Top 6 Places to Eat in Hoi An

Charming street scene in Hoi An, Vietnam, with vibrant lanterns and traditional architecture.
Sachith Ravishka Kodikara, Pexels

Hoi An's dining scene is a vibrant tapestry, blending its rich history as a trading port with a deep-rooted local culinary tradition, offering an array of distinct flavors for every palate.

1. Banh Mi Phuong

Cuisine: Vietnamese Sandwich (Banh Mi)

Widely celebrated, this spot creates exceptional banh mi sandwiches, featuring a crispy baguette generously filled with a variety of meats, fresh herbs, and homemade sauces. Each sandwich is prepared fresh, making it a staple for anyone exploring Hoi An's street food.

Price: 15,000 - 35,000 VND (~$0.60 - $1.40 USD)

Getting There: Located at 2B Phan Chu Trinh, it is easily walkable from most parts of the Ancient Town.

2. Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen

Cuisine: Vietnamese Sandwich (Banh Mi)

A popular alternative for banh mi enthusiasts, this unpretentious stall is renowned for its unique, flavorful sandwiches, enhanced by a distinctive homemade sauce. Options typically include a mix of pork, cheese, chicken, or egg, combined with pickled vegetables, offering a truly local taste experience.

Price: Around 30,000 - 35,000 VND (~$1.20 - $1.40 USD)

Getting There: Found at 88 Thái Phiên, Phường Minh An, it is a short walk from the main Ancient Town area.

3. White Rose Restaurant

Cuisine: Local Hoi An Specialties

This is the original home of the iconic 'white rose' dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac), delicate steamed rice flour parcels filled with spiced minced shrimp or pork, crafted to resemble delicate flowers. The restaurant also offers crispy fried wontons, and guests can often observe the traditional dumpling-making process.

Price: Affordable, typical for local specialties.

Getting There: Situated at 53-65 Hai Ba Trung, it is a short distance from the Ancient Town, accessible by walking or a quick taxi ride.

4. Morning Glory Signature

Cuisine: Authentic Central Vietnamese Cuisine

As a highly regarded establishment by acclaimed chef Trinh Diem Vy, this restaurant offers a comprehensive introduction to Central Vietnamese cuisine. Expect beautifully prepared dishes like Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and crispy Banh Xeo in an inviting, restored colonial setting. Its riverside location enhances the dining experience.

Price: Mid-range, slightly higher than street food but offering a more refined ambiance.

Getting There: Conveniently located at 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward, it is central within the Ancient Town.

5. Mango Rooms

Cuisine: Creative Vietnamese Fusion

This art-infused restaurant presents a creative fusion of Vietnamese and international flavors, often highlighting local ingredients in innovative ways. Its vibrant decor and an open-air terrace overlooking the Thu Bon River provide a picturesque setting for a memorable meal, complemented by a selection of cocktails.

Price: Higher-end, reflecting its fusion cuisine and riverside ambiance.

Getting There: Located at 45 Nguyen Phuc Chu, Minh An, it is centrally positioned along the Thu Bon River, near Hoi An Market.

6. The Soul Restaurant

Cuisine: Contemporary Vietnamese and Fusion

Housed within the Rivertown Hoi An Resort & Spa, this elegant restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Vietnamese dishes, infused with Eastern and Western influences. The space is warm and inviting, providing both comfortable indoor seating and airy outdoor areas, ideal for a sophisticated dining experience.

Price: 205,000 - 1,282,000 VND per dish (~$8.50 - $53 USD)

Getting There: Situated at 47 Thoai Ngoc Hau, Cam Chau, it is a short taxi or Grab ride from the Ancient Town.