While Hoi An is famed for its Ancient Town, this destination is a hotspot for foodies too and these are some of the top dishes in Vietnam that you can try on your visit.
White Rose
Banh bao vac or ‘white rose’ is a speciality here and is a delectable snack consisting of small dumplings that are prepared in a way to resemble the flower of its name. Available at local eateries and restaurants of properties like Anantara Hoi An Resort, these dumplings are generally stuffed with shrimp, pork or other meats, though you get vegetarian versions too.
Cao Lau
Featuring a soupy consistency, cao lau (noodle bowl) features rice noodles and is another popular dish in Hoi An. Restaurants in the Ancient Town, as well as resorts, have it on their menus; amongst the key ingredients are pork usually marinated in five-spice powders, fresh herbs and beansprouts, while it’s served with a spicy sauce or jam to be mixed into it.
Hoi An Chicken Rice
Com Ga Hoi An or Hoi An chicken rice is a signature local dish that’s well worth savouring on your foodie tour. A much-loved street food, this dish comes with shredded and succulent chicken made with onions, Vietnamese coriander and other ingredients; it’s served on aromatic turmeric rice that has been cooked in chicken stock, which adds to the flavour.
Pho
An iconic Vietnamese dish, pho, is a must-try in Hoi An too; the fresh rice noodles in a salty broth are complemented by the use of chicken or beef, herbs and ingredients like cardamom, star anise and cinnamon as well as chilli and fish sauce that offer a distinctive flavour. Some resorts even offer cooking classes that include learning the secrets of making pho!
