Hội An Ancient Town - A Place of Memories of the Old Trading Port with the Aroma of Culinary Heritage

There are cities that people remember for their beautiful scenery, and there are places that make people return for the emotions. And Hội An Ancient Town is a place that makes people want to stay longer just for… a meal.

Amidst the golden, moss-covered rooftops, the small alleys filled with paper flowers, and the quietly flowing Hoài River, Hội An not only tells the story of a heritage city but also whispers through flavors – the most vibrant and intimate heritage for every visitor.

1. Hội An Ancient Town – The Old Trading Port by the Hoài River

Nestled by the Hoài River – a downstream branch of the Thu Bồn River, Hội An was once one of the busiest international trading ports in the 17th–18th centuries. Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Western merchants met here, bringing not only goods but also culture, customs, and culinary tastes.

Hội An Ancient Town - A Convergence of Cultural Essence (Source: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism)

It is this intersection that has created a very unique Hội An:

• Ancient architecture that is not heavy
• A slow pace of life that is not boring
• And cuisine that harmoniously blends mountains, plains, and seas

The mild climate and warm sunshine all year round help vegetables and spices thrive. The people of Hội An particularly value greens and herbs in their meals – the essence of many local specialties.

2. Trà Quế – The Beginning of Hội An's Flavors

When mentioning Hội An cuisine, one must mention Trà Quế vegetable village – the most famous vegetable-growing area in Central Vietnam. Here, dozens of types of leafy vegetables and spices are grown on sandy soil, irrigated with mineral-rich river water: Vietnamese balm, mint, cinnamon basil, coriander, perilla, onion, chives, water spinach, bitter vegetables…

The people of Hội An still pass down the simple verse: “Whoever goes to Trà Quế should come. Trà Quế has the profession of growing green bean sprouts…”

Trà Quế Vegetable Village in Hội An - An Unmissable Tourist Destination (Source: VinWonders)

Visitors to Trà Quế not only come to see but also to roll up their sleeves to farm, till the soil, water the vegetables, harvest, and then enjoy a meal “from garden to table.” Familiar dishes like Quảng noodles, bánh vạc, mixed clams, and cao lầu retain their fresh, rustic flavors – a taste that lingers after just one try.

3. Hội An Cuisine – The Essence Distilled from Life

The uniqueness of Hội An cuisine does not lie in its complexity but in the way the locals cook with finesse and respect for the ingredients. In the ancient houses that are hundreds of years old – now turned into eateries and cafes – visitors can eat while feeling as if they are stepping back in time.

Hội An Cuisine - The Quintessence of Vietnamese Culinary Culture (Source: Vinpearl)

Just a translucent bánh vạc, a crispy plate of bánh xèo, or a bowl of mildly spicy mixed clams is enough to feel the affection of the rivers, fields, and the hands of the people of Hội An embedded in each dish.

4. Dishes You Must "Try" When Visiting Hội An

Quảng noodles do not have fixed ingredients: shrimp, pork, chicken, snakehead fish, or frog – depending on the season.
The noodles are made from a type of rice that is not sticky, lightly coated with fried shallot oil, separating the strands while releasing aroma. The broth is not abundant but rich in flavor, served with fresh Trà Quế greens and grilled rice paper – creating a harmonious, filling yet not overwhelming dish.

Quảng Noodles from Hội An are famous and addictive (Source: Xanh SM)

This dish has been recognized by the Asian Record Organization as one of the 12 Vietnamese dishes with Asian culinary value.

4.2 Cao Lầu – The Dish of Ancient Memories

Cao Lầu is associated with old verses: “Hội An has Hạ-uy-di, the Covered Bridge, Ông Bổn, and Cao Lầu Năm Cơ.”

The cao lầu noodles are made with great care: rice soaked in ash water, ground, filtered, steamed, dried, and then cut into strands.
A proper bowl of cao lầu has char siu, crispy pork, Trà Quế greens, and a light, thick broth – both salty, sweet, and rich. In the past, cao lầu was often eaten on high floors, enjoying the view of the town – a refined pleasure of the old Hội An people.

Cao Lầu from Hội An - The Dish of Ancient Memories (Source: Danangfantasticity)

4.3 Hội An Chicken Rice – Simple Yet Memorable

Rice grown along the Thu Bồn River, Tam Kỳ chicken with firm meat, rice cooked with chicken broth mixed with turmeric for a golden hue.

Hội An Chicken Rice is simple yet memorable (Source: Bách Hóa Xanh)

Served with chicken salad, Vietnamese balm, pickled onions, and a special sauce, Hội An chicken rice captivates diners with its perfect balance of richness – aroma – freshness.

Hội An not only offers you sparkling lanterns, moss-covered roofs, or a quietly flowing river.
Hội An also offers you dishes that make people nostalgic – you eat and then understand, understand and then want to return. Because in Hội An, each dish is not just to fill you up but to tell a story. The story of a living heritage – where memories, people, and flavors linger long in the hearts of visitors.

------------

Source: Tourism Information Center