Detailed review of 8 delicious eateries in Hoi An most favored by locals

When it comes to Hoi An chicken rice, many locals will name Ba Buoi Chicken Rice as a familiar, long-standing spot. Operating for over half a century, the eatery was founded by Mrs. Buoi and is now preserved by subsequent generations, remaining faithful to its signature family recipe. The secret to its popularity lies in the shredded chicken rice, featuring golden, fragrant, sticky rice grains cooked in chicken broth with a touch of ginger and peanut oil for a distinct aroma. The free-range chicken meat is firm, moderately chewy, with naturally golden skin. It is served with a refreshing herb-tossed chicken salad, flavorful stir-fried chicken giblets, and a bowl of clear, subtly sweet chicken broth.

• Address: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Minh An Ward, Hoi An.
• Price: Around 40,000 - 60,000 VND/portion, very reasonable for a filling meal.

If cao lau is considered the "soul" of Ancient Town cuisine, Thanh Cao Lau is a go-to spot for many locals seeking authentic flavors. Operating for over 20 years, the eatery is located on a quiet side street, away from the tourist crowds. A bowl of cao lau here features uniquely chewy noodles made from rice soaked in lye water following traditional methods. The savory char siu pork is tender and rich, served with fresh herbs, crispy pork crackling, and a light, slightly thick broth that creates a harmonious whole. The rustic taste remains unpretentious and unrefined, making it a popular choice among locals for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.

Address: 26 Thai Phien, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/bowl (extra toppings available)
Opening hours: 07:00 – 19:00 (closed on Mondays)

When talking about banh mi in the Ancient Town, Banh Mi Phuong is chosen by both tourists and locals alike. Although praised by numerous international chefs, to Hoi An residents, it is simply a familiar banh mi shop for a quick breakfast or takeout. The combination banh mi stands out with homemade pate, Vietnamese sausage, Chinese sausage, smoked pork, fresh herbs, and a signature house mayonnaise. There are also various options such as chicken or beef banh mi to suit diverse tastes. Thanks to fast and convenient service, many locals frequently swing by to grab a take-out sandwich.

Address: 2B Phan Chau Trinh, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An
Reference price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/bread
Opening hours: 06:00 – 21:00 daily

As one of the oldest restaurants in the Ancient Town, White Rose Restaurant has been closely tied to Hoi An's Chinese community for over 130 years. Besides attracting tourists, it is also a familiar dining spot for local families wishing to enjoy traditional dishes preserved over generations. The most famous specialty is banh bao – banh vac, commonly known as "white rose dumplings" due to their delicate appearance. The translucent outer skin made from white rice flour wraps around a naturally sweet fresh shrimp filling, topped with fragrant fried shallots and served with a mildly spicy dipping sauce. The flavor is light, well-balanced, and deeply reflective of ancient Hoi An culinary heritage.

Address: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An
Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/portion (approx. 8–10 pieces)
Opening hours: 07:00 – 20:30 daily

While Banh Mi Phuong is world-famous among tourists, Banh Mi Madam Khanh is cherished by many locals for its cozy atmosphere and nearly 40-year-old family recipe. Operating in a homey style, the shop offers simple service while maintaining a consistently unique taste over time. A banh mi here boasts a crispy crust and a rich filling of egg, grilled pork, char siu, Chinese sausage, pate, and a signature sauce. Carefully prepared ingredients create a savory, balanced flavor profile. Many locals prefer coming here for an afternoon snack or dinner, as it is less crowded with tourists and offers a quieter space.

Address: 115 Tran Cao Van, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
Reference price: 20,000 – 35,000 VND/bread
Opening hours: 06:30 – 19:00 daily

Located right at the foot of Cam Nam Bridge, this small eatery is a familiar afternoon gathering spot for locals. Without elaborate signs, its humble setting is always filled with cheerful chatter from regular patrons. The standout dish is bánh đập hến xào (smashed rice paper with stir-fried baby clams)—crispy grilled rice paper paired with soft wet rice sheets, served alongside savory stir-fried baby clams scented with fried shallots and spices. The well-balanced flavor and fresh ingredients from the Cam Nam river area create an unmistakable signature taste.

Address: Hamlet 1, Cam Nam Ward, Hoi An
Signature dish: Smashed rice paper with stir-fried baby clams (Bánh đập hến xào)
Reference price: 20,000 – 40,000 VND/portion

Tucked away in a small alley on Tran Hung Dao Street, Gieng Ba Le (Ba Le Well) is a familiar spot for many Hoi An locals. Despite not being on a main street, the restaurant remains steadily packed thanks to its secret of using ancient Ba Le well water in cooking and tea preparation. The crispy pancakes (banh xeo) are hand-poured from selected rice flour onto hot molds, resulting in a thin, golden, crispy shell. Filled with fresh shrimp and pork and savory seasoning, served with fresh herbs and a mild cup of well-water tea, it offers a distinct culinary experience. This combination helps the dish retain its unique traditional touch.

Address: 45/51 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
Reference price: 30,000 – 50,000 VND/portion (2–3 pieces)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00 daily

A familiar choice for a quick lunch, Ong Hai Mi Quang is preferred by many locals due to its daily handmade noodles. The eatery serves both chicken and seafood Mi Quang to suit various tastes. The soft, turmeric-yellow noodles retain a light chewiness, paired with toppings of shrimp, pork, Vietnamese sausage, and a rich, savory concentrated broth. Generous portions perfectly balance natural sweetness and rich flavors, allowing diners to enjoy a satisfying meal without feeling overly greasy.

Address: 6A Truong Minh Luong, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An
Reference price: 35,000 – 60,000 VND/bowl
Opening hours: 07:30 – 21:00 daily

Among hundreds of culinary destinations in Hoi An, eateries favored by local residents are always reliable choices if you want to experience authentic Hoi An flavors. Without flashy signs or aggressive marketing, it is the consistent food quality, fresh ingredients, and time-honored family recipes that have kept diners coming back for years. The 8 eateries in the list above not only showcase the diversity of Hoi An cuisine—from cao lau, mi Quang, and chicken rice to banh mi, banh xeo, and banh dap—but also reflect the daily pace of local life. If you have the chance to visit the Ancient Town, try eating the way Hoi An locals eat every day. It is often the fastest way to fully appreciate the flavor and spirit of this land.