Discover the top-rated chicken rice spots in Hoi An, with meals starting at just 20,000 dong.

Hearing about Hoi An chicken rice is nothing new, but amidst the dozens of rice shops along the old town streets, which one is truly worth a try when you only have a few days in Hoi An?

Explore the must-try chicken rice joints in Hoi An, with budget-friendly options starting at just 20,000 dong.

'You haven't truly experienced Hoi An until you've tried Bà Buội's chicken rice.' It's no wonder that along the petite Phan Chu Trinh street alone, there are dozens of chicken rice vendors clustered together. Each time we visit Hoi An, we make it a point to indulge in a plate of chicken rice. The most fascinating thing about Hoi An chicken rice is that no matter how many times you eat it... it's never enough. There's no such thing as identical plates of rice in Hoi An. Each rice dish comes with its own variation, from the way the rice is cooked, the tenderness of the meat, to the accompanying vegetables or homemade chili sauce, silently conveying the age-old traditions of the shop owners. Some places prefer rich and fragrant fatty chicken, while others are famous for their light flavors, and some even add a homemade chili sauce for an extra kick.

If you're still lost amidst the myriad of chicken rice options along the old town streets, read this incredibly detailed review below to find the best chicken rice spot in Hoi An that suits your taste buds perfectly!

Bà Buội's Chicken Rice

This is the undisputed number one destination for tourists, yet it also comes with reviews that are all talk and no substance, claiming there's nothing special here, only for tourists, locals wouldn't eat here. What's the real deal? You have to taste a basic meal to truly evaluate.

Photos: @rio.thefoodlist_, @letrinhngt

Our first impression was the fragrant aroma of garlic-infused rice, rich and flavorful without being overpowering. The rice grains were perfectly cooked, soft, and smooth, with just a hint of fried garlic and chicken fat blending together, absolutely no trace of raw garlic. Perhaps this is what makes the reputation of Bà Buội's chicken rice, as the garlic is cooked skillfully, combined with lightly pickled papaya salad and fresh herbs, refreshing the palate completely, making it endlessly enjoyable.

There's not much special to say about the chicken here, other than it's fatty and tender, but not overly aromatic. Or perhaps, because the rice itself is so delicious, paired with harmonious vegetables, what lingers in our taste buds afterward is just the fragrance of the vegetables and spices. However, this is still a place worth trying because hardly any chicken rice shops in Hoi An use garlic like Bà Buội's.

Bà Thuận's Chicken Rice

In contrast to Bà Buội, Bà Thuận's rice is clearly for chicken lovers. The rice grains are slightly moist and less fluffy compared to Bà Buội's, but the chicken is rich and fragrant. The richness doesn't come from overwhelming fat, but from the juicy meat carefully selected from tender hens, along with skillful boiling techniques.

Similar to other places, the chicken rice comes with a bowl of broth made from boiled chicken water and innards. What's special about Bà Buội's shop is the clear broth, with shiny golden fat droplets that increase richness and aroma without being too salty. For those who prefer lighter flavors, Hoi An chicken rice at Bà Thuận's might be a bit heavy, but it's undeniable that this is one of the best places for delicious chicken in Hoi An.

Anh Xí's Chicken Rice

Delicious – nutritious – affordable perfectly describes Anh Xí's chicken rice. Located in Trần Hưng Đạo alley, with just a rice cart and a few makeshift tables, it looks very modest compared to the famous shops mentioned above. However, if you're willing to squeeze onto a small plastic stool, you'll have the chance to enjoy one of the most delicious and affordable chicken rice dishes in Hoi An.

Photos: @trangjjo, @linhchimm

Anh Xí's chicken rice seems to combine the best of Bà Buội and Bà Thuận's establishments. The rice is very fluffy but not dry, and the tender chicken is equally rich, succulent, and fragrant, reminiscent of Bà Thuận's. What's special is the addition of a spoonful of homemade chili sauce, a sprinkle of pepper, and slices of fresh lime for garnish, all mixed together for a fragrant and flavorful experience that never gets old.

The only downside perhaps is that the pickled papaya salad is a bit too sour, its acidity overshadowing the harmonious blend of spices and fresh herbs on top. Overall, this is still a must-visit spot in Hoi An because the price is very affordable for a refreshing chicken rice dish, rich in meat, vegetables, and spices, true to the culinary spirit of Hoi An.

Bà Hương's Chicken Rice

We visited Bà Hương's shop late at night, after indulging in a plethora of delicacies from the old town. However, the chicken rice here didn't add any more heaviness. Among the rice shops in Hoi An, Bà Hương's rice is probably the fluffiest, smoothest, and lightest on the stomach. The rice grains are almost like broken rice grains, yet still have just enough moistness from the chicken fat. The pickles and fresh herbs accompanying it are seasoned just right, making the dish light and refreshing... more like a salad than chicken rice.

Perhaps too proud of their rice cooking technique, the chicken at Bà Hương's shop, while delicious, is quite scarce. If you're a fan of chicken, you'll need to order extra. A small note is that the chicken rice here already comes with a serving of broth that's just right in flavor. You can still ask for more if you like, but adding more may make the rice slightly salty and mushy.

By Young Intellectuals

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour