🇻🇳 Top authentic local food in Hoi An you wish you knew - Vietnam

Coconut / Salt Coffee

💡What is it? Vietnamese uses Robusta beans known for their strong, bold flavor with higher caffeine content compared to Arabica, using the distinctive drip filter method.

📍Significance: Apart from being the largest Robusta beans producer, their unique and distinct style of coffee preparation that reflects the country's cultural preferences and historical influences

1. Ren Rua Cafe

Ren Rứa Cafe

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Nice, ambient place for a cuppa. You can try coconut / salt coffee too.

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2. Faifo Coffee

Faifo Coffee

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Great balcony views, perfect when the weather is nice

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3. Chu An Coffee

Chu An Cafe

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Nice place for people watching, just facing across the river

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Vietnamese Baguette - Bánh Mì

💡What is it? A crispy baguette, generously filled with various ingredients such as pate, grilled pork, and fresh herbs

📍Significance: A delectable street food that stands as a symbol of Vietnam's historical resilience and cultural adaptability.

4. Madam Khanh

Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen

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Quaint little place for a Vietnamese baguette

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5. Bánh Mì Phượng (Temporarily Closed)

Bánh Mì Phượng

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Anthony Bourdain ate here. It is currently closed, not sure what the reason is (last checked Oct 23)

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Flavorful Mi Quang Noodle

💡What is it? Vietnamese flat rice noodle (kway-tiao) dish bathed in a turmeric-infused broth, topped with a harmonious combination of fresh herbs, meats (such as shrimp, pork, or chicken), and often accompanied by a crispy rice cracker.

📍Significance: The dish originates from Quang Nam Province in Central Vietnam. Each city will have subtle differences. 

6. Cao Lầu Hồng (MY FAVORITE!!)

Cao Lầu Hồng

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I love the Mi Quang noodle here! It is my favorite dish in Vietnam after having it here. As a Southeast Asian, I revel in the fact that the stall looks so street-side and unassuming. Very non-touristy and I always get a seat!

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7. Quán Cao Lầu Thanh

Quán Cao Lầu Thanh

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Street stall vibe with lots of locals during lunch time

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8. Mi Quang Ong Hai

Mì Quảng Ông Hai - Mr. Hai Noodles

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Little restaurant at the end of ancient town. Good to stop by if you’re near, it is in the fabric market area

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Hoi An Well Water Noodle - Cao Lầu

💡What is it? A thick brown rice noodles dish. Slices of pork, fresh herbs, and a unique broth made from local well water.

📍Significance: This dish reflects the city's historical connection to Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese traders, resulting in a distinctive blend of culinary influences.

8. Cao Lầu Hồng

Cao Lầu Hồng

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I love the Mi Quang noodle here! It is my favorite dish in Vietnam after having it here. As a Southeast Asian, I revel in the fact that the stall looks so street-side and unassuming. Very non-touristy and I always get a seat!

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9. Quán Cao lầu Bá Lễ

Quán Cao lầu Bá Lễ - Quán Cao Lầu ngon tại Hội An

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Cute restaurant with lots of Hoi An local food. If you want to try everything in one place, this is a great option. Apart from Cau Lau, try their Banh Xeo, White Rose Dumplings, Mi Quang Noodle.

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10. Hai Chiến Cao Lầu - Inside Central Market

Hai Chiến - Cao Lầu & Phở & Hủ Tiếu (Stall E034)

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Anthony Bourdain ate the Cao Lau at this stall. Take the chance to explore the Central Market of 175 years old while you’re here.

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White Rose Dumplings - Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc

11. Inside the Quan Thang Ancient House

Quan Thang Ancient House

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Highly recommend booking a local history tour that brings you here. This house has so much history, together with the flood markings Hoi An encounters every year (where locals will use boats and tourists are not allowed to enter). I spoke with the house owner in Chinese! How amazing that is the melting pot of Hoi An. And, they still make white rose by hand here.

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12. White Rose Restaurant

White Rose Restaurant

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Two options of dumplings: Steamed and Fried!

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Grill Pork Skewers & Spring Rolls -Thịt Xiên Nướng

💡What is it? Delicious and savory dish but also a popular and social street food experience.

📍Significance: Found all over Vietnam in different variations.

13. Bale Well Restaurant (ALSO MY FAVORITE!)

Bale Well restaurant

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They serve one thing only. And you should know this is the kind of place that makes the best food if they only serve one dish. Multiple items in 1 set (you will see on the menu) - includes pork skewers, rice paper wrap, pancake, spring rolls. SO GOOD.

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14. Co Thu BBQ Restaurant

Co Thu BBQ Restaurant

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Little place at a little alley, grill pork skewers are a must-eat in Hoi An

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Vietnamese Pancake - Bánh Xèo 

💡What is it? A savory pancake that is renowned for its crispy texture and flavorful filling. It is often served with fresh basil and mint, lettuce leaves, and rice paper. Typically, you have to assemble their own rolls by wrapping portions of the pancake, herbs, and vegetables in rice paper.

15. Bánh Xèo, Thịt Nướng, Nem Lụi Bà 9

Bánh Xèo, Thịt Nướng, Nem Lụi Bà 9

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Banh Xeo originates from Central Vietnam. The taste varies across different province, be sure to try one at Hoi An

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Hoi An Chicken Rice - Cơm Gà

💡What is it? Sliced & seasoned tender chicken with rice cooked in chicken broth. 

📍Taste of the chicken rice is lighter than those in Singapore/Malaysia.

16. Cơm Gà Hiền

Cơm Gà Hiền

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Small local place with good chicken meat and fresh vegetables

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17. Cơm Gà Bà Buội

Cơm Gà Bà Buội

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Craving for a lighter dish? This is a good option. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some chicken innards too.

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 👉🏼 Vietnam In-Depth Travel Guide based on my personal solo trip!

Carrine Eng

🇻🇳 Vietnam in 30 days: North to South

Culture. Nature. Food. History. And everything you need. Recommendations based on authentic experience. 🛵 Attractions - Top attractions (min. 3) in each town 👄 Food - Must-eat local food at each place, in-depth food guides upcoming (Hanoi & Hoi An food guide available) 🌏 Stay - Options (min. 3) for each location: dorms, homestays, hotels Solo travel tips, useful personal opinions, and easy booking links are included. *This guide is constantly being updated. **Appreciate tips (at the bottom of the page) if you find this helpful!

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It includes: Places of interest - Accommodation options - Local food highlights & free guide

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Carrine Eng

🇻🇳 Top authentic local food in Hanoi you wish you knew - Vietnam

Vietnamese food is definitely a big part of the culture. From coffee to salad to noodles, I am sure you will enjoy the fresh and simple food as much as I do. For example, food in the North, Hanoi is comparably lighter and less intense than the food in the South. If you are a food purist or big on tasting all the ingredients in its authentic flavor, you must not miss Hanoi's good local street food. *Guide will be updated whenever I have new recommendations!

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Hey, fellow adventurers! 🌺

I'm Carrine – A spirited female solo traveler with a passion for adventure, exquisite cuisine, and the thrill of exploration.

Fueling my love for travel, I'm sharing my itineraries for free where like-minded female travelers can enjoy exploring the beauty of our planet conveniently.

Here's what you can expect from me:

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IG: @carrine.travels