Take trip to Hoi An this autumn to enjoy must-try cuisine
DNO - Autumn in Hoi An, now part of Da Nang, Vietnam, enchants the senses with golden light, fragrant breezes and the irresistible aroma of its iconic cuisine, inviting travellers to explore.
In the early morning, the town awakens softly. Walking along Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tran Phu, Le Loi, or Bach Dang streets, visitors are greeted by the scent of fresh flowers, baked delicacies and incense from nearby temples.
Mist rises from the Hoai River, where wooden boats glide gently, recalling the town’s historic status as a bustling trading port. The quiet rhythm of clattering wooden shoes and street vendors setting up stalls offers a serene prelude to the day ahead.
As the sun climbs, Hoi An’s streets become lively yet measured. Markets bustle with chatter and transactions, while rickshaws and electric vehicles ferry visitors through narrow alleys.
Music drifts from hidden corners, and young travelers pause at intimate cafés to enjoy coffee while watching the town’s graceful morning unfold.
Autumn evenings are also impressive as lanterns light up the streets, and the Hoai River hosts the timeless ritual of releasing flower garlands.
Tourists join local residents in floating wishes of peace and prosperity, witnessing the town’s cultural soul shimmering on water.
Of course, Hoi An’s cuisine is central to its charm. Signature dishes such as ‘cao lau’, dumplings, chicken rice, spring rolls, and ‘pho Hoi An’ are meticulously prepared and celebrated for their balance of flavour and craftsmanship.
Hoi An wontons, whether fried, steamed, or served with noodles, highlight attention to detail, often garnished with aromatic herbs from famous Tra Que organic vegetable village.
Meanwhile, pho Lien, a local specialty using dried noodles and subtly spiced broth with crushed peanuts, exemplifies Hoi An’s unique culinary identity.
‘Pho’ Lien also uses beef like other pho restaurants but has its own sweet taste and is very fragrant, attractive because of the taste of dried peanuts ground into the pho bowl. Visitors enjoying ‘Pho’ Lien on an autumn day will forever remember the unique cuisine of this land.
A day in Hoi An during autumn is best experienced through its cuisine, offering a deep connection to local culture and a chance to appreciate the soul of its people through meticulously crafted dishes.