Best Cao Lau in Hoi An is a culinary treasure that you must experience when visiting this historic town. Known for its unique flavors and rich cultural heritage, Hoi An offers a variety of places where you can enjoy this iconic dish. I’m Vincent from Hoi An Faiyr Tour, In this guide, we’ll explore ten of the best places to savor Hoi An’s best Cao Lau, ensuring you get a true taste of the town’s culinary delights.
1. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh (My all-time favorite one)
Starting your culinary journey with Hoi An Best Cao Lau, head to Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh, a popular spot right in the middle of the ancient town. I personally love this restaurant due to its delicious Cao Lau with super reasonable price despite that it is located right in the heart of the old town. So after dining here, you can take a walk to the riverside to enjoy the lantern river.
Address: 687 Hai Ba Trung
Rating: 4.4 stars – 848 reviews
How to get here: If you take the motorbike, park your vehicle at the intersection nearby the restaurant (5K for each time parking) and walk inside. If you ride the bicycle or walking, you can go straight into the restaurant and park your bike at the front
Highlights:
- Ambiance: The location offers a charming atmosphere where you can enjoy your meal and then take a walk to see the lanterns.
- Accessibility: If you’re riding a bike, you can park it outside. Otherwise, park your motorbike at the nearby lot at the intersection of Phan Chu Trinh and Hai Ba Trung.
2. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: Cao Lau Thanh
Next on the list of Hoi An Best Cao Lau spots is Cao Lau Thanh. This place is a favorite among locals and offers a truly authentic experience.
Address: 26 Thai Phien
Rating: 4.3 stars – 1098 reviews
Highlights:
- Ease of Access: Located outside the old town, it’s easily found with Google Maps.
- Authenticity: Known for its longstanding tradition of making delicious Cao Lau.
3. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: Cao Lau Di Hat
For a more rustic and street-side experience, visit Cao Lau Di Hat. Though it might not have a huge online presence, it offers an unforgettable local dining experience.
Address: 69 Phan Chu Trinh
Rating: Not very popular on Google
Highlights:
- Experience: Aunty Hat has been making Cao Lau here for 55 years, offering a simple yet flavorful dining experience.
- Ambiance: The place is basic with plastic chairs, but the food is exceptional.
4. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: Morning Glory Restaurant
Morning Glory Restaurant is another must-visit place for the best Cao Lau in Hoi An. This upscale restaurant offers a refined take on traditional Vietnamese dishes, including Cao Lau.
Address: 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Rating: 4.5 stars – 5,000+ reviews
Highlights:
- Quality: Known for high-quality ingredients and excellent service.
- Variety: Offers a range of Vietnamese dishes, making it a great spot to try multiple local specialties.
5. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: Ba Le Well Restaurant
Ba Le Well Restaurant is a hidden gem that serves some of the best Cao Lau in Hoi An. It’s a bit off the beaten path but well worth the visit.
Address: 45/51 Tran Hung Dao
Rating: 4.4 stars – 1,200 reviews
Highlights:
- Authenticity: Offers a very traditional dining experience.
- Hidden Gem: Often less crowded, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.
6. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: Central Market Food Hall
For a truly local experience, head to the Central Market Food Hall, where you can find several stalls serving excellent Cao Lau.
Address: Nguyen Hue and Tran Phu Streets
Rating: Various stalls, generally 4+ stars
Highlights:
- Variety: Multiple stalls mean you can try different versions of Cao Lau.
- Local Flavor: Experience the bustling market atmosphere.
7. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: Miss Ly Cafeteria
Miss Ly Cafeteria is a well-known spot in Hoi An for trying traditional Vietnamese dishes, including Cao Lau.
Address: 22 Nguyen Hue
Rating: 4.5 stars – 2,000 reviews
Highlights:
- Cozy Atmosphere: Offers a homely and welcoming environment.
- Reputation: Highly recommended by both locals and tourists.
8. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: White Rose Restaurant
White Rose Restaurant is famous for its namesake dish, but it also serves a fantastic Cao Lau that should not be missed.
Address: 533 Hai Ba Trung
Rating: 4.3 stars – 1,800 reviews
Highlights:
- Specialty Dishes: Known for both Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings.
- Family-Run: Offers a genuine family-run restaurant experience.
9. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: Green Heaven Hoi An Resort and Spa
For those staying at or visiting this resort, their restaurant offers a top-notch Cao Lau as part of a luxurious dining experience.
Address: 21 La Hoi
Rating: 4.6 stars – 700 reviews
Highlights:
- Luxury Dining: Enjoy Cao Lau in a more upscale setting.
- Convenience: Great for guests staying at the resort.
10. Best Cao Lau in Hoi An: Bale Well Restaurant
Finally, don’t miss Bale Well Restaurant, another excellent spot for enjoying Hoi An’s best Cao Lau.
Address: 45/51 Tran Hung Dao
Rating: 4.4 stars – 1,200 reviews
Highlights:
- Traditional Flavors: Known for sticking to traditional recipes.
- Ambiance: Offers a cozy and intimate dining experience.
Important Notice:
Before you go, check Google Maps to make sure the place is open. From the colorful streets of the old town to the cozy corners of local eateries, Hoi An has a lot to offer when it comes to Cao Lau. Enjoy exploring and tasting the flavors of this wonderful dish!
Tips for Enjoying the Best Cao Lau in Hoi An
When exploring the culinary delights of Hoi An Best Cao Lau, keep these tips in mind to enhance your experience:
Pack Essentials: Carry sunscreen, a hat, comfortable footwear, and a reusable water bottle. Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of local customs and traditions while dining. Environmental Responsibility: Avoid single-use plastics and participate in eco-friendly activities. Weather Awareness: Check weather forecasts before traveling to ensure a comfortable dining experience.
What is Cao Lau?
Cao Lau is a distinctive Vietnamese dish that is a specialty of Hoi An. This unique noodle dish reflects the multicultural history of the port town, blending flavors and techniques from various cultures, particularly Chinese and Japanese influences, with local Vietnamese ingredients.
The noodles used in Cao Lau are not just any noodles; they are thick, chewy, and somewhat similar in texture to Japanese udon. The unique aspect of these noodles is that they are traditionally made using water from an ancient, local Cham well, called Ba Le Well. The water is believed to be especially mineral-rich, giving the noodles their particular texture and taste. Lye made from the ash of local trees is also used in the noodle-making process, contributing further to their unique color and texture.
Cao Lau is served with a small amount of broth, which is different from most noodle dishes in Vietnam that are typically served soupier. The broth is made by simmering pork bones and pork meat, seasoned with soy sauce, star anise, and other spices, imbuing it with a rich, umami flavor.
The bowl of Cao Lau is typically topped with thin slices of marinated and roasted pork, fresh greens like lettuce and mint, sprouts, and crispy rice paper or fried square-shaped croutons. A squeeze of lime over the top adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
This dish is deeply embedded in the culinary culture of Hoi An and is a must-try for any visitor wanting to experience the local flavors. The unique combination of textures and flavors in Cao Lau, from the savory depth of the broth and tender pork to the crispiness of the croutons and freshness of the greens, makes it a distinctive and beloved specialty of the region.
Conclusion
Exploring the best Cao Lau in Hoi An is an enriching experience that blends culinary delight with cultural heritage. Whether you opt for a high-end restaurant or a humble street-side eatery, you’re sure to find a version of Cao Lau that captures the essence of Hoi An. Plan your culinary adventure with Hoi An Fairy Tour for a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Suggested Outbound Links
To further enrich your travel planning, here are some helpful outbound links:
- Hoi An Tourism: Get detailed information about tourist attractions in Hoi An.
- Da Nang Travel Guide: Learn more about what Da Nang has to offer.
- Vietnam Tourism: Official site for Vietnam tourism, providing extensive resources and travel tips
From Vincent – the Author
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