Hoi An Food Tour & Cooking Class: A Must-Try Culinary Journey in Vietnam  

When people think of Hoi An, they often imagine lantern-lit alleys, ancient architecture, and romantic riverside strolls. But this UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than just a cultural treasure — it’s also a culinary paradise waiting to be explored.

 

I. Must-Try Dishes in Hoi An  

No food journey in Hoi An is complete without trying its unique and authentic specialties — many of which you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam.

• Cao Lầu

A signature noodle dish exclusive to Hoi An, made with chewy noodles, sliced pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons. What makes it special? The water used to prepare the noodles must come a specific ancient well in Hoi An!

• Bánh Mì Phượng or Bánh Mì Madam Khánh

Two world-famous Vietnamese sandwich spots that have received global acclaim chefs and travelers alike. Crispy bread filled with savory meat, pickles, herbs, and homemade sauces.

• Mì Quảng

A vibrant yellow noodle dish served with shrimp, pork, peanuts, rice crackers, and fresh greens. It’s as much about the texture as it is the flavor.

• White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao – Bánh Vạc)

Delicate steamed dumplings shaped like white roses, filled with spiced shrimp and served with crispy shallots and dipping sauce.

• Crispy Fried Wontons (Hoành Thánh Chiên)

A delightful street snack with golden crunch, usually topped with a sweet-and-sour tomato salsa.

• Traditional sweet soups (Chè) and desserts

Sample local desserts like chè bắp (sweet corn pudding), bánh tổ (sticky rice cake), or the famous herbal drink nước Mót.

II. Best Hoi An Food Tour Experiences  

Joining a local food tour is one of the best ways to discover Hoi An’s rich culinary scene while learning about its history and culture.

• Walking Food Tour
  Stroll through the lantern-lit alleys of the Old Town, stopping at hidden food stalls and local eateries.

• Motorbike Street Food Tour
  Hop on the back of a scooter and eat like a local – hidden alleys to bustling food corners.

• Sunset Food Tour by Boat
  Enjoy dinner on a river cruise along the Thu Bon River while watching the sun set over Hoi An.

• Vegetarian/Vegan Food Tours
  A growing number of tours now cater to plant-based travelers with flavorful, creative local dishes.

 

III. Hoi An Cooking Class: Learn to Cook Like a Local  

Cooking classes are one of the most popular and enriching activities in Hoi An, offering a deeper look Vietnamese food culture.

What to Expect:  

• Visit a local market
  Explore Hoi An Market or countryside markets near Tra Que Village to learn about ingredients and traditional herbs.

• Hands-on cooking session
  Learn how to prepare 3–5 iconic dishes such as:

 

Cao Lầu

 

Spring rolls (Nem rán)

 

Vietnamese pancakes (Bánh Xèo)

 

Fish sauce dipping (Nước mắm chấm)

 

Traditional dessert (Chè)

• Enjoy your creations
  Sit down for a full meal made by you — a truly rewarding experience.

 

IV. Authentic Local Food Experiences Beyond Restaurants  

To really taste the heart of Hoi An, step outside traditional restaurants:

• Home Dining
  Share a meal with a local family and learn about Vietnamese customs and food rituals.

• Village Cuisine
  Visit craft villages like Tra Que Vegetable Village or Thanh Ha Pottery Village to experience traditional dishes made by local artisans.

• Vegetarian Temple Cuisine
  Try Buddhist-inspired meals in one of Hoi An’s many peaceful temples.

• Night Market Street Food
  Discover exciting snacks like rolled ice cream, grilled skewers, sweet corn pudding, and herbal drinks.

Special Tour by Asianway Travel: Hoi An Food Tour + Cooking Class Full Day  

This full-day culinary experience combines the best of both worlds:

• Morning food tour of Hoi An’s top street food spots

• Local market visit and hands-on cooking class

• Flexible itinerary with vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-sensitive options

Why Choose Asianway Travel?  

• ✅ Flexible schedule with local English-speaking guides

• ✅ Personalized support for dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, food allergies)

• ✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

• ✅ 24/7 assistance before and during your trip

Contact us today to book your authentic Hoi An culinary experience!
Let AsianwayTravel take you on a flavorful adventure through the heart of Central Vietnam.