Culinary Delights: Where to Eat and Drink in Hoi An
Nestled alongside the tranquil Thu Bồn River, Hoi An's ancient town enchants visitors with its rows of canary-yellow merchant houses and enchanting lantern-lit streets. This historic gem is revered as one of Vietnam's most captivating destinations, boasting a treasure trove of centuries-old landmarks and architectural marvels.
Nestled alongside the tranquil Thu Bồn River, Hoi An's ancient town enchants visitors with its rows of canary-yellow merchant houses and enchanting lantern-lit streets. This historic gem is revered as one of Vietnam's most captivating destinations, boasting a treasure trove of centuries-old landmarks and architectural marvels. Wander through its charming alleyways to discover a tapestry of cultural influences, as the city's port history has left an indelible mark on its culinary landscape. From the delicate flavors of French cuisine to the savory delights of Japanese and Chinese fare, Hoi An's gastronomy offers a tantalizing journey through its rich and diverse heritage.
The allure of the region is further enhanced by the freshness of its ingredients. Fish and shrimp sourced from the nearby East Vietnamese Sea and the Thu Bon River grace your plate, while fragrant herbs and crisp vegetables are harvested from local organic gardens like Tra Que, nestled between the town center and An Bang beach. Additionally, the noodles are a testament to Hoi An's unique culinary heritage. Flour freshly ground from the surrounding rice paddies forms the base, and many of the town's noodle dishes are distinguished by the use of alkaline water drawn from ancient local wells. This distinct water imparts a special flavor profile, giving rise to iconic dishes like white rose dumplings (banh bao banh vac) and cao lầu, found exclusively in Hoi An and nowhere else in the country.
In my experience travel, I've mostly favored street food over restaurants. However, while there are numerous excellent pavement eateries along the banks of the Thu Bon River and scattered throughout the old town, Hoi An is one of the few places where I'd recommend trying out some indoor spots. That's the beauty of Hoi An. With its great culinary tradition, you can grab a quick bite at the market, enjoy an affordable meal at a cafe, or indulge in a high-end dining experience, knowing that all of it will be delicious.
Must-Try Food In Hoi An
1. Cao Lầu: This quintessential Hoi An dish dates back to the 1700s and reflects both Japanese and Chinese influences. It features fat, soba-style noodles topped with marinated pork, beansprouts, croutons, lemongrass, greens, and pork crackling. Although the name derives from the days when Hoi An’s upper-class citizens would eat it in the fancier, upstairs dining rooms of the Old Town – cao lầu derives from the original name of len lau, which means ‘bring upstairs’ – the best place to eat it is in the cramped stalls of the outdoor market.
2. White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc): These delicate dumplings, filled with meat or shrimp and folded to resemble roses, are a local specialty. They're steamed using water from the ancient Ba Le Well, resulting in a unique flavor.
3. Bún Thịt Nướng: While not exclusive to Hoi An, this dish consists of seared skewers of pork served with a spicy dipping sauce. It's a popular evening snack found along the northern bank of the Thu Bồn River.
Where To Eat In Hoi An
1. Nu Eatery is a hidden gem in Hoi An that shouldn't be judged by its weathered exterior and worn decor. Despite its tucked-away location down a narrow street behind the Japanese covered bridge, it's worth the effort to find. With a concise menu, Nu focuses on perfectly crafted dishes, making it a favorite dining spot. Highly recommended are the steamed pork belly buns.
Location: 10A Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai
2. Rosie’s Cafe, located just a short walk away from Nu Eatery, offers a blend of modern coffeehouse vibes with Vietnam's traditional love for caffeinated beverages. Owners My and Thuy have infused inspiration from their travels into this cozy corner of the Old Town. Expect to find expats and backpackers enjoying delicious juices while working on their laptops.
Location: 8/6 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai
3. Hoa Hien, situated to the east of the old town along the Thu Bon River, offers a serene dining experience away from the crowds. Recommended by a local Instagram follower, Hoa Hien is known for its outstanding bánh xèo, a Vietnamese crispy crepe filled with shrimp, vegetables, and pork. The crepes here are considered among the best in Vietnam.
Location: 35 Trần Quang Khải
4. Bánh Mì Phượng is renowned as the best place for bánh mì in Hoi An, if not the entire country. These hollowed-out baguettes filled with pâté, meat, and vegetables are a must-try street food staple. Even Anthony Bourdain filmed an episode of No Reservations here, attesting to its quality.
Location: 2B Phan Châu Trinh
5. Morning Glory, housed in a historic building, is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Hoi An. Specializing in traditional and street food dishes, Morning Glory, despite its touristy appearance, offers authentic cuisine. Run by celebrity chef Trinh Diem Vy, it's a must-visit for local specialties like cao lau.
Location: 106 Nguyễn Thái Học
Where To Drink In Hoi An
As evening descends over Hoi An's old town, the streets come alive with enchanting lanterns casting colorful light, and tourists set adrift hundreds of candles along the Thu Bon River. This magical hour is my favorite time to experience Hoi An; sitting by the waterfront with a beer in hand, watching boats glide by as the stunning sunset illuminates the weathered yellow facades of the city's ancient buildings.
1. Dive Bar isn't your typical run-down drinking spot; in fact, it's the home of Cham Island Divers, a scuba outfit operating from the premises. This popular bar in the old town boasts an informal atmosphere, pool tables, and occasional live music performances. It attracts a young crowd, mainly tourists and expatriates, drawn in by the friendly service, relaxed ambiance, and complimentary shots.
Location: 88 Nguyễn Thái Học Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday 5pm – 2am; Sunday 5pm – 1am
2. Market Bar, despite its central location in the heart of the Old Town, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets below. Situated on a rooftop terrace, it provides a serene view of the historic Old Quarter buildings and their twinkling lanterns. Although it may be challenging to locate, nestled above a shop on the corner of Bach Dang and Cam Chau bridge overlooking the river, discovering Market Bar can feel like finding your own secret drinking spot. It offers a laid-back atmosphere compared to the more popular bars lining the riverbanks in the town center.
Location: 02 Bạch Đằng street, Opening Hours: Daily 3pm – 11pm
3. For a livelier atmosphere, look no further than Tiger Tiger Bar. Situated on Nguyen Phuc Chu, it's the go-to choice for backpackers, often packed while surrounding establishments remain vacant. Happy hour runs from 7:30 pm to 10 pm, transforming the venue into a lively club scene. Although not my personal preference, it's the primary spot for partying with fellow travelers in Hoi An.
Location: 35 Nguyen Phuc Chu street
4. Mai Fish isn't just another bar; it's a quiet bistro/restaurant nestled along the riverside with a charming beer garden. It's one of the few places in Hoi An where you can find Pasteur Street Brewing Co. ales. Despite its tranquil ambiance, Mai Fish offers a picturesque setting to enjoy a craft beer and relax. Across the river, Mango Mango also serves Pasteur's brews.
Location: 45 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street
Reference article source: Man vs Globe Travel Blog
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