Food and Drink in Hoi An - Delicious Culinary

Best Dishes

Cao Lau Noodles

Cao lau is the most famous specialty dish in Hoi An. Thick, wide noodles (resembling Japanese udon, for the foodies out there) are stewed into a traditional pork or seafood broth before being topped with fresh herbs and Chinese-style wantons. No visit here will be complete without sitting down to enjoy this signature soup at least once during your stay.

Banh Mi Sandwich

Banh mi is often called the classic Vietnamese sandwich. This tasty snack includes a meat of your choice, pickled vegetables, pate and salad on a freshly baked baguette-style break roll. While this dish is eaten across the country, travelers and locals agree that Hoi An's street stalls and restaurants serve up some of the best banh mi in Vietnam.

White Rose Dumplings

White rose dumplings are another snack favored by foodies in Hoi An. These famous rice-dough dumplings are prepared with minced shrimp and local spices. Though they are served at many restaurants across the city, they are mainly supplied by one family who holds the secret recipe.

Make sure to bring your camera to snap a picture of the delicate, rose-shaped dumplings before you dig in.

Best Restaurants

Travelers will be faced with plenty of options when searching for the perfect spot at which to enjoy a meal in Hoi An. For your convenience, the Asia Highlights team has carefully selected the following restaurants, taking account of the extraordinary food, atmosphere, and service they provide.

Morning Glory

Morning Glory has a reputation as a favorite of tourists in Hoi An, and for good reason. This elegant restaurant offers reliable yet delicious versions of traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared by a celebrated chef, Ms. Vy, who is preparing to open several international branches in the near future.

Enjoy a fun, comfortable atmosphere and an exciting glimpse into the open kitchen as skilled cooks prepare fresh, heavenly dishes.

At Morning Glory, guests can enjoy a varied breakfast menu that includes Hoi An style waffles, Vietnamese egg sandwiches, pho and sticky rice.

For those choosing to dine at lunch or dinner time, first select a tasty appetizer such as the famous white rose dumplings, locally-sourced shrimp skewers or a nourishing soup. For your main course, try the cao lau noodles, pork belly with caramel sauce, or any of the fresh fish entrees. (Morning Glory Location: 106 Nguyễn Thái Họ)

Mango Mango

Mango Mango is a treat for foodies eager to sample some of the best fusion cuisine available in Vietnam. Founded by notable American Vietnamese chef Duc Tran, this restaurant serves up unique, tasty dishes and craft cocktails to hundreds of guests every night.

The restaurant is situated in the Old Town, and guests can enjoy a gorgeous view of the river and city skyline while they dine, as well as a live jazz band.

As an appetizer, try the red snapper fried tempura-style, crispy shrimp rolls, or sweet potato tortillas. When choosing a main course, try the seafood pasta served over thick rice noodles, prawns, or duck confit. Enjoy homemade ice cream with fresh fruit for dessert. (Mango Mango Location: 45 Nguyễn Phúc Chu)

White Lotus

White Lotus offers guests a delightful dining experience in a clean, peaceful environment. With friendly staff and excellent service, it is known as catering for travelers, serving western food options as well as less-spicy classic Vietnamese dishes.

Choose a set menu and enjoy a three-course meal including dishes like signature spring rolls or marinated fish, pork, or beef. The seafood platter, stuffed squid and green papaya salad are also among guests' favorites.

Not only does White Lotus serve up some of the most delicious food in Hoi An, it is also a subsidiary of the Australian non-profit charity organization Project Indochina. All the proceeds from the restaurant go towards improving the lives of disadvantaged individuals in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. (White Lotus Location: 11 Phan Boi Chau St.)

What to Drink

When you need a break from sight-seeing but aren't quite ready for lunch or dinner, enjoy a delicious beverage such as fresh fruit juice, rejuvenating coffee, or a refreshing beer. Vietnamese coffee is some of the best in the world, especially in Hoi An where beans grow abundantly. Don't forget to start your day with a cup from a local coffee shop.

Hoi An's tropical climate means that juicy fruit and vegetables are everywhere to be found. Make sure to relax and rehydrate with a juice or smoothie sourced from locally-grown produce. Freshly squeezed sugar cane juice and ice-coconuts are some of our guests' favorite beverages.

Best Places to Grab a Drink

Check out Ms. Ly's Café for a generous menu that includes Vietnamese coffee, tasty fruit smoothies, as well as a selection of imported beer and wine (Location: 22 Nguyen Hue Street). Visitors looking to sample divine wines paired with contemporary Eurasian dishes should check out the Aubergine49 Restuarant (Location: 49A, Ly Thai To Street).

For a farm-fresh taste in a charming ambience, visit the Cocobox Café Farm Shop. In addition to offering homemade coconut milk, fresh juices and more delicious beverages, this hipster-esque coffee shop gives travelers the chance to relax in comfortable seats while browsing an array of hand-made souvenirs. (Location: 94 Le Loi Street, Hoi An)

Take a Cooking Class

Enjoy the rare culinary talent of Asia Highlights' partner and long-time friend Mr. Thanh at Kumquat Hoi An Restaurant. Our staff will assist you as you begin with a scavenger hunt for ingredients in a nearby fresh market.

Enjoy learning side-by-side with the chef in his family's personal kitchen as he guides you through the techniques of traditional Vietnamese cooking and provides rare tips and insights.

Finally, guests will have a chance to eat a delicious lunch with Mr. Thanh and his family while learning more about local culture and making friends along the way. You will also be presented with a hand-written recipe book composed by the chef, to continue your culinary adventures at home.

Choose a Food Adventure

Asia Highlights offers a variety of food-tours to satisfy your appetite while traveling in Hanoi.

Full-Day Tour

Our Private Hoi An Food Tour includes a full-day visiting off-the-beaten-track eateries that you won't find in your guide book. Enjoy a fun and relaxing day traveling the city on a bike with an experienced guide, stopping for heavenly eats and drinks from locally-beloved spots.

This tour is a wonderful way to ensure that you don't miss the best spots throughout the city.

Evening Old Town Tour

Indulge your senses during our evening walking tour of the Old Town. Our knowledgeable guides will offer insight into the unique delicacies and rare flavors only found in the vibrant, maze-like alleyways of Hoi An.

This tour lasts for 2.5 hours and is sure to satisfy the adventurous eaters in your group.

Afternoon Street Food Tour

Ensure that you get to sample the best street-food in Hoi An with this four-hour walking tour. Your young, friendly tour-guide will show you around the best local spots around the city. This tour is an exciting, delicious way to explore this fascinating city while making friends along the way.