Bridge and Thu Bon River. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Hoi An Ancient Town’s iconic dishes? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a gastronomic journey!

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.

Sources:

• Hoi An Culinary Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, hoi-an-tourism.com, lonelyplanet.com, tripadvisor.com