Discover the ultimate Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide for an unforgettable Vietnamese culinary adventure. This comprehensive list of the best restaurants, cafes, and street foods in Central Vietnam will satisfy your cravings for delicious, affordable, and mouth-watering local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the vibrant food culture of Da Nang and Hoi An, and indulge in iconic dishes like Banh Mi, Cao Lau, and Mi Quang. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors, this food guide provides valuable tips on where and what to eat during your visit to Da Nang and Hoi An.
What To Eat in Da Nang and Hoi An
Experience the culinary delights of Da Nang and Hoi An, where a plethora of dining options await. From the vibrant street food scene showcasing an array of local cuisines to cozy Vietnamese restaurants offering authentic flavors, Central Vietnam has it all. Whether you’re a fan of street food or prefer a sit-down dining experience, there are numerous choices to satisfy your cravings and explore the regional specialties. Indulge in the best food that Da Nang and Hoi An have to offer, and embark on a delicious journey through Central Vietnam’s diverse culinary landscape.
Here are a few local Vietnamese delicacies you have to try and listed in the Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide:
- Mì Quảng (Quang style Noodle)
- Cao lầu (Hoi An Style Noodles)
- Bánh mì (Vietnamese Bread)
- Thit Xien Nuong (Grilled meat on Skewers)
- Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Rice Crepes / Pancakes)
- Phở Bo (Beef Pho Noodle Soup)
- Com Ga Hoi An (Vietnamese Chicken Rice)
- Refreshing drink (Vietnamese iced coffee, local beer, lotus herbal tea, and more )
Mì Quảng (Quang style Noodle)
Mì Quảng, a popular Vietnamese noodle dish hailing from Quảng Nam Province, is a must-try for both locals and travelers in Da Nang, Central Vietnam. This flavorful dish features turmeric rice noodles, meat, and herbs, complemented by a small amount of broth. Toppings include freshly fried peanuts or rice crackers, with raw vegetables served alongside. You can find Mì Quảng throughout Da Nang, offering an authentic local experience. During our exploration, we stumbled upon a hidden alley restaurant frequented by locals, while Quang Thi Noodles is another excellent choice. Enjoy the delectable combination of Quang noodles and crispy ram at affordable prices ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 VND per bowl.
Cao lầu (Hoi An Style Noodles)
Cao Lau, the iconic Hoi An Style Noodles, is a must-try dish in Central Vietnam. This rice noodle delight is served with succulent pork, fresh greens, and aromatic herbs. What sets Cao Lau apart is its unique noodles, soaked in local water with wood ash lye, resulting in vibrant yellow color and distinctive flavor.
Hoi An’s historic town is the perfect place to savor Cao Lau, available at noodle vendors, night markets, food stalls, and hidden eateries. We savored a bowl of Cao Lau by the Hoai River while exploring Hoi An Ancient Town. While not claiming the title of the best, this flavorsome local dish truly delighted our taste buds.
Prices range from 20,000 to 25,000 VND per bowl.
Bánh mì (Vietnamese Bread)
Bánh Mì, a culinary gem introduced by the French during colonial times, has evolved into one of Vietnam’s national dishes. This delectable treat refers to a small French baguette, toasted to perfection, and transformed into a mouthwatering sandwich. Bursting with flavor, it is filled with an array of fillings, including local Pâté, eggs, cold meat, shredded chicken, grilled meat, and crisp vegetables.
While Bánh Mì can be found throughout Vietnam, Hoi An is renowned for its exceptional variations, earning the reputation of serving the “best Bánh Mì in the world.” Among the standout establishments, Banh Mi Phuong and Banh My Queen shine as favorites. Recommended by renowned journalist Anthony Bourdain, Banh Mi Phuong offers a crispy baguette brimming with delightful spreads and succulent meats, all at an incredibly affordable price.
Indulge in the flavors of this Vietnamese delight, with prices ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 VND per loaf. Experience the perfect harmony of French and Vietnamese culinary influences in every delectable bite.
Thịt xiên nướng (Grilled meat on Skewers)
Thit Nuong, meaning baked or barbecued meat, and Thit Xien Nuong, referring to grilled meat on skewers, are beloved Vietnamese dishes. Typically, pork is marinated and skewered, accompanied by a variety of spices, sauces, and fresh vegetables.
The mouthwatering grilled pork is cooked over hot charcoal and wrapped in a moist cake, along with herbs and raw veggies. The dipping sauce adds a delightful touch to the dish. Immerse the skewers in the specially prepared sauces for an explosion of flavors, combining the sweetness of the sauce with the savory meat and crisp vegetables.
Street stands throughout Vietnam offer these delectable pork skewers, with Hoi An Ancient Town in the central region being a particularly popular spot. The irresistible aroma will surely entice you as you stroll by.
Prices start from 5,000 VND per skewer.
Bánh xèo (Vietnamese Rice Crepes / Pancakes)
Bánh Xèo is a popular Vietnamese street snack, particularly in the Central and Southern regions. This savory crepe or pancake is made with a combination of rice flour, turmeric, coconut cream, and other flavorful ingredients. The crispy, golden-yellow crepe is filled with a delicious blend of shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
While walking along the streets, you’ll come across numerous food stalls offering this local delicacy. The irresistible aroma and the crispy texture of these hot pancakes will captivate you from the very first bite. Alternatively, you can also savor Banh Xeo at restaurants, where it is typically served with a plate of fresh herbs and lettuce.
Prices for Bánh Xèo range from 10,000 to 30,000 VND per piece.
Phở bo (Beef Pho Noodle Soup)
The iconic Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup or Pho Bo is probably one of the most well-known noodles to come from Vietnam. A bowl of supremely tasty noodle soup dish is consisting of broth, rice vermicelli, herbs, and thin slices of meat. Pho is served in restaurants, street stalls, and local markets countrywide.
I enjoyed many Vietnamese dishes in Vietnam, but Pho bo was my hands-down favorite. It’s delicious and one of my favorite dishes to eat not just in Da Nang and Hoi An, but in all of Vietnam. We love to eat the most authentic Pho when visiting the local market. A down-to-earth Vietnamese experience you don’t want to miss.
Besides, we also recommended Pho Tung, one of the popular Pho restaurants in Hoi An, serving the best pho in town.
Pho Tung is located in a quaint alley in Hoi An ancient town. It is a wonderful little family shop with two dishes on the menu: standard beef pho and a bigger bowl with an egg- both are delicious. The owner is very friendly and he even comes out from the stall and shows us how to eat the pho properly with the spices and sauces. Excellent taste and texture.
Price from: 20,000-25,000 VND/bowl.
Com Ga Hoi An (Vietnamese Chicken Rice)
Com Ga is the Vietnamese version of Hainanese chicken rice, and one of the best places to try it is at Com Ga Hoi An. They use young and farm-fresh chicken, marinated with ginger and hand-pressed peanut oil for a delicious golden color. The rice is cooked directly in umami chicken stock, resulting in soft and flavorful grains. The meticulous preparation and attention to detail make Com Ga Hoi An highly recommended.
A typical plate of Com Ga includes shredded chicken, fragrant turmeric rice, Vietnamese coriander, onions, and a tangy lime juice dressing. It’s a tasty and refreshing dish.
Prices for Com Ga start from 35,000 VND per plate.
Refreshing Drink
Central Vietnam offers a diverse drink menu that includes traditional teas like Bia hơi (fresh beer), herbal tea, lotus seed tea, corn tea, and Vietnamese coffee, among others. When exploring the culinary delights of Da Nang and Hoi An, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try these refreshing and unique beverages. Discover the best drinks in Central Vietnam with our Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide.
Vietnamese iced coffee
After a day of exploring the city, there’s nothing better than a refreshing cup of coffee to unwind. In the vibrant city of Hội An, you’ll find a wide range of coffee options, from traditional to trendy, and from local to Western-style. Don’t forget to indulge in the famous Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk (Cà Phê Dá) when you visit Central Vietnam. Discover the best coffee spots in Hội An with our guide.
Bia Saigon
Saigon Beer, also known as Bia Saigon, holds the top position among Vietnam’s beers. This local brewery offers a foamy brew with a flavor similar to regular beer, albeit slightly less carbonated. Whether you’re dining out or exploring the local scene, you’ll find beer priced on par with soft drinks. Enjoy the affordability of beer in Vietnam, with prices ranging from around 15,000 VND to 50,000 VND at restaurants. Treat yourself to a taste of Vietnam’s popular Saigon Beer during your visit.
Lotus Herbal Tea
For a distinct tea experience, indulge in the lotus herbal tea at MOT in Hoi An. Nestled on a bustling street in the old town, this charming café not only serves delectable local Vietnamese cuisine but also offers the finest iced tea in Hoi An. Their renowned Lotus Herbal Tea is a refreshing blend of herbs, lotus root, and lemongrass, served with a delicate lotus petal and an abundance of crushed ice. Its unique flavor is difficult to put into words, but it guarantees a revitalizing sensation after a leisurely stroll through town.
Overview: Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide
Discover the ultimate Da Nang and Hoi An Food Guide, providing insights on where and what to eat in these vibrant Vietnamese cities. From traditional cuisine found in restaurants, and local markets, to enticing street food stalls, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Embark on a delightful food tour in Da Nang and Hoi An, where you can indulge in the diverse flavors of Vietnam. It’s easier than you think to satisfy your taste buds and bring home the authentic Vietnamese experience. Don’t miss out on this culinary adventure!
Share your Hoi An food experiences and explore more of my travel guide blog posts on Central Vietnam trips.
Leave a Reply