Hoi An

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Hoi An attracts many tourists especially in the evenings when the sun has set. Aside from the Japanese Bridge, and endless activities that locals sell such as boat rides and floating lanterns, there are great eats that are very specific to Hoi An that you won’t find anywhere else.

Bánh mì

Bánh mì is unique in Hoi An. It’s different from the South and what many are used to in the American varieties. From the pointy bread to the mix of sauces, a variety of meat, sometimes an egg and Pâté, you can’t help but be head over heels.

Banh Mi Phuong

2B Phan Châu Trinh, Minh An, tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | +84 90 574 37 73

Anthony Bourdain paid a visit here a long time ago for one of his shows. You’ll know it’s the right place because his picture is right outside.

Banh Mi Queen

115 Trần Cao Vân, Sơn Phong, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | +84 90 666 03 09

This queen only makes one type of sandwich, and it’s a favorite of many. The egg, Chả, and hot sauce that kicks you in the mouth is such a rewarding combination. Plus, she has ample space inside so you can enjoy your sandwich while cooling off.

Bánh Mì Lành

430 Cửa Đại, Minh An, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Perhaps not famous, but just as satisfying as the places mentioned above. This spot is only a small cart that many commuters frequent.

Mì Quảng

Originating from the Quảng Nam Province, this bowl of noodles hits the spot with crunchy bits, quail eggs, and egg and rice noodles. It barely has any soup but packs a punch of flavor.

You can find Mì Quảng at Central Market. The stall we went to was off to the corner (not the middle aisles) run by a mother and daughter.

Central Market

73 Phan Bội Châu Sơn Phong tp. Hội An Sơn Phong tp. Hội An Quảng Nam 越南, Minh An, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Cao lầu

A Hoi An specialty, this braised pork noodle with crunchy bits and savory sauce. You can also find this at the Central Market from the same stall (see Mì Quảng).

Phở

Good old’ Phở! Broth, vermicelli noodles, topped with vegetables and meat. What more could you ask for? Phở is typically eaten for breakfast, but it’s definitely enjoyable whenever.

Pho Muoi

301 Cửa Đại, Cẩm Châu, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

Locals filled this place to the brim, and the side plate had thinly sliced green mangos which were very tasty. Basically, toss a bunch of chili and fish sauce. Then dip, and enjoy!

Banh Dap (Smashing Rice Paper)

This treat is basically smashing rice paper then ripping it to dip in the sauce. A fun snack food to eat with your hands.

Che Bap (Sweet Corn Soup)

The most unexpected treat. Che Bap can be served hot or cold and in the heat, having glutinous bits mixed with sweet cold corn over ice is probably the treat you never thought you wanted but is precisely everything you needed.

Hen Xuc Banh Trang (Minced Clams)

This little bed of baby clams and the sauce is one of the more fun treats to eat.

Just a short walk south of Hoi An is Cam Nam Village. If you’re willing to venture out, there’s a restaurant by the water tucked away that serves a few varieties that will help you snack your way to bliss. You can find Che Bap, Hen Xuc Banh Trang, and Banh Dap all at Quán Ăn Bến Tre (Xuyên Trung, Cẩm Nam, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam).

And a bit of everything else…

I didn’t quite know where to pack this in as they aren’t quite specialties of Hoi An but still loved every bit of here.

Kumquat BBQ Restaurant and Cooking Class

Tra Que Village, Cam Ha, Cẩm Hà, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

We stopped by here out in the village side based on a Tripadvisor search. This place is run by a couple with kids where restaurant patrons can take a cooking class. We opted just for picking our plates and enjoying the meal.