The Best Restaurants in Hoi An (2025 Foodie’s Guide)
Your expert guide to the can’t-miss dining in Hoi An, from legendary street food stalls serving Cao Lầu to elegant riverside fine dining.
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A Culinary Journey Through Hoi An
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enchants visitors not just with its lantern-lit streets, but also with a culinary tapestry rich in history and flavor. Indeed, the town’s past as a bustling trading port is evident in its food, which showcases a beautiful blend of cultural influences. For this reason, exploring the local food scene is an essential part of any trip to experience what Hoi An has to offer.
Consider this guide your passport to the most delicious and authentic dining in the city. Because we’re locals, our team has spent countless hours savoring everything from street-side snacks to gourmet meals. Consequently, we have compiled this list of our absolute favorite restaurants, which will ensure you find unforgettable flavors at every price point.
Hoi An’s Unmissable Local Dishes
1. Cao Lầu – The Town’s Signature Noodle
As the most iconic dish of Hoi An, Cao Lầu features thick, chewy noodles, slices of tender pork, and fresh greens. Its uniqueness comes from noodles traditionally made with water from the ancient Ba Le well. To get an authentic taste, you should visit **Thanh Cao Lau**, a Bib Gourmand gem.
Insider Tip: True Cao Lầu has very little broth, so don’t be surprised by the small amount of liquid. Ultimately, it’s all about the texture of the noodles and the flavor of the toppings.
2. Bánh Mì – The World’s Best Sandwich?
There’s a good reason Hoi An’s Banh Mi is legendary. After being made famous by Anthony Bourdain, **Banh Mi Phuong** now serves up a perfect combination of crispy baguette, rich pâté, and savory pork. Moreover, the sandwich includes a medley of fresh herbs and pickled vegetables, which makes it a must-try experience.
Insider Tip: There’s often a line, but it moves quickly. For a slightly less crowded but equally delicious alternative, try Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen.
3. White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Vạc)
A local specialty found only in Hoi An, these delicate, flower-like dumplings are a true delight. The translucent rice flour parcels come filled with minced shrimp and are then topped with crispy fried shallots. Interestingly, the original recipe is a closely guarded secret, served exclusively at the aptly named **White Rose Restaurant**.
Insider Tip: Order a platter to share as an appetizer. The simplicity of the dish, when paired with the tangy dipping sauce, is what makes it so special.
Hoi An Dining: FAQ
For an authentic experience, you cannot miss **Thanh Cao Lau** for the town’s signature noodle dish, **Banh Mi Phuong** for its world-famous sandwiches, and **White Rose Restaurant** for the unique dumplings you can only find in Hoi An.
Yes, Hoi An is very vegetarian-friendly! Many restaurants offer “chay” versions of local dishes. For a fully vegan menu, we highly recommend **The Fisherman Vegan Restaurant**, known for its delicious food and relaxed, eco-conscious vibe.
For most street food stalls and casual eateries, reservations are not needed. However, for popular fine dining spots like **Morning Glory Restaurant** or The Cargo Club, it is highly recommended to book a table in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (February-April).