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Hoi An Ancient Town is the most special destination in Vietnam. You don't visit magnificent buildings or just sightsee historical monuments. You get to live in the ancient town! And what's even better is the food. Many restaurants have gained international recognition. Asia King Travel is here to help you with where to eat in Hoi An.
Hoi An is not only beautiful but also full of delicious food
Address: No. 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
Just as its name suggests, Morning Glory Original specializes in serving authentic Vietnamese dishes, with a focus on Hoi An specialties. The restaurant is owned by Ms. Trinh Diem Vy, a chef, culinary researcher, and author of the famous cookbook “Taste Vietnam”. That alone speaks volumes about the quality of this restaurant.
The restaurant serves just about every Hoi An dish you can think of: banh xeo, cao lau, chicken rice, and even banh mi. With a menu of over 60 dishes, you’ll be tempted to just ask the waiter what’s best instead of spending too much time trying to decide. Prices are higher than average. Not just because of the delicious food, but also because you're paying for the whole dining experience and ambiance.
Morning Glory Original is always a top choice for international visitors to experience the flavors of Hoi An
The traditional architecture and culture of Hoi An inspire the restaurant. Lanterns, natural wood, and an open architectural style pay tribute to Vietnam’s cultural heritage. The ground floor features an open space designed like a classic Hoi An house, while the upper floor reflects French colonial architecture. The lighting, especially in the evening, creates a romantic and relaxing atmosphere.
The ambiance of Morning Glory evokes a sense of both classic charm and elegance, blending traditional Vietnamese culture with tasteful decor. The restaurant’s vibe is perfect for family meals, friendly gatherings, or romantic evenings. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone searching for where to eat in Hoi An with a bit of elegance.
Address: No. 2B Phan Chau Trinh Street
Now let’s move on to more casual eateries that focus on just one type of dish, the kind of places that really define Hoi An street food. Banh Mi Phuong has earned praise from many international food critics. They've showered it with compliments and often recommend it as a must-try spot when visiting Hoi An.
That’s why you’ll usually have to wait in line for about 15 to 20 minutes to get your hands on one. In fact, in that long queue, there often seem to be more international visitors than locals.
The best banh mi in Vietnam?
Compared to many other places, the bread here is noticeably crispier. They are always kept warm, ensuring a crispy crust while the inside remains soft and chewy. The shop offers more than 20 different fillings, from spring rolls, mixed meats, and pâté to Western-style options like ham, sausage, cheese (beef wrapped in cheese), and bacon. In addition, the accompanying fresh vegetables are also very diverse.
But the secret sauce is what truly makes their brand. The sauce is thick, with the perfect balance of sweet and salty. It's similar to a rich gravy but with a lighter flavor. It complements all the fillings in the baguette, making every bite absolutely fantastic. I've eaten at Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An before. I remember eating four or five of them in just two days!
Address: No. 115 Tran Cao Van Street
Another unmissable spot if you're hunting for where to eat in Hoi An like a local. No less famous is Banh Mi Madam Khanh. Despite its rather grand-sounding name, Madam Khanh’s banh mi is actually sold at a humble little shop located away from the Old Town. The space is only a few dozen square meters, yet it draws a constant stream of customers every single day.
It's no accident that Madam Khanh's banh mi has made such an impression on so many tourists. All thanks to the delicious flavor and meticulous preparation. The fillings are carefully prepared, with most ingredients being handmade by the family using a traditional recipe. The baguettes are baked in a charcoal oven, giving them a crispy crust and a wonderful buttery aroma.
Although located outside the Old Town, Banh Mi Madam Khanh still attracts a large number of visitors
Currently, the shop offers five types of banh mi for customers to choose from: mixed cold cuts, vegetarian, pork (ham), chicken, and fried egg. You can also try many other delicious banh mi spots, such as Banh Mi Bich, Phi Banh Mi, Banh Mi Aunt Lanh, and a lot more. Each street usually has at least one.
Address: No. 150 Tran Phu Street
Take a break at a local drink stall before moving on to the next dish. Mot Hoi An is a popular spot among young visitors, often chosen for its vintage vibe and flower-filled backgrounds. But what truly keeps people coming back is its signature herbal tea.
This refreshing, cooling drink costs less than USD 1
Mot tea is made from a blend of herbs such as jujube, cinnamon, monk fruit, and more. It gives you a refreshing, cooling sensation with every sip. Each cup is beautifully garnished with a lotus petal - a symbol of Vietnam. Another bonus: the shop uses eco-friendly paper cups and bamboo straws, making it even more "green." Honestly, this little drink could be considered a charming Vietnamese souvenir in itself.
Suggested for you: Hoi An Tour Full-day: Night Cuisine Adventure
Address: No. 22 Phan Chu Trinh Street
Hoi An chicken rice shares some similarities with Hainanese chicken rice found in Malaysia or Singapore, but instead of serving the chicken in whole pieces, it’s hand-shredded.
The flavor of Hoi An’s version leans more on the richness of the broth, and the rice is yellow-tinted from turmeric. The most recommended place to try this dish is Com ga Ba Buoi, a longtime local favorite.
It's best to go in the evening, as you might have to wait quite a while at lunchtime
According to the owner, the chicken is sourced entirely from free-range birds that roam and forage for food, resulting in meat that's both firm and tender. The accompanying herbs and greens come from Tra Que vegetable village, located just outside the town. Forget about Hainanese chicken rice, Hoi An’s version will give you so much more!
Address: No. 26 Thai Phien Street
Cao lau is a specialty dish you’ll only find in the Da Nang – Quang Nam region. It’s a dry noodle dish typically served with shrimp, char siu pork, fresh herbs, and optional toppings. In the past, cao lau was considered a dish for the upper class. Nowadays, you can find delicious versions of it all over the town, not just at Cao Lau Thanh.
This is where to eat in Hoi An if you’re chasing authenticity and want to feel at home with every bite. Despite its small size and the fact that it can get hot and quickly run out of seats, especially on a midday summer, it's the rustic, clean atmosphere and the owner's friendliness that make Cao Lau Thanh a familiar spot for both locals and tourists. The kitchen is set up right in the front, so as soon as customers arrive, they can see the meticulous skill of the cook, which creates an authentic and intimate vibe.
Cao Lau Thanh doesn’t attract customers with a fancy setting, but with the love and passion poured into the food
What truly draws people to the restaurant is the passion the owners put into every dish. All ingredients are carefully selected by the owner. Foreign guests will have no trouble communicating, as the owner speaks fluent English and is always eager to explain the dishes with genuine enthusiasm. It’s this warm hospitality that keeps the place constantly buzzing with customers.
Suggested for you: Hoi An Tour 1-day: Hoai River Boat Cruise
Address: No. 6 Truong Minh Luong Street
At Mi Quang Ong Hai, they only serve two dishes: Quang noodles and Cao lau. Since its opening, the restaurant has become a trusted spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy these two iconic dishes. This humble little noodle shop is tucked away in a quiet alley and run entirely by family members, giving it a warm, homey atmosphere. The prices are also affordable. A bowl typically costs between VND 30,000 and 40,000.
The eatery is clean and stays open nearly all day, so you can enjoy its food at almost any time
A serving here is simple, with just two thick slices of pork, pork sausage, shrimp, quail eggs, and soft, chewy yellow noodles. Thus, the flavor is rich. A bowl is a vibrant mix of colors: white, green, yellow, and red.
Address: No. 553 Hai Ba Trung Street
Starting and ending our list with a restaurant, we have White Rose Restaurant. This restaurant also serves many dishes of Hoi An cuisine, but it's most famous for the dish it's named after: the white rose dumplings. This is a type of dumpling made in a unique Hoi An style, where the cook shapes the wrapper to look like delicate white roses.
You can even try making the white rose dumplings yourself at the restaurant
There are two versions for you to try: steamed and fried (the fried version is often nicknamed Hoi An Pizza by foreign visitors). The steamed dumplings have a slightly chewy wrapper with a perfectly seasoned savory filling, while the fried ones puff up like a mini pizza crust or banh xeo. They're surprisingly light, thanks to the tangy onion and tomato sauce that balances out the flavors.
These are just a few standout spots to check out if you’re not sure where to eat in Hoi An. But if you’ve got the confidence and a spirit of adventure, you’ll discover plenty more amazing places to eat. Don’t let your Hoi An trip be just about strolling through the Old Town. Better yet, why not join a curated Hoi An food tour? Get in touch with Asia King Travel and we’ll take you on an unforgettable culinary journey through this charming ancient town.
Suggested for you: Hoi An Tours
