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Top 09 Must-try Foods In Hoi An

If Hanoi is famous for pho, then when it comes to what to eat in Hoi An, most travelers will immediately think of Cao Lau – one of the most iconic Hoi An must eat dishes. This specialty can be found almost everywhere in town, from lively main streets to peaceful hidden alleys, making it an essential highlight of Hoi An food culture. Cao Lau dates back to the 17th century and is often mistaken for a Chinese dish, yet it is a truly unique Vietnamese delicacy deeply rooted in Central Vietnam. The name “cao lau,” meaning “high floor food,” comes from the tradition of enjoying this dish on elevated terraces overlooking Hoi An’s streets.

What makes Cao Lau stand out among the must try foods in Hoi An is its distinctive recipe, ingredients, and preparation. The chewy yellow noodles are made from pure rice from Quang Nam, soaked in water from Cu Lao Cham. Served with shrimp, char siu, pork skin, fresh herbs, and rich broth, Cao Lau is best enjoyed hot and well mixed. Many Hoi An food tours consider it a highlight, and skipping this dish would mean missing the true soul of the city.

After savoring Cao Lau, another dish that naturally continues the journey through Hoi An food is Quang noodles (Mi Quang) - a beloved specialty originating from Quang Nam province in central Vietnam. For travelers wondering what to eat in Hoi An, Mi Quang is undoubtedly a Hoi An must eat dish. Although it is also made from rice like pho, Quang noodles have a completely distinct character. The noodles are soft, slightly chewy, milky white in color, and beautifully fragrant, absorbing the richness of a lightly seasoned yet flavorful broth. Typical ingredients include shrimp, quail eggs, pork, chicken, and fresh herbs, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

Like many traditional Vietnamese dishes, Mi Quang comes in various regional and personal interpretations. The classic version features broth made from fresh shrimp and pork, while other variations may include different meats, vegetables, or adjusted seasoning. Recognized among the 12 Vietnamese dishes of outstanding culinary value in Asia, Mi Quang is often highlighted on Hoi An food tours. Missing this dish would mean overlooking one of the true must try foods in Hoi An.

Among the comforting and flavorful highlights of Hoi An food, wet cake with grilled meat is a dish that truly reflects the simplicity and balance of local cuisine. For travelers exploring what to eat in Hoi An, this dish is often compared to Hanoi’s steamed rice rolls but carries its own Central Vietnamese twist. It consists of two main components: soft wet rice paper and fragrant grilled meat.

The wet rice paper is thin, smooth, slightly translucent, and gently sticky, made from rice flour mixed with water and steamed to perfection. The grilled meat is prepared from thinly sliced pork with a balance of lean and fat, marinated in aromatic spices, skewered, and grilled over charcoal until smoky and golden. When eating, diners place the meat onto the wet cake, add fresh herbs such as lettuce, mint, and perilla leaves, along with cucumber slices and bean sprouts, then carefully roll everything together.

Served with a dipping sauce of fish sauce, sugar, lemon juice, garlic, and chili, this dish delivers a perfect harmony of smoky meat, soft rice paper, and sweet-sour flavors. It is a simple yet satisfying Hoi An must eat that many visitors discover through local eateries or Hoi An food tours.