Hoi An is a charming city located on Vietnam’s central coast. It is famous for its history, beautiful architecture, and mouthwatering breakfast dishes. The food scene in this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a wide range of options, from noodle soups to tasty sandwiches.
This article will take you on a gourmet journey through Hoi An’s best breakfasts. Additionally, we will highlight the unique ingredients and flavors of these delicious dishes that make each one a must-try.
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Contents
Overview Of Traditional Vietnamese Breakfast Dishes
Before exploring breakfast in Hoi An, let’s take a look at Vietnamese breakfast dishes. They offer a perfect balance of flavors, delightful textures, and a variety of ingredients.
It’s important to understand the ingredients and flavors that contribute to these popular breakfast delights. For instance, fresh herbs and vegetables like cilantro add a refreshing touch to many dishes.
In addition, the bold flavors of fish sauce, chili, and lime juice provide a contrasting taste. Rice noodles, baguettes, and grilled meats are also essential components that enhance the flavor of breakfast dishes in Vietnam, particularly the best breakfast options in Hoi An.
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Top 5 Vietnamese Breakfast Suggestions In Hoi An
Now, let’s check out the enchanting city of Hoi An. Hoi An’s breakfast offerings are a testament to the city’s rich cultural influences. The local specialties found here are not only food, or even street food. They are expressions of culinary heritage passed down through generations.
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1. Cao Lau – The Traditional Hoi An Food
Cao Lau
Cao Lau is a Vietnamese noodle dish famous in Vietnam's central area, notably in the city of Hoi An. Learn more!
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As you explore the enchanting streets of Hoi An, you’ll soon encounter Cao Lau, a unique dish from this region. It consists of rice noodles with cha siu pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, rice crackers, crispy fried shallots, and deep-fried squares of roasted pork and skin.
One of the unique aspects of Cao Lau is the water used to create the noodles. To make authentic Cao Lau, water from the Ba Le Well, an old Cham well, must be used. The alkaline water from the well is mixed with wood ash from Cham Island trees to create a lye solution for pre-soaking the noodles.
Foodies are also intrigued by the origin of the name Cao Lau. In Vietnamese, Cao Lau translates to “high story” and during the 17th century, it was a dish exclusively served to the aristocracy. Although there is no longer a class system, the name is still used as a symbol of Hoi An street cuisine.
Don’t miss out on trying Cao Lau when you visit Hoi An!
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- Price range: 25.000 ~ 44.000 VND (1 ~ 2 USD) / a bowl
- Famous eatery: Ba Be Cao Lau – Central Market, 19 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An
2. Banh Mi – Vietnamese Sandwich For A Quick Breakfast
Banh Mi /ˌbɑːn ˈmiː/
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that has acquired popularity both in Vietnam and beyond. Learn more!
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Banh Mi in Hoi An contains a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, cucumbers, pickled vegetables, carrots, and coriander. Every bite of the Banh Mi delivers the perfect combination of spice, salt, sweetness, and crunch of vegetables and grilled pork or fried egg
This Vietnamese Banh Mi has gained popularity and become a local favorite due to its mouthwatering flavor, reasonable price, and easy preparation. Visit Banh Mi Phuong or Banh Mi Queen for the best Banh Mi sandwiches in Hoi An.
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- Price range: 15.000 ~ 40.000 VND (1 ~ 2 USD) / a Vietnamese baguette sandwich.
- Famous eatery: Banh Mi Phuong – 2B Phan Chau Trinh Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An.
3. Com Ga (Chicken Rice) – A Satisfying Morning Meal
Com Ga Hoi An – Chicken Rice
Com Ga Hoi An, or Chicken Rice, is a popular Vietnamese cuisine that originated in the central coastal city of Hoi An. Learn more!
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Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice) is a local food delicacy that should not be missed by visitors when they come to this area. While chicken rice can be found in many local marketplaces, Quang chicken rice offers a particularly unique flavor.
The dish consists of yellow rice cooked with poached chicken broth, white shredded chicken, and green vegetables. The local people use a special recipe to prepare seasoned pilaf rice, resulting in soft, fragrant, and slightly oily grains.
You will also experience the absolutely delicious taste when savoring the flavorful shredded chicken, seasoned with Vietnamese spices such as coriander, onions, pepper, tomato sauce, chili, laksa leaves, and lime juice.
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- Price range: 35,000 ~ 50,000 VND (2 ~ 3 USD) / a plate
- Famous eatery: Com Ga Ba Buoi, 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Phuong Minh An, Hoi An
4. Pho – A Classic Vietnamese Food
Pho / “fuh.”
Pho is a popular Vietnamese dish that has captured the appetites and tastebuds of people all over the world. Learn more!
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Pho has become a traditional Vietnamese cuisine and is considered the most typical dish of Vietnamese cuisine. In particular, in Hoi An, Pho holds strong attraction for both tourists and locals.
Pho is a noodle soup that consists of rice noodles, beef or chicken clear broth, and a variety of herbs and spices. The broth is simmered for a long time to ensure the beef is tender and flavorful, resulting in the quintessential noodle soup. Therefore, the simplicity and complexity of Pho contribute to its impressive taste.
Don’t forget to add spices and herbs! Bean sprouts and lime wedges add a tangy flavor to the soup, while fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and mint provide a burst of freshness.
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- Price range: 35,000 ~ 50,000 VND (2 ~ 3 USD) / a bowl
- Famous eatery: Pho Muoi Hoi An, 363 Cua Dai, Hoi An
5. Mi Quang – Popular Rice Noodle Dish
Mi Quang – Quang Noodle
Mi Quang, also known as Quang noodle, is a famous Vietnamese cuisine from the country's central area, notably Quang Nam province. Learn more!
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Mi Quang is a must-try meal when visiting Hoi An ancient town. It is made with yellow rice noodles seasoned with turmeric and boiled in water. The noodles are drained and topped with various ingredients, including sliced pork or chicken, shrimp, quail eggs, roasted peanuts, herbs, and vegetables.
Pork or chicken bones are combined with herbs and spices like lemongrass and garlic to create the broth for this dish. You can add as much or as little broth to the noodles when you eat Mi Quang.
Additionally, you can enjoy crispy rice crackers served alongside the dish. They add a pleasing crunch to the meal and are ideal for dipping in the soup. This is also one of the incredibly tasty aspects of eating Mi Quang noodles.
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- Price range: 30.000 ~ 45.000 VND (2 ~ 3 USD) / a bowl
- Famous eatery: Di Hat – 81 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
Hidden Gems Vietnamese Food Experiences
While the mentioned spots offer the best breakfast in Hoi An, vibrant markets and street food stalls are worth exploring. The local markets, such as the Hoi An’s Central Market and Night Market, are bustling with activity and offer a wide range of street food delights such as French toast, breakfast burrito, Western Breakfast, fried wontons, vegan pancakes, spring rolls, bun bo Hue, Vietnamese coffee, etc.
Hoi An’s markets offer a rare chance for cultural immersion. They allow tourists to taste local flavors and interact with locals in a more genuine and closer way.
When wandering the old streets, you can see vendors selling various art items. You can also find food stalls where you can sample multiple local delicacies. It is challenging to have an experience like this anywhere else.
Related article: Best 5 Hoi An Market Experiences
Ready For Your Best Breakfast In Hoi An?
Hoi An is a heaven for food enthusiasts, especially those seeking an exceptional breakfast experience. Whether you prefer the robust flavors of Cao Lau, the comforting Com Ga, Pho, or Mi Quang, Hoi An always satisfies every palate.
So, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the city’s traditional breakfast spots, hidden gems, and vibrant markets. This is where you can embark on a gastronomic journey showcasing the best of Vietnamese cuisine. Are you ready to indulge in the mouthwatering breakfast delights that await you in Hoi An?
Excited To Explore Hoi An?
How can you truly experience the charm of Hoi An? Join a day tour that will guide you through its enchanting streets, allowing you to freely explore the city. Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Hoi An and let them captivate your senses as you discover the local cuisine, known for its fame.
Furthermore, indulge in this culinary adventure that promises to create unforgettable memories. Don’t wait any longer; book our Hoi An day tours today!
