Hoi An Street Food Specialties: Must-Try Local Vietnamese Dishes

Hoi An street food specialties offer a delicious journey into Vietnam’s culinary heart, featuring must-try local dishes that capture the town’s vibrant culture and rich gastronomic heritage. Travel to Vietnam and experience these authentic flavors that make Hoi An a true food lover’s paradise.

Quick fact

Hội An’s Ancient Town has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with charming lantern-lit streets, is also a haven for food lovers. Hoi An’s unique street food offerings-from vibrant night markets to hidden stalls-reflect centuries of culinary fusion. Whether you’re wandering the Ancient Town or cruising along the Thu Bon River, exploring its street food is an unforgettable journey through taste, culture, and community. For travelers, it’s a compelling reason to add Hoi An to your itinerary

Must‑Try Hoi An Street Food Specialties

Cao Lau

Cao Lau is a nearly-exclusive noodle bowl you can only find in Hoi An’s ancient alleys and local markets. It features chewy rice noodles made with lye water and ash, giving it a firm and springy texture. Toppings include char siu-style pork, fresh greens, bean sprouts, herbs, light broth and crispy noodle croutons. These noodles are unlike any others thanks to Ba Le well water and ash from Cham Island hardwood. Without these two ingredients the dish loses its authenticity and can’t be called real Cao Lau. Always order it room-temperature and gently mix before eating to enjoy the layered textures and balanced flavors. Locals recommend trying it at street stalls or small shops instead of just tourist restaurants. You will find this dish across Ancient Town and also near Tra Que village.

Taste the soul of Vietnam in Hoi An street food specialties every day

Suggest the restaurant (price in VND and dollars, time, destinations):

• Morning Glory – 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ancient Town

  • Open: 10 AM – 11 PM

  • Price: ~90,000 VND (≈ $3.80)

• Cao Lau Lien – 16 Thai Phien

  • Open: 1 PM – 9 PM

  • Price: 25,000–45,000 VND (≈ $1.00–$1.80)

Banh mi Phuong

Banh mi is Vietnam’s iconic baguette sandwich-crispy outside and fluffy inside, stretching nearly 30 cm in length. It is often stuffed with pate and char siu, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, herbs and spicy chili slices. What makes Hoi An special is its reputation as the banh mi capital of the country. Phuong’s stall became famous thanks to celebrity praise, yet Madam Khanh is the local favorite among residents. Each sandwich is made fresh and handed over still warm, full of balance between crunch, fat and brightness. For an elevated flavor experience request extra pate or more chili to personalize your order. Moreover the texture and mix of local herbs offer a depth hard to find elsewhere in Vietnam. Always eat it while warm to enjoy the full contrast of crisp bread and creamy fillings. You’ll find these sandwiches available all day in small shops throughout Ancient Town.

A must-try in Hoi An street food specialties: Banh Mi Phuong’s perfection

Suggest the restaurant (price in VND and dollars, time, destinations):

• Banh Mi Phuong – 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Ancient Town

  • Open: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM

  • Price: 20 000–40 000 VND (≈ $0.80–$1.60)

• Madam Khanh (Banh Mi Queen) – 115 Tran Cao Van, Minh An Ward

  • Open: 6:30 AM – 7 PM

  • Price: 25 000–30 000 VND (≈ $1.00–$1.20)

Banh Bao Banh Vac (White Rose Dumplings)

White rose dumplings are delicate rice-flour parcels shaped like small flowers and filled with shrimp, pork or vegetables. They are always topped with crispy shallots then served with a light sweet fish sauce for dipping. This dish is only found in Hoi An, made using water from the traditional Ba Le well. Only one family in town still produces the authentic version and supplies nearly all local restaurants. The dumplings feel soft yet springy with each bite revealing fresh fillings wrapped in translucent rice dough. At first taste them plain to appreciate the clean flavor of shrimp and fried shallots. Then dip gently in the sauce to enjoy the full balance of salt, sweetness and aroma. Their shape and recipe have stayed unchanged for generations making them a quiet but important local icon. Many visitors overlook them but locals consider them essential to any full food experience in the Old Town.

Savor Banh Bao Banh Vac, a jewel of Hoi An street food specialties

Suggest the restaurant (price in VND and dollars, time, destinations):

• White Rose Restaurant – 533 Hai Ba Trung, Cam Pho Ward

  • Open: 7 AM – 8:30 PM

  • Price: 50 000–100 000 VND (≈ $2.00–$4.00)

• Miss Ly Cafe – 22 Nguyen Hue, Ancient Town

  • Open: 7 AM – 10 PM

  • Price: ~60 000 VND (≈ $2.40)

Mi Quang

Mi Quang is a Central Vietnam cuisine specialty, featuring rice noodles tinted with turmeric and lightly coated in golden broth, layered with pork, shrimp, chicken, and quail egg. They are topped with fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and served with crunchy rice crackers for texture contrast. Moreover, the bright turmeric noodles give each bowl a vibrant visual appeal and fragrant aroma unlike any other. A signature local specialty, it balances soft noodles with meaty toppings and crisp crackers in harmony. Each bite offers tender protein, hearty broth, and fresh greens in one satisfying mouthful. Always mix toppings evenly to ensure every spoonful includes all ingredients and textures. For extra flavor, add more peanuts and herbs at your discretion. Enjoy this dish at simple street‑side stalls or local eateries for a truly authentic experience.

Central Vietnam cuisine: Mi Quang, a taste of home

Suggest the food stalls (price in VND and dollars, time, destinations):

• Mi Quang Ong Hai (Mr Hai) – 6A Truong Minh Luong, Cam Chau Ward

  • Open: 6 AM – 9 PM

  • Price: 15 000–40 000 VND (≈ $0.60–$1.60)

• Mi Quang Di Hat– 81 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An Ward

  • Open: 5 PM – 10 PM

  • Price: 15 000–25 000 VND (≈ $0.60–$1.00)

Hoanh Thanh Chien (Fried Wontons)

Fried wontons are crispy deep-fried dumplings often topped with tomato-based sauce or sweet-sour glaze. They provide a satisfying crunch and serve as a popular appetizer at markets and cozy cafes. Often street vendors present them as easy finger food alongside other snacks in Hoi An. When freshly cooked they offer a perfect balance of crunchy shell and savory filling inside. Local tip: pop them whole or dip into nuoc cham sauce for extra tang and heat. Furthermore they taste best when served fresh and hot straight from the fryer. These wontons add a fun textural contrast to any meal or snack spread. Try them early in the day or mid-afternoon between main meals for a tasty treat.

Bite into Hoanh Thanh Chien, a star of Hoi An street food specialties

Suggest the food stalls (price in VND and dollars, time, destinations):

• Miss Ly Cafe – 22 Nguyen Hue, Ancient Town

  • Open: 7 AM – 10 PM

  • Price: ~100 000 VND (≈ $4.00) per plate

• Hoi An Central Market stalls – Tran Phu St inside market

  • Open: 6 AM – 6 PM

  • Price: 5 000–20 000 VND (≈ $0.20–$0.80) per piece

Banh Xeo

Banh xeo is a sizzling pancake made from turmeric-tinted rice batter and stuffed with pork, shrimp and crisp bean sprouts. It features a crisp outside thanks to its thin batter and hot skillet preparation, while the inside stays tender. Furthermore this mini pancake is a local street-style specialty unique to Hoi An with vibrant color. Each bite balances savory pork shrimp sprouts and turmeric-infused batter in perfect harmony. Always tear a piece and wrap it in soft rice paper with fresh herbs for extra freshness. Then dip it immediately into nuoc cham for tangy balance before it cools. Moreover eating it hot ensures the crisp and soft textures remain distinct and enjoyable. This dish offers a dynamic experience unlike restaurant-style versions found elsewhere.

Banh Xeo bursts with savory joy in Hoi An street food specialties

Suggest the food stalls (price in VND and dollars, time, destinations):

• Baby Mustard (Tra Que) – Tra Que Vegetable Village

  • Open: ~11 AM – 2 PM

  • Price: ~60 000 VND (≈ $2.40) per pancake

• Banh xeo Gieng Ba Le – 45–51 Tran Hung Dao, Ancient Town

  • Open: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM

  • Price: ~35 000–50 000 VND (≈ $1.40–$2.00)

Che Bap (Sweet Corn Pudding)

Corn pudding is a comforting sweet dessert made from tender corn and creamy coconut milk. It can be served warm or cool depending on your preference and the weather. Moreover this light treat highlights tropical flavors without feeling too heavy after a meal. Each spoonful blends natural corn sweetness with thick coconut cream settled at the top. Always stir thoroughly so the rich cream mixes evenly with the pudding below. Then sip slowly to enjoy the contrast of silky texture and fruity coconut aroma. Street stalls on Le Loi and Central Market often offer fresh batches throughout the day. Meanwhile many ca phe vendors serve the pudding alongside coffee and other sweet snacks. For both locals and visitors this dessert provides a gentle finish to a spicy meal. Thus it makes a lovely reward after exploring Ancient Town’s bustling lanes.

Che Bap offers a gentle sweetness in Hoi An street food specialties

Suggest the food stalls (price in VND and dollars, time, destinations):

• Che Bap Co Nga – 45 Le Loi, Minh An Ward

  • Open: 9 AM – 10 PM

  • Price: 8 000–15 000 VND (≈ $0.32–$0.60) per cup

• Co Nga Tea (Central Market) – near Central Market stalls

  • Open: 9 AM – 10 PM

  • Price: similar 8 000–15 000 VND (≈ $0.32–$0.60)

Mot Herbal Tea

Mot tea is a refreshing infusion crafted from a secret blend of local herbs and lemongrass, served cool or warm. It serves as a digestive aid believed to connect drinkers with Hoi An’s herbal traditions. Moreover its herbal aroma lifts the spirit after heavy or spicy meals. This drink originated from Mr Xuan’s family legacy in traditional medicine, passed down decades. Only the Mot Hoi An café offers the authentic version using fresh herbs from that recipe. Each sip soothes the stomach and refreshes the palate in one gentle moment. Always enjoy it after a large or spicy meal to elevate digestion and comfort. Additionally drinking it warm enhances its soothing herbal properties naturally. While served cold options cool you down on hot afternoons exploring Old Town. Moreover the simplicity of this infusion hides a complex and aromatic herbal harmony.

A herbal hug in a cup-Mot joins Hoi An street food specialties

Suggest the food stalls (price in VND and dollars, time, destinations):

• Mot Hoi An Café – 150 Tran Phu, Minh An Ward, Ancient Town

  • Open: 8 AM – 10 PM

  • Price: ~18 000 VND (≈ $0.60) per cup

Why Hoi An Street Food is Worth the Trip