Disclaimer: This is based on my personal experience and preference. There are plenty more delicious places beyond the list below and I encourage you to try them out and share your experience in the comment section.
Hoi An was part of my Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue trip in April 2024. I stayed in Hoi An for only 1 day and 1 night and I wished I allocated more time in this beautiful old town. My strategy here was to eat at renowned places or places recommended by the locals who grew up in Hoi An.
1. Banh Mi or Banh My
This is a must-try when you visit Vietnam and essential when you’re in Hội An. This is eaten as a breakfast, lunch or afternoon snack.
Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen
Location: 115 Trần Cao Vân, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam. When in Hoi An, just search for (115 Tran Cao Van or Madam Khanh on Google Maps and it will direct you to the right place)
Highlights: This is where I had the BEST Banh Mi I ever had in Vietnam. If there is only 1 place to go, I highly recommend this place. I loved it so much that I ate here twice despite only staying in Hoi An for one day and one night.
Bánh Mỳ Phượng
Location: 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street, Tân An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Highlights: This is a very popular spot, and many people love it. However, it’s worth noting that they were sued for food poisoning in 2023. The business was suspended for three months but resumed operations in January 2024. I tried it in April, and while I personally prefer the fillings at Madam Khanh, I recommend giving it a try to form your own opinion.
2. Iced herbal drink
Nước Mót
Location: 150 Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Highlights: This is a cold herbal drink featuring lemongrass, lotus leaves, tea, honey, licorice, and other ingredients, all brewed together to create a light, thirst-quenching refreshment. Take a sip through the bamboo straw, and you’ll first notice a subtle sweetness accompanied by an elegant fragrance. Just when you think that’s all, you’ll experience a pleasantly rich aftertaste, leaving you wondering how it’s possible.
Note: Be sure to look for ‘Nước Mót’ as there are few places selling it under the name of ‘Nước Mát’ and the taste is not the same.
3. Cao lầu noodles
Cao lầu Thanh
Location: 26 Thái Phiên, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Highlights: To me, this dish feels like a noodle salad. It starts with a base of yellow noodles, fresh lettuce, and herbs, topped with char siu pork and crispy pork crackling. And of course, we can’t forget the secret sauce that ties all the flavors together. Best to eat as breakfast.
4. Chicken rice (Cơm gà)
This dish is incredibly popular in Hoi An, and many would say that a visit to the city isn’t complete without trying it. The rice, cooked in chicken broth, is served with tender boiled chicken and accompanied by chicken broth. While I personally prefer the Singaporean version of chicken rice, I still wouldn’t miss the chance to enjoy this local specialty when in Hoi An.
Cơm Gà Bà Buội
Location: 22 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Highlights: Located in the heart of the Old Town, it’s a bustling spot, but you won’t have to wait long for a table. It’s especially popular with tourists. The seating is indoors, though there’s no air conditioning.
Cơm Gà Xí Hội An
Location: 47/2 Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Highlights: Tucked away in a small alley with outdoor seating, this spot comes highly recommended by my local friends who were born and raised in Hoi An. A small note: the dining area could benefit from more thorough cleaning, which might be off-putting to some, but if that’s not a deal-breaker for you, it’s definitely worth a try.
*I forgot to take photos here*
5. Activity: Outdoor photography
I booked an outdoor photography session with a local photographer and it was worth every penny. The package details and prices vary depending on the studio, but for reference, here’s what I opted for:
- Studio: WOW Studio
- Package: Couple (Enhanced package)
- Duration: 120 minutes (make-up time not included)
- Deliverables: 40 edited photos plus all the raw images. Make-up for one person.
- Price: 2,800,000 VND (approximately 113 USD or 86 GBP)
- Add-ons: Since this was a last-minute decision and we didn’t prepare outfits, we rented them from the studio at a small additional cost.
The owner, Loi, who was also the photographer, was incredibly professional, friendly, and enthusiastic. He made the photography session feel very natural, and the photos I received, even the raw files, were fantastic.
A few things I’d love to try when coming back to Hoi An again.
Food to try:
- 92 station restaurant & cafe (More for the view). Address: 92 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 564007, Vietnam
- Mì Quảng Ông Hai – Mr. Hai Noodles. Address: 6A Trương Minh Lượng, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000, Vietnam
Food to eat again:
- Madam Khanh banh my
- Nuoc Mot
Activities to try:
- Night boat and lantern release. Make sure to check the price on the website as the baseline, and ask several providers as they all quoted me a different price.
- Coconut boat ride.
