Finding the best street food in Hoi An

Hoi An, a picturesque town in central Vietnam, is not just a haven for history buffs but also a paradise for food lovers. The Hoi An street food scene is vibrant, offering a variety of dishes that are as diverse as they are delicious. Whether you’re wandering through the ancient town’s bustling markets or exploring hidden alleys, you’ll find a wide choice of mouthwatering delights that showcase the best of Hoi An food.

Exploring the culinary scene is a must for any food lover, and there’s no better way to dive into it than by taking a food tour in Hoi An. I had the pleasure of joining one of the best food tours in Hoi An, as their guest and it was nothing short of a feast for the senses. It is an incredible way to experience the unique and diverse flavours of the region.

 

 

This was my second visit to Hoi An. I have travelled extensively throughout Vietnam savouring its culinary delights.  I have eaten in fancy restaurants and sat on plastic chairs on the side of the road in search of the perfect meal. There is no doubt in my mind that if you are a foodie you must make a beeline for Hoi An.

The day of the tour dawned and I skipped breakfast because I was about to try more than 40 different dishes. I could hardly wait and met Neville, my host, in my hotel lobby to set off on my culinary adventure.

Neville is a larger-than-life Aussie and he and his wife Colleen run the tour. He is witty, very entertaining and has a vast knowledge and love of the local food and culture. He started the tours in 2011 and is still going strong. The tours are hugely popular so please book well in advance.

 

The tour took us through the heart of the town, stopping at several spots renowned for their Hoi An street food. Naturally, it’s not where the tourist can be found, but where the locals eat and shop. We made our way to the Tan An market for the first part of the tour. It is much the same as many markets I have visited throughout SE Asia, but the first thing I noticed is no smell of meat or food that has been left out in the sun for too long. Instead the fresh smell of herbs, and delicious food being cooked wafts across the market making me instantly feel hungry.

I don’t intend to take you through all the dishes we ate, but instead, I have chosen some that surprised me and a couple I enjoyed. Overall there was nothing that I did not like, but some things were more memorable than others.

 Pancakes and Snails

We stopped and tried a bit of this and a bit of that. We try one of my favourite snacks, crispy pancakes filled with bean sprouts, herbs, pork and shrimp. Next up was a visit to a vendor selling snails. These are not the French variety, but tiny snails collected daily from the ocean. It is a popular snack in Hoi An but you could never have them as a meal. They are small and it takes a great deal of patience to extract them from the shells and to my surprise they are delicious. This is not something that I thought I would eat in Vietnam. I was tasting interesting food and some of the best street food in Hoi An.

Xi Ma 

 We walk a bit further and come to a bubbling cauldron of black gloopy witches brew. It is called Xi ma (pronounced See Maa) or black sesame and is a sweetened soupy concoction. It is delicious and nutty in flavour. You can taste coconut and apparently, it is good for your digestive system. It is served hot directly from the pot. Honestly, I would have walked straight past this, but I am so glad I tasted it.

Pho 

Pho is the national dish of Vietnam. You will find it wherever you go. The secret of a good pho comes down to the quality of the broth. I have learnt throughout many bowls of pho up and down the country that no two bowls are the same. There are secret ingredients handed down in families that chefs guard religiously to make their pho unique.

The pho of the north is different from the way it is prepared in the south of the country. In simple terms, it is a broth with noodles added, beef or chicken pieces with fresh herbs and chilli. This is however really an oversimplification and you have to taste pho to understand the depth of flavour it delivers. It is food for the soul.

Bánh mì

Next up is a Bánh mì which translates simply as “wheat”. A Bánh mì is a fabulous version of a sandwich. It is filled with pâté, pork, fresh herbs and crunchy veggies all stuffed into a heavenly crisp baguette. For my money, it’s probably one of the best sandwiches in the world!

It originates from when the French were in Vietnam, in 1887, when it was just a buttered baguette with some pâté. Once the French left in 1954 it evolved into what it is today.

The Tasting Room 

 We make our way back to the tasting room that Neville has set up. We taste more and more delicious food and learn a bit about their origins. It’s all washed down with a cold beer which is most welcome after the morning’s heat.

Neville supports the local community in so many ways. I like the fact that many of the dishes we tasted are from recipes that have been handed down through the generations and the same families are still preparing them for us today. Everything is crafted with love and it is a privilege to taste these age-old recipes.

Coffee

 We finish our tour with an iced coffee. Did you know that Vietnam is the second largest producer of coffee in the world with an annual production of more than 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum? I had no idea just how much the Vietnamese love their coffee.

It is called ca phe sua da – which means “coffee, milk, ice”.  Strong coffee is dripped through a metal filter into a glass with more than a dash of condensed milk. As the coffee drips it melts the condensed milk. Then it is stirred and a good amount of ice is added.

I don’t have sugar in my coffee and the first hit was cloyingly sweet. Somehow, it grows on you. It is refreshing and is perfect in this climate.

The French may have introduced coffee to Vietnam, but the Vietnamese have put a unique twist on it and made it something special.

 

 Insider Tip: If you’re planning to take a food tour in Hoi An, wear comfortable shoes and come hungry—you’ll be sampling a lot!

Good to know about Food Tours in Hoi An

Why should I join a food tour in Hoi An?

• Joining a food tour Hoi An Vietnam offers is the best way to experience the local cuisine in a short amount of time. It ensures you taste the top dishes while learning about their origins.

What dishes should I expect to try on a Hoi An food tour?

• You can expect to try a variety of Hoi An street food including Banh Mi, Cao Lau, White Rose Dumplings, Vietnamese coffee and local sweets.

Is the food tour suitable for all diets?

• Most Hoi An food tours can accommodate different dietary preferences, but it’s best to inform the tour operator in advance.

If you’re visiting Hoi An, this tour is an absolute must-do to experience the very best of what the town’s food scene has to offer.

 You can book your tour directly on The Original Taste of Hoi An’s website.

 Thanks to The Original Taste of Hoi An, but naturally, these views expressed are my own.