Vietnamese food should not be missed when in Vietnam. Each region and each city has its own distinctive specialties to offer. Hoi An's traditional specialties are easily savoured around the city ranging from private homes to street vendors, food courts to classy restaurants. So fellow tourists, if you're in Hoi An, you die die must try!
Cao lầu - Rice Noodle
The foremost traditional food in Hoi An and can only be found in Hoi An where its secret recipe lies in the pre-soaked of noodles in well-water drawn from ancient Cham wells.
This central regional Vietnamese dish is made with noodle, sliced pork, crispy crackers, mixed greens and juicy bean sprouts in light broth. The noodles are thickly cut, squarish looking, firm and chewy in texture. Its origin is said to come from either Japanese buckwheat soba noodles or Chinese wheat noodles as Hoi An was once the center of trade for these foreigners who were longing for the food of their homeland.
This central regional Vietnamese dish is made with noodle, sliced pork, crispy crackers, mixed greens and juicy bean sprouts in light broth. The noodles are thickly cut, squarish looking, firm and chewy in texture. Its origin is said to come from either Japanese buckwheat soba noodles or Chinese wheat noodles as Hoi An was once the center of trade for these foreigners who were longing for the food of their homeland.
Bánh bao vac - White Rose
The number 2 signature food of Hoi An, originated from a 120-years long kept family secret recipe. White Rose, a name given by the French is made from translucent white dough filled with shrimps and minced pork, bunched up to look like a rose, perhaps a Vietnamese version of the popular Chinese dim sum 'har gow' (虾饺 shrimp dumpling). It is served as an appetizer topped with crispy fried shallots and a lemony sweet chilli dipping sauce or plain fish sauce. A must try local favourite!
Hoành Thánh Chien - Fried Wonton
Hoi An version of fried wonton are bite sized fried pieces of triangular dough topped with warm pineapple salsa and tomato relish, resembling a piece of pizza, thus often refer to as Hoi An pizza. Other variation toppings are prawns, pork, chicken or vegetables. A satisfying indulgent that will brighten up your day. Eat it while it's hot!
Chả Giò Chiên - Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls
CriSpy, CraCkly exterior with savoury fillings of sauteed mixed vegetables inside. Vietnamese spring roll wrappers are made from rice paper, making them lighter and crackier to differ from the Chinese spring rolls whose wrappers are wheat based. A light appetizer or a small meal treat at anytime of the day.
Steam Rice with vegetables
Fluffy white steamed rice topped with stir-fried vegetables, just the way it should be. Vietnam rice has a soft texture, yet fulfilling and gentle on the stomach.
Tôm Chiên Giòn- Deep Fried Shrimp
Crispy deep fried shrimp fritters served with tomato ketchup. Flavourful and delicious!
Stir-fried Squid with Lemongrass
Chewy cuttlefish stir-fried with a combination of spices and herbs, sprinkled generously with sesame seeds. The unique aroma of the sauce, particularly the lemongrass makes us drool! Indeed, so delicious that you will want to lick your plate clean!
Grilled Fish in Banana leaf with lemon sauce
A local delicacy where tender fish fillets are seasoned, lightly grilled, topped with lemon sauce and presented on a piece of banana leaf. Not only does it look pretty, its yummy!
Chocolate Banana Pancake
If you love pancakes, you'll love this hearty pancake with chunks of sweet banana embedded inside and chocolate sauce drizzled on top. Beware! It can get you addicted!
We tried the above Hoi An specialties from a choice of set menus at a cafe.
Sweet and Sour Vegetarian Hot Pot
As for my vegetarian mother, this vegetarian hot pot has a perfect balance of sweet and sour soup base with a healthy combination of tofu, tomato, pineapple, carrot, bak choy and mushrooms. Very appetizing to eat along with white steamed rice.
How was the food? See it for yourself! (Was the food too yummy or our stomach too hungry?) How much was the bill? I won't come back for a second time! (The owner was snobbish too!)
Cơm Gà Hội An - Hoi An Chicken Rice
It was said that once you've tried Hoi An chicken rice, you'll remember it forever! From across the street, we could smell it's seductive aroma; so strong that it got our stomach rumbling. BUT we had to hold our hunger pangs because we were in Hoi An during the chicken flu outbreak!! I guess we'll have to come back when the chicken gets well!
Those who love fresh beer will love Hoi An for sure!
Cheap Cheap!! Cheers!!
NOTE:
1. Cao Lầu can be eaten in almost everywhere in Hoi An but authentic Cau Lau is best from street food vendors who only served one or two dishes and with lots of local eaters!
2. White Rose is best sampled at 533 Hai Ba Trung where the 4th generation Tran family serve this delicacy and supply to major restaurants. Great grandfather Tran was the creator of White Rose and his recipe remain tightly kept as a family secret recipe.
2. White Rose is best sampled at 533 Hai Ba Trung where the 4th generation Tran family serve this delicacy and supply to major restaurants. Great grandfather Tran was the creator of White Rose and his recipe remain tightly kept as a family secret recipe.
3. Fresh beer are locally brewed beer that must be consumed within 24 hours. Check their expiry before you bottoms up!
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
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