Hoi An may not be a large city, but it possesses a hidden charm capable of stealing the hearts of every visitor. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the city is also celebrated for its unique and diverse specialties, which are famous across Vietnam. This is why Hoi An remains one of the most beloved travel destinations. Visitors often buy Hoi An specialties as meaningful gifts for their families and friends.
Top 10 Hoi An Specialties to Bring Home as Gifts
Hoi An is renowned for its delicious and flavorful dishes, which deeply reflect the essence of its local culture. Here are the top specialties you should consider bringing back as thoughtful gifts.
1. Fermented Fish Sauce with Roasted Rice (Mắm Thính)
A unique specialty, Mắm Thính, is made from fish like mackerel and flying fish, which are salted, sun-dried, and mixed with roasted rice powder. This sauce has a rich, unforgettable taste and can be purchased at Hoi An markets for around 150,000–200,000 VND/kg.
2. Pink Wine (Rượu Hồng Đào)
Pink wine is a famous Hoi An specialty crafted by fermenting cooked rice with traditional leaf yeast in large earthen jars and slices of peach. The final product is a sweet yet slightly spicy red-hued wine with health benefits, making it an ideal gift. A bottle costs approximately 130,000–145,000 VND.
3. Hoi An Chili Sauce (Tương Ớt Phố Hội)
This chili sauce distinguishes itself with a mild, fragrant spiciness that perfectly complements dishes like chicken rice, mì Quảng, or cao lầu. It’s an essential condiment for Vietnamese cuisine enthusiasts and a great gift to bring home.
4. Su Sê Cake (Bánh Su Sê)
Also called Phu Thê Cake, this dessert symbolizes marital harmony and love. The cake’s round filling wrapped in a square layer subtly represents yin-yang harmony. It’s widely available in restaurants and food stalls throughout Hoi An.
5. Grilled Coconut Cake (Bánh Dừa Nướng)
This crispy and sweet coconut cake is made from fresh coconut, sticky rice flour, and sugar. It’s a delightful snack suitable for all ages, priced at 25,000–50,000 VND.
6. Rice Cake (Bánh Tổ)
Originally made for ancestor worship during Tet holidays, Bánh Tổ is a sticky rice cake with a long shelf life. It can be eaten raw, fried, or baked, offering a sweet and crunchy texture.
7. Glutinous Rice Cake with Black Galingale Leaves (Bánh Ít Lá Gai)
This traditional cake is made from glutinous rice flour mixed with black galingale leaves, stuffed with mung bean or coconut filling. Its light sweetness and aromatic flavor make it a delightful gift.
8. Hoi An Mung Bean Cake (Bánh Đậu Xanh)
Hoi An mung bean cakes are crafted with a unique taste, making them a great souvenir. Paired with tea, these cakes offer a crispy, sweet treat reminiscent of imperial delicacies.
9. Egg Sponge Cake (Bánh Thuẫn)
A traditional Central Vietnam delicacy, Bánh Thuẫn is a yellow sponge cake made from wheat flour and eggs. Shaped like blooming flowers, it’s a symbolic gift priced at 60,000–70,000 VND for a 500g package.
Top 11 Local Dishes You Must Try in Hoi An
Hoi An offers not only amazing specialties to take home but also a wide range of local dishes that leave visitors craving for more. Here are some must-try foods when exploring this historic town:
1. Wonton (Hoành Thánh)
Adapted from Chinese cuisine, Hoi An wontons feature delicate rice wrappers filled with shrimp, pork, and mushrooms. They can be served steamed or fried.
2. Cao Lầu Noodles
A signature dish of Hoi An, Cao Lầu combines thick noodles, smoky pork, and fresh greens. The noodles are soaked in lye water, giving them a unique flavor and texture.
3. Hoi An Chicken Rice (Cơm Gà)
Hoi An chicken rice is renowned for its fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and turmeric, served with shredded chicken, herbs, and pickled vegetables.
4. Mì Quảng (Quang-Style Noodles)
Mì Quảng features thick yellow noodles served in a small amount of flavorful broth, topped with meat, shrimp, and peanuts. It’s best enjoyed with fresh herbs.
5. Hến Stir-Fried with Crispy Rice Paper (Bánh Đập Hến Xào)
This dish features stir-fried baby clams served with crispy rice paper and fermented fish sauce. It’s a simple yet irresistible street food item.
6. Clam Rice (Cơm Hến)
Hoi An clam rice combines steamed clams with rice and a variety of vegetables and herbs for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
7. Bánh Ướt Cuốn Thịt Nướng
This dish consists of grilled pork wrapped in soft rice paper and served with dipping sauce, offering a balance of textures and flavors.
8. Hoi An Pancake (Bánh Xèo)
Crispy pancakes filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts are a favorite street food, best enjoyed with rice paper and fresh greens.
9. White Rose Dumplings (Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc)
These delicate dumplings are filled with shrimp and shaped like blooming white flowers, often paired with a flavorful dipping sauce.
10. Phuong Bread (Bánh Mì Phượng)
Praised internationally, Phuong bread features a crispy baguette stuffed with fresh herbs, meat, and flavorful sauces. It’s a must-try when visiting Hoi An.
11. Hoi An Sweet Soup (Chè)
Made from fresh local fruits and beans, Hoi An’s sweet soups are refreshing desserts perfect for any palate.
Where to Buy Hoi An Specialties?
For authentic and high-quality Hoi An specialties, consider visiting:
- Hoi An Market
- Nhan Hong Duc Gift & Specialty Store (19 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An)
- Daichi’s House Specialty Shop (08 Cao Hong Lanh Street, Hoi An)
This article aims to introduce you to the best Hoi An specialties for gifts and dining. LEAU FOOD hopes you’ll find something memorable to share with your loved ones!