Hoi An Food Tour: Top 8 Dishes & Drinks You Must Try

Hoi An, that captivating ancient town in Vietnam, it is just a total standout for loads of reasons, yet, let’s be real, its food scene, well that really takes things to another level! Taking a food tour is probably the very best way to seriously sample all the amazing tastes and discover, sort of, those hidden culinary gems. This helpful guide will be all about the eight must-try dishes and drinks to completely indulge in while you’re, say, experiencing a Hoi An food tour, so that you can certainly plan your delightful adventure!

1. Cao Lầu: A Taste of Hoi An’s History

Cao Lầu, you see, it’s more or less that defining noodle dish you’re quite likely to find only in Hoi An. The very secret, supposedly, is in the preparation of the noodles themselves, because the legend states that, is that, they really have to be made using water from the very ancient Bá Lễ well, that they’re combined with ash from specific, special, local trees, yet really don’t quote me on that! These noodles, typically, they’re served with super thinly sliced pork, nice and crunchy croutons, some greens, and like, just a little bit of that flavorful broth. This particular combo, apparently, makes Cao Lầu super delicious and something you almost absolutely need to taste while in Hoi An.

2. White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc): Delicate Delights

The White Rose dumplings, or Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc, you know, these little guys, they’re such an icon in Hoi An! This dish, actually, it’s basically made exclusively by one particular family, so, is that, it’s seriously a local treasure. These seriously translucent dumplings are always, you know, stuffed with super seasoned ground pork or, I guess, shrimp, and then they’re sort of, like, gently steamed. Usually, they’re served with that dipping sauce, which really is, kinda, the whole key. When you get to try them, usually you will notice the light, fresh flavor; honestly, these dumplings offer a total pleasant culinary experience that’s simple yet extremely, super, satisfying.

3. Bánh Mì: The World-Famous Sandwich

Bánh Mì, I mean, the world totally loves it, yet the ones in Hoi An, is that, people just rave about those! You have crispy baguette is that, it’s stuffed, you know, with pretty much a whole bunch of stuff, right, from, almost, pâté and different cold cuts to fresh veggies, with, just a little bit of cilantro, and then that amazing chili sauce. Some might say it’s the perfectly delicious mix of flavors and textures, I think, you’ll agree, makes Hoi An’s Bánh Mì seriously something quite, very, unique, plus really worth tracking down to try. You could get them, you know, on practically every street corner, too, and you’ll probably find, like, people arguing about whose is definitely best! It could be Phương Bánh Mì or Bánh Mì Madam Khánh – The Queen.

4. Cơm Gà: Hoi An’s Chicken Rice

Cơm Gà, is that, probably you’ll be able to find chicken rice throughout the whole of Vietnam, so, Hoi An’s version, basically, has like a special character all its own. That rice, seemingly, it is cooked, like, using chicken broth with turmeric, basically, it gives it, that super vibrant yellow color and a seriously delicious flavor. You’ll find that the chicken itself, you know, it’s poached, carefully shredded, that, and, you know, is, mixed in with herbs, along with sliced onions, then finished with a chili jam. The super aromatic and yummy Cơm Gà experience that you get is that it’s quite, actually, often considered something of a defining dish for the place.

5. Bánh Xèo: Sizzling Crepes

Bánh Xèo, sometimes they get called “sizzling crepes,” they’re that seriously popular street food, not just, too, in Hoi An, but really around all Vietnam. This savory pancake is, in a way, made using rice flour, that they’re like, just a little bit of coconut milk, also turmeric, typically it’s cooked up on that really hot skillet. Usually they are stuffed with bean sprouts, some shrimp, or pork, next up they’re served with herbs, and that dipping sauce. How you have them, I think, is like this: wrap up parts of the crepe, then you just dip it straight in the sauce to get a truly rewarding snacking event. Those crispy edges and yummy fillings basically provide this nice textural and taste explosion you, definitely, won’t ever forget.

6. Mì Quảng: A Noodle Soup with a Story

Mì Quảng, that really flavorful noodle soup, you know, it’s pretty iconic to, is that, the Quảng Nam region where, actually, Hoi An sits. I think what makes this noodle dish super special is that bright array of tastes and also textures. Typically those broad rice noodles are just combined in a super small amount of flavorful broth, right, that’s, mostly, flavored, like, with turmeric. Then you get toppings such as shrimp, some pork, plus peanuts, a boiled egg, and a crispy rice cracker. Often the combination of flavors you taste and that contrasting mix of textures does makes Mì Quảng extremely pleasurable as a satisfying local option to experience.

7. Mot Hoi An Herbal Tea: A Refreshing Elixir

While you’re taking in all that yummy food, you see, I reckon you’re probably going to feel thirsty; definitely check out Mot Hoi An Herbal Tea! This drink is that popular street drink you, of course, can spot just thanks to the big displays and just tons of herbs, and usually a lotus seed that they display very proudly at the front. In short, the very light, a bit, almost, sweet and super fragrant flavor is very cool for hydrating and makes it ideal after trying pretty much all of those yummy and richer dishes. I tell you, grab yourself that refreshing cup and you’ll enjoy just like the local population, that’s almost like cooling down from walking about the vibrant and very exciting streets of Hoi An!

8. Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn): Light and Flavorful

Gỏi Cuốn, spring rolls, they’re fresh, basically, that is a great way, basically, just to take things slow or, like, begin with something light on any food tour of this place. Usually you’ll find, basically, thin rice paper, rolled very neatly that’s stuffed full with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, along with some pork or shrimp, with, usually, that peanut dipping sauce. Very unlike their friend, those deep-fried spring rolls, and the flavor you have in these tastes is actually cool plus you get something of that fresh, crisp feeling about these treats and I suggest that you try to get them to clean up your palate on all your food travels!