About street food in Hoi An
Street food is everywhere in Vietnam — from small villages to major cities — and each region has its own specialties and local twists.
Hoi An’s cuisine is shaped by its past as a trading port, blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences into unique, flavorful dishes.
In the Ancient Town, most street food appears in the late afternoon or evening. During the day, it’s more common to find snacks and local eats in neighborhoods beyond the tourist center — though most travelers rarely venture that far.
Tasting street food here isn’t just about the food — it’s a window into local life and a fun way to connect with Hoi An’s culture.
Must-try local street food dishes in Hoi An
Street food in Hoi An isn’t just delicious — it’s full of history and local identity. These are some of the must-try dishes that you’ll find only (or best) in this region.
1. Cao Lau
Cao Lau is the most iconic dish of Hoi An — chewy rice noodles topped with slices of pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, crispy rice crackers, and a small amount of broth. The noodles are unique: traditionally soaked in water drawn from the ancient Ba Le well and mixed with ash from a specific tree. This gives them their firm, slightly smoky texture.
You’ll find it at many small eateries in the Ancient Town, especially in evening food stalls and casual restaurants.
2. White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac)
These dumplings are made from translucent rice dough, carefully shaped like delicate white flowers. Inside, they’re filled with minced shrimp, garlic, and shallots. After steaming, they’re topped with crispy shallots and served with a mild dipping sauce.
They’re still made by a single local family who supplies them to many restaurants in town. You can try them at their workshop or in most set menus at local restaurants.
3. Banh Mi Hoi An
Hoi An’s take on Vietnam’s famous banh mi is known for its mix of fillings, homemade pâté, pickled vegetables, herbs, and crispy baguette. What makes it special is the local sauces and grilled meats.
Two places have become legends: Banh Mi Phuong (famous after Anthony Bourdain’s visit) and Madam Khanh (known as “The Banh Mi Queen”). Expect a short wait — but it’s worth it.
4. Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a Central Vietnamese noodle dish made with turmeric-yellow noodles, a mix of meats (usually pork, shrimp, or chicken), fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and crispy rice crackers. Unlike soup noodles, it’s served with just a small amount of rich, flavorful broth at the bottom.
You’ll find Mi Quang at both local eateries and casual food stalls — it’s a favorite breakfast or lunch dish in Hoi An and nearby Da Nang.
5. Com Ga (Hoi An Chicken Rice)
Com Ga is Hoi An’s version of chicken rice: shredded boiled or poached chicken served over fragrant yellow rice cooked in chicken broth and turmeric. It’s garnished with pickled papaya, fresh herbs, and a light chicken dipping sauce.
The dish is light but flavorful, and best enjoyed at simple restaurants like Com Ga Ba Buoi or Com Ga Xi — both long-standing local favorites.
6. Banh Xeo & Nem Lui
This popular duo is often served together in Hoi An. Banh Xeo is a savory, crispy rice pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Nem Lui are grilled pork skewers wrapped around lemongrass stalks.
You wrap both in rice paper with herbs, then dip in a rich peanut or fermented soybean sauce. Look for these at small grill stalls in the evening, especially near the outskirts of the Old Town or in local food alleys.
7. Banh Dap & Hen Xao
This combo is more commonly found in Cam Nam, just across the bridge from Hoi An’s Ancient Town.
Banh Dap means “crushed rice cracker” — it’s a fun snack made by stacking crispy and soft rice paper, then cracking it with your hand and dipping it into fermented fish sauce.
Hen Xao is stir-fried baby clams with herbs, peanuts, and crispy toppings — served on its own or with rice crackers.
You’ll find both dishes in small family-run eateries in Cam Nam, often right by the river.
8. Sweet Soup (Chè)
Chè is a broad category of Vietnamese dessert soups, typically served in a cup or small bowl. Common ingredients include beans, lotus seeds, jelly, sticky rice, coconut milk, and seasonal fruits.
Each spoonful is a surprise mix of textures and flavors — it’s refreshing, not too sweet, and a popular late-night snack.
Try a chè stall near Hoai Square or at night markets, where you can point and mix your own combination.
9. Banh Beo
These small steamed rice cakes are served in tiny dishes, topped with minced shrimp, scallions, crispy shallots, and crunchy bits of pork skin or rice cracker.
You eat them with a spoon and a dash of fish sauce — a fun, bite-sized snack.
Banh Beo is more common in Central Vietnam (especially Hue), but you can find it at select Hoi An food stalls and traditional markets like Tan An Market or Ba Le Market.
10. Grilled rice paper snacks (Vietnamese Pizza)
Called banh trang nuong, this is a crunchy street snack made by grilling rice paper over charcoal and topping it with quail egg, dried beef, scallions, and chili sauce.
It’s fun to watch being made and popular with local teens as an after-school treat.
You’ll find it at pop-up carts near school areas or night markets, usually after 4 PM.
11. Seasonal or rare finds
Some street food stalls serve unique local items depending on the season or vendor:
– Corn milk (sữa bắp): a sweet, creamy drink made from fresh corn.
– Avocado shake (sinh tố bơ): smooth and rich, especially popular in summer.
– Banana cake (bánh chuối nướng): grilled banana in sticky rice or baked banana bread, sometimes with coconut milk.
These are harder to predict but worth trying when you spot them — often found near Tan An Market or at small roadside stalls.
Exploring street food in Hoi An with a guided tour
While it’s possible to sample Hoi An’s street food on your own, joining a guided food tour gives you insider access to the best local spots.
A knowledgeable guide can help you find the cleanest, most authentic dishes, communicate with vendors, and explain ingredients, regional variations, and food customs along the way.
It’s also just more fun. Many tours are done on foot, by bicycle, or even scooter — weaving through local markets, quiet alleys, and street corners most tourists never find.
Tours often include unique stops like backyard kitchens or family-run stalls that don’t show up on Google Maps.
Pro tip: Some food tours go beyond the Old Town and include countryside visits, morning markets, or hands-on activities like making rice paper or learning traditional cooking techniques.
Other food experiences in Hoi An
Street food isn’t the only way to dive into Hoi An’s culinary culture. If you want a deeper experience, here are two great options.
Join a cooking class
Cooking classes in Hoi An are popular for good reason. You’ll learn how to make classic dishes like Cao Lau, spring rolls, or banh xeo — and get hands-on with traditional techniques.
Many classes include a guided visit to a local market to pick out fresh ingredients, followed by a scenic boat ride to the countryside kitchen.
Read more about the best cooking classes in Hoi An
Countryside food & farming experiences
Head to a village like Tra Que to explore where your food comes from. You’ll get your hands dirty watering herbs with bamboo buckets, harvesting vegetables, and learning about organic farming methods.
Most experiences include a relaxing foot massage and a simple cooking session — a peaceful and fun contrast to the buzz of the Old Town.
Tips for exploring street food and the culinary scene in Hoi An
To make the most of Hoi An’s food scene, it helps to know a few local tips — whether you’re tasting snacks in the Old Town or sitting down to a family meal in the countryside.
Look for where the locals eat
A simple rule: if you see lots of locals eating somewhere, it’s probably good. High turnover means fresher ingredients and better hygiene. Don’t follow the decor — follow the crowd.
Be prepared
Hoi An street food tends to appear late afternoon into the evening. Bring small cash (most vendors don’t have change), and don’t shy away from tiny plastic stools — they’re part of the charm. Try dishes even if you don’t know the name. A translation app that works with photos can help you read menus or food stall signs.
Stay with a real local homestay
Not all homestays are run by local families — some are city-owned investments. But if you find a real one, it can be a great experience. You’ll still have a private room and bathroom, but may also get to join family dinners with homemade dishes. It’s a warm and authentic way to experience local life in Hoi An.
Craving western food?
Hoi An is full of food options — not just Vietnamese. If you’re looking for a good burger or pizza, head to the An Bang Beach area. This neighborhood has grown into an international pocket, home to many expats and quality Western eateries.
Want more street food? Head to Da Nang
Hoi An is small and mainly tourist-oriented, so the food scene, while great, is compact. For a more local and varied street food experience, Da Nang is just next door. You’ll find busy street corners, traditional night markets, and plenty of authentic local dishes. (Tip: Check out our guide to the best things to do in Da Nang).
See our guide to the best restaurants in Hoi An
Looking for a proper sit-down meal or want to mix street food with something more refined? We’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Hoi An — from local favorites to special occasion spots. See the full guide here →
