What to eat in Hoi An when the cuisine has become an intangible cultural heritage?

VHO - Hoi An not only enchants tourists with its ancient architecture, but also boasts a culinary paradise with legendary dishes. This article will guide you to discover 12 must-try specialties, and reveal how to enjoy them like a true local.

Cao Lau is a specialty noodle dish from Hoi An, Quang Nam.

If you only visit Hoi An to admire the ancient town and take stunning photos, but skip the culinary exploration, your trip cannot be considered complete. This place is a convergence of the essence of a bustling international trading port, reflected in each dish that bears the distinct mark of the cultural fusion between Vietnam, China, and Japan. Each dish is not just a pure flavor, but also a story of history, a part of the soul of the people of Hoi An.

Cao Lau - The soul of Old Quarter cuisine

At the top of the list of Hoi An specialties is Cao Lau, a dish said to be truly authentic and only truly enjoyed in Hoi An itself. Its uniqueness lies in its chewy, golden noodles, made from a special type of rice from Quang Nam province, mixed with water from the ancient Ba Le well and ash water from trees on Cham Island. This is the secret to its unmistakable flavor.

The braised char siu pork is tender and fragrant, served with crispy fried pork skin, pork cracklings, and fresh green Tra Que vegetables. Each bowl of cao lau is a vibrant painting of the perfect combination of ingredients, a dish that has become an irreplaceable icon.

Banh vac is famous for the sweet taste of the meat and dipping sauce.

Banh vac - The essence in every petal

In contrast to the robust flavor of Cao Lau noodles, Banh Vac, also known as white rose cake, possesses a delicate and refined beauty. This dish, originating from the Chinese community, has been adapted by the people of Hoi An into a unique version. Each small, charming cake, with its thin, translucent wrapper, meticulously encases a rich filling of shrimp, meat, and wood ear mushrooms.

When you taste it, you'll experience the harmonious blend of the delicate sweetness of the filling, the thin, chewy texture of the crust, and the perfectly balanced sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors of the dipping sauce, creating a captivating and alluring whole.

Grilled pork vermicelli and grilled pork spring rolls - Irresistible grilled flavors.

Hoi An cuisine also captivates diners with its tempting grilled dishes. Grilled pork skewers, marinated with distinctive spices and grilled over charcoal, are served with rice noodles, fresh vegetables, crispy spring rolls, and a rich sweet and sour dipping sauce. This simple dish has a unique and irresistible appeal.

Another equally appealing variation is the grilled pork roll wrapped in rice paper. The soft, chewy rice paper rolls are filled with fragrant grilled beef, dipped in a rich, slightly spicy peanut butter sauce, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Quang noodles - The soul of the countryside in a signature bowl of noodles.

One cannot overlook Quang Nam noodles, a dish that has become the pride of the entire Quang Nam region. An authentic bowl of Quang Nam noodles must have finely ground rice noodles, coated in peanut oil fried with shallots, then dried and loosened. The broth is simmered from pork, chicken, or shrimp bones, with a moderate consistency, poured just enough to soak the noodles, not completely submerging them. The noodles are topped with pieces of pork, shrimp, quail eggs, Tra Que fresh herbs, and crushed roasted peanuts, creating a simple yet profound flavor.

Phuong Bread - A legend in the heart of the Old Quarter

When mentioning Hoi An banh mi, everyone immediately thinks of Phuong banh mi, a brand that has transcended borders thanks to introductions from international culinary programs. The success of this banh mi comes from its ingenious combination: a crispy crust baked with fragrant garlic butter, and inside is a " world " of fillings including pate, cold cuts, char siu, sausage, fresh vegetables, and especially a sweet and sour papaya salad with a special family-recipe sauce. Each banh mi is a perfect balance of rich, sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.

Chicken rice and Vietnamese savory pancakes - The sophistication in each dish.

Hoi An chicken rice has a unique style. The rice grains are cooked with chicken broth and fresh turmeric, giving them a beautiful golden color and a fragrant, chewy texture. The shredded free-range chicken is naturally tender and sweet, served with Vietnamese coriander and a rich ginger fish sauce. Hoi An's banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) impresses with its small, bite-sized crust. The golden, crispy crust encloses a filling of fresh shrimp, meat, and bean sprouts, wrapped with fresh vegetables and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce – a taste that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.

Hoi An's banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) is a must-try dish for tourists visiting the area.

Clam stir-fry with rice crackers - A creative and rustic dish.

To fully appreciate its rustic charm, try the "Banh Dap Hen Xao" (Cracked Clam Rice Cake). This dish is a delightful combination of a crispy, crushed grilled rice cake sandwiched between soft steamed rice noodles, along with a plate of fragrant stir-fried clams with fried onions and coriander. A bite of the crispy rice cake blended with the rich, creamy clams, dipped in the characteristic fish sauce, and you'll understand why this simple dish is so appealing.

Mot tea and Hoi An tea - Refreshing in the heart of the ancient town.

After hearty meals, a refreshing cup of Mót tea will help balance your palate. This beverage is made from herbs such as monk fruit, licorice, chrysanthemum, and lotus leaves, creating a subtly sweet and healthy flavor. And of course, you can't miss the diverse range of Hoi An sweet soups like corn sweet soup, mung bean sweet soup, lotus seed sweet soup... Each bowl of fragrant, creamy coconut milk, cool and refreshing sweet soup is the perfect way to end your culinary journey.

Mango cake - A sweet treat full of nostalgia.

Walking through the streets, you'll easily spot vendors selling mango-shaped cakes. Despite the name, the cake doesn't actually contain mango. These small, charming cakes, shaped like mango seeds, have a soft, chewy glutinous rice flour crust encasing a filling of peanuts, sesame seeds, and shredded ginger, creating a unique sweet, slightly creamy, and subtly spicy flavor. This snack evokes cherished childhood memories for many Hoi An residents.

Enjoy it like a local - The secret to a truly fulfilling experience.

To truly immerse yourself in Hoi An's culinary world, you should learn to eat like a local. Instead of focusing solely on large restaurants in the Old Town, try wandering to smaller eateries, street vendors, or markets like Hoi An Market. Especially in the early morning, Thai Phien Street is a street food paradise with countless options from vermicelli and noodles to spring rolls. Don't hesitate to ask the locals for recommendations; they'll gladly point you to their favorite spots known only to Hoi An residents.

Remember to try the crispy fried wontons – another unique variation of the traditional wonton dish. And more importantly, take the time to savor each dish, so that it is not only delicious but also steeped in the cultural and historical stories of this heritage land. Hoi An awaits to awaken all your senses with its most exquisite flavors.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/du-lich/den-hoi-an-an-gi-khi-mon-an-tro-thanh-di-san-phi-vat-the-185692.html