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Hoi An captivates both local and international tourists not only with its stunning landscapes and pleasant climate but also with its unique local specialties. If you're curious about what Hoi An has to offer in terms of delicacies, look no further. In this article, we'll introduce you to a list of 10 famous specialties in Hoi An.
1001 Tasty Delights: Hoi An's Unmissable Culinary Experiences in the Ancient Town
1. Hoi An Chicken Rice
First on our list of Hoi An specialties is the delectable Hoi An Chicken Rice. Nowadays, this dish can be found in many provinces across the country. However, if you truly want to savor the authentic taste, a visit to Hoi An, the dish's hometown, is a must.
The deliciousness of Hoi An Chicken Rice stems from meticulous ingredient selection and careful preparation. The chicken used must be of high quality, and the rice is seasoned before cooking. The cooking water is infused with chicken essence and pandan leaves. The rice is cooked over a wood stove instead of an electric one to impart a smoky aroma and preserve the distinctive flavor.
Carefully chosen large and healthy chickens are boiled, shredded, and mixed with herbs, onions, and spices. The dish is served with rice, shredded chicken, papaya, and pickled cucumbers. Additionally, it comes with Tra Que herbs and a steaming hot soup on the side.
If you're in Hoi An and want to relish this dish, head to 22 Phan Chu Trinh, specifically to Bà Buội Chicken Rice eatery. It's advisable to arrive early, as they usually sell out by 7 PM. Don't miss the chance to taste this Hoi An specialty!
2. Quang Noodle
When it comes to Hoi An specialties, one cannot overlook Quang Noodle. This dish is particularly beloved by both local and international tourists, and it's a must-try. The flat and thicker Quang noodles, vibrant yellow like turmeric, add a visual delight. The broth for this dish is often made from shrimp, pork, or even simmered chicken to create a sweet, rich flavor without being too heavy. Additionally, tomatoes and pineapple are added to the broth for a tangy twist and lively colors.
When enjoying Quang Noodle, it's customary to pair it with fresh greens from the Tra Que region. The greens should have both a bitter and characteristic astringent taste to make the dish enticing and harmonious, truly representing the specialty of Hoi An.
3. Hoi An Cao Lau
Hoi An Cao Lau, a renowned local specialty, echoes its fame far and wide. This Hoi An specialty bears a resemblance to Chinese cuisine and shares similarities with Japanese Udon. However, upon tasting, this dish still retains a distinct Vietnamese culinary identity.
What makes this dish unique is the special noodles. The ingredients for these noodles not only include fragrant rice but also undergo a meticulous soaking process in ash water to achieve a crispy yet chewy texture. This is likely the reason why Cao Lau noodles have a characteristic tan color, unlike the soft white strands of vermicelli or regular noodles.
Cao Lau is often enjoyed with crispy pork cracklings, slices of tender pork, and a special sauce exclusively crafted for this dish. To balance the richness, it is served with fresh greens from the Tra Que region.
There are numerous places to savor Cao Lau in Hoi An, but for a truly delicious experience, head to 26 Thai Vien, the renowned Thanh Cao Lau establishment.
4. Hoi An Steamed Rice Pancake (Banh Beo)
Next on the list of Hoi An specialties we'd like to introduce is Banh Beo. These cakes are made from white rice flour, creating a smooth and sticky texture. They are steamed in small dishes, resulting in a beautifully white and smooth appearance with a small, eye-catching swirl in the center. The filling is typically a mixture of shrimp and finely chopped meat, seasoned with various spices, stir-fried until well-cooked, and enhanced with a dash of rice flour water for a silky consistency. When enjoying Banh Beo in Hoi An, it's customary to use a small, pointed bamboo stick instead of a spoon or fork, resembling a blade-shaped tongue.
5. Smashed Rice Cake with Baby Clam Stir-fry (Banh Dap – Hen Xao)
Smashed Rice Cake with Baby Clam Stir-fry, also known as Banh Dap or Banh Chap, is another Hoi An specialty worth trying. This dish essentially consists of a wet cake sandwiched between two thin grilled rice paper sheets. The cake is often enjoyed with a stir-fry of baby clams. The cake's taste is a delightful combination of chewiness, richness, and crispiness. To savor this dish, you can visit Bà Già eatery in Thon 1, Cam Nam commune, near Cam Nam Bridge, renowned for its delicious Smashed Rice Cake with Baby Clam Stir-fry.
6. Hoi An Steamed Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac)
Hoi An Steamed Dumplings, long known as a famous specialty, have been warmly embraced by many tourists. In fact, Western visitors fondly refer to this dish as the 'white rose.' This nickname is due to the dumplings' appearance, resembling a delicate, white rose. Made from plain rice flour, molded into shape, and steamed to perfection, the dumplings are filled with finely ground shrimp, jicama, spring onions, fresh mushrooms, and accompanied by fragrant crispy shallots.
7. Hoi An Baguette (Banh Mi Hoi An)
Hoi An Baguette is a renowned dish not only recognized by domestic tourists but also celebrated internationally. Those who indulge in this Hoi An specialty never hesitate to sing its praises. The baguette, long and substantial, is generously filled and typically served with fresh greens. Establishments selling Hoi An Baguette always draw crowds of eager customers. Even at night, patrons patiently line up to secure these golden, aromatic loaves.
One of the must-try Hoi An Baguette shops is Phuong Baguette on Hoang Dieu Street, or you can explore Madam Khanh's Baguette on Tran Cao Van Street.
8. Hoi An Mung Bean Cake (Banh Dau Xanh)
When in Hoi An, don't miss out on indulging in Mung Bean Cakes. While a familiar treat for many Vietnamese, regional variations bring unique flavors, and undoubtedly, Hoi An Mung Bean Cakes have a distinct taste. This treat pairs exceptionally well with a cup of intense green tea.
9. Corn Sweet Soup (Che Ngo)
The next Hoi An specialty we'd like to introduce is Corn Sweet Soup (Che Ngo). This sweet and refreshing dessert is made from Cam Nam corn, featuring tender, chewy, and aromatic corn kernels that bring a rich flavor to the dessert.
Fresh corn kernels, harvested from the fields, are peeled and boiled to extract the corn water. The boiled corn is finely ground to form the base of the soup. The bowls of Corn Sweet Soup are both translucent and viscous, with a vibrant yellow color that is visually enticing. A drizzle of coconut milk on top enhances the aroma and adds a creamy touch.
10. Hoi An Black Sesame Dumpling (Banh It La Gai)
The final Hoi An specialty we want to introduce is Banh It La Gai. These dumplings are made from rice flour soaked in screwpine leaves, filled with mung beans and grated coconut. With their characteristic black color from the screwpine leaves, these dumplings are delightfully soft, sweet, rich, and slightly chewy. They make for a perfect gift as they have a long shelf life and are easy to carry on your journey.
Here are 10 renowned specialties from Hoi An that you must try at least once. Rest assured, these delicacies will captivate you, creating unforgettable memories.
Posted by: Vu Quyen
Keywords: Must-Try List of 10 Famous Hoi An Specialties
