After spending five weeks in Hoi An, we certainly had some clear favorites for restaurants! There are plenty of places to try in Hoi An, ranging from budget to extravagantly-expensive, but you'll find something to fit your budget. My two favorite places (the top two here) were $1 each, so sometimes more money doesn't mean better food!
- Banh My Phuong: on Phan Chau Trinh nearly to the intersection with Hoang Dieu
This is the place Anthony Bourdain deemed "the best banh mi in Vietnam," or the world, or something. I swear to you, he is not kidding. We ate here nearly every single day while we were in Hoi An. It's SO RIDICULOUSLY DELICIOUS. I can't even describe it — so many flavors and herbs and spices and everything all in one delicious sandwich! Our favorite was #5, the barbecue sandwich. #3, the Queenslander, was quite good, too! As you sit here devouring your sandwich, you'll see a constant stream of locals riding up on their motos to get a bag of sandwiches to take home — it seems like the stream never stops! One sandwich should cost you 20,000d, or $1 US. - ??? at 474 Cua Dai
I call this "???" because I genuinely don't think it has a name. We discovered this place by accident on the way home from the beach one day, and then returned frequently because they have the BEST Cao Lau in all of Hoi An! Trust me, we ate a lot of Cao (or Cau) Lao, and this place is far superior to anywhere else. Cao Lau is one of the traditional dishes of Hoi An, and has "meatier" noodles that are yellowish and cloudy — they're really incredible, especially when served alongside bean sprouts, herby greens, pork, crispy wafers {I have no clue what these are, but they are seriously amazing}, and a salty soy-ish sauce. The ladies out front will gladly make conversation with you, and the owner (who doesn't speak English) will bring you a delicious bowl of noodles with a big smile on her face. One bowl should cost you 20,000d, or $1 — far less than anywhere in town (besides the market, which has less-than-questionable sanitization and costs 25,000d). - Morning Glory: 106 Nguyễn Thái Học
Morning Glory has the reputation of being one of the best restaurants in town, and it deserves it. The food is beautiful, delicious, and surprisingly not outlandishly priced. Yes, it is more expensive than most restaurants, but you can still get a great meal for $6-10 US. The food is all traditional Vietnamese food, but fancy! The owner of Morning Glory has multiple restaurants in town, and is soon opening one in Las Vegas (!!) — after coming from a "normal" Vietnamese family and making a name for herself as a wonderful chef. She also has a cookbook, and runs a cooking class that is apparently spectacular (although more expensive than ours, which I was more than happy with!). - Ganesh: on Tran Hung Dao just East of Nguyen Truong To
I was, at first, skeptical about getting Indian food in Vietnam. Then Derek pointed out, this is the closest I've ever been to India itself — and he was right! THE FOOD IS AMAZING. I love {LOVE} Indian food, and this was by far the best I've ever had. The {Indian} family that runs this place has five branches around Vietnam {I believe a few in Saigon, one in Nha Trang, and one elsewhere}. Highly, highly recommended. It'll be a bit of a splurge, compared to most restaurants around, but worth it! The garlic naan is particularly delicious, especially after not having any doughy bread for a few months! - Dingo Deli: 277 Cua Dai {New Address}
I don't have a picture of the Dingo Deli because they just closed their doors for a month as they move to a new location! Go check them out when they open August 2014!}
OK, this is by no means Vietnamese food, BUT: absolutely the best Western food we've had since we left the States! This place is run by a Canadian-Australian couple who know how to make you feel at home — cold towels for your neck upon arrival, free water, and every food you've missed from home! We probably ate our weight in brie and crackers, along with the best smoothies and milkshakes in Vietnam. Their breakfast options (from pancakes or french toast to breakfast burritos and eggs benedict!) are fabulous, as are lunch and dinner. Also? THEY DELIVER! If you're in Hoi An for any length of time, you'll definitely want to take advantage of this feature. If you're looking for any information on Hoi An and the expat community here, go talk to Gordon and Michelle — they know what's happening!
Honorable Mention!
Hoai Linh's: 520 Hai Ba Trung
Hoai Linh's restaurant was just a few blocks from our house, so we ended up eating at his place quite often. He serves the typical "tourist" menu of Vietnamese food, which either he or his mother cooks. It's all delicious {typical} food, but the great thing about Hoai Linh's is Hoai Linh himself! We really enjoyed chatting with him as we ate our meals, and learning about his family, life in Vietnam, culture, etc. He really became a friend! In addition to eating at the restaurant, Derek would go play Chinese chess (his new obsession) with Hoai Linh most afternoons. He's just a super friendly guy, eager to talk and have a fun conversation!
Erin says
Can't wait to try these places out!
Chauhan says
Hi Mary;
We are a new venture in Hoian and here to give Ganesh a run for money 😉
Namaste "Omar's Indian Restaurant" opened its doors to public and has been serving authentic Indian specializing in Awadhi Cuisine since past 9months now.
Do visit us when in town next time for authentic "indian food cooked by indian chefs only".
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298082-d5999031-Reviews-Namaste-Hoi_An_Quang_Nam_Province.html
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Namaste-Omars-Indian-Restaurant/633433260037584
Paula Through the Looking Glass says
you missed a cracker and #1 on trip advisor.... Madam Kahn, best bahn mi in hoi an (and I'd go as far as saying best in Vietnam!!!!!
Mary says
I definitely tried hers, and it was good, but I'm sticking to Banh Mi Phuong!! BOTH are worth checking out, for sure 🙂
Elisabet Campos says
Hi, Mary
Excellent post for the cuisine lovers of Vietnam! If you do not mind we will twit this post in our twitter profile @HanoiFlight. I'm sure our followers and travelers to Vietnam will be happy to Know the best places in Vietnam where eat is a MUST.
Kind regards,
Eli
@HanoiFlight
http://www.flightstovietnam.co.uk/
Brittany says
Hello!
Just wanted to say I'm in Hoi An right now and have taken your advice and eaten at each of these places!!! Minus the ??? Which we have yet to find! But thank you for your suggestions they have all been great 🙂
Savory life says
I've had Madam Khanh's banh mi and will try banh mi Phuong now after reading this.
Thank you.
Jessica says
Morning Glory is amazing! They have the best Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake) I've ever had! Delicious!
You can read more about my tips for Hoi An on http://www.watchfulwanderer.com
dien says
Good choices. Though knocking the night markets i dont agree. Mostly all are sanitary. Welcome to Asia original food life. Being malaysian i guess my stomach is use to it 🙂
Mary says
Oh don't get me wrong, I LOVE night markets! This one just didn't compare to the cau lau place we loved!!
Laurence says
We are currently in Hoi An and we follow your recommandations about the 474 cua dai restaurant and it has a name now! Its called BÔN, its the name of the chef. It is really really amazing, we had the Cao Lau and the white roses thing. They ask where did we find the restaurant and we said on the internet and 2min after she came back with the name of your blog written on piece of paper!! They told us that they are making a website for the restaurant to have more people. Thank you for the advide we will try your others recommandations for the fiew days that we are in Hoi An.
Mary says
Oh my gosh!! This makes me so so happy! Thank you for leaving a comment!
Hong says
Bon means fourth sister...cute.
Julia and Eric says
We tried Morning Glory, Banh My and ??? And you are spot on!! Great recommendations, thank you! Everything was insanely delicious!!
Mary says
Yay! Glad you liked them! Thanks for sharing!
My says
Hey!
I am from Vietnam.
Thank you for your nice words about my country.
Wish you health and happiness!
Susan van Esch says
Thanks for the suggestions! And breaking news: ????? 474 has a name now! It's called BON. And the Cao Lau is still delicious 🙂 Thanks, greets from Holland!
Mary says
!! Yay! I'm so happy they have a name — they must be doing well! I'm glad you enjoyed the cao lau! Xo
Jaime says
Came to the ??? And I am about to eat the Cao Lau... Thanks for the tips about this nice town!
Garth says
Thanks, great read! I've made a note of some of these dishes and where to go, as we're heading to Vietnam soon! thanks for sharing!
Mary says
Thanks, Garth!! Have a wonderful trip! xo
Martin says
Thanks Mary for great tips for Banh My Phuong and Ganesh restaurant. Sandwiches are delicious! And Indian restaurant also! I have tried many Indian foods in Malaysia but this is no. 1 I have ever eaten.
For vegetarian / vegan people go to Minh Hien vegetarian restaurant - combinations a lot of different flavours, species and herbs. Worth it!
Mary says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed them both, Martin!! xo
stephanie says
I stayed in Hoi An for 8 days and went to a lot of restaurants, but none of these LOL.
I have seen morning glory, but it was always crowded.
My fav were Mango Mango and Mermaid restaurant.
Have you been to them?
x
Mary says
Hi Stephanie! I don't think I checked out Mango Mango or Mermaid — next time I'm there I'll make sure to! I hope you enjoyed Hoi An! xo
Mark Logan says
Hi,
Completely random, I know, but the other Ganesh is in Da Lat (and is incredibly good)
Mary says
Oh awesome! Thanks for the tip, Mark!
Tonkin - Travel Vietnam says
I think if you wanna come back HoI An once again, please seek out Bale Well Restaurant. This is located in a small alley, but it is worth. We can eat all local specialities of Hue and Hoi An here. I really love Nem Lui and Cao Lau at this stall.
Jerry says
Going in 2 weeks, will def try your recos, and report back. Thanks!!
Mary says
Oh yay!! Eat all the banh mi for me!! xo
Noreen Harding says
Thank u so much first time to Hoi an and this was really a delight, so so helpful getting excited leave in a week x
Mary says
You're welcome, Noreeen!! Enjoy! xoxo