Hoi An Central Market Guide

Cao Lau is the signature dish of Hoi An, found nowhere else in Vietnam, and the Central Market is one of the best places to try it. These thick, chewy rice noodles are made using water drawn from a specific ancient Cham well (Ba Le Well) and lye from the ashes of a particular tree on the Cham Islands — giving them their unique texture and amber color. The noodles are served with slices of barbecued pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, crispy rice paper croutons, and a small amount of rich, savory broth. The dish is a culinary reflection of Hoi An's multicultural history — the noodles echo Japanese udon, the barbecued pork is Chinese-influenced, and the herbs and presentation are distinctly Vietnamese. Several stalls in the market serve excellent versions for 30,000-40,000₫. Eat it here where it was born.

Hoi An is the spiritual home of banh mi — the Vietnamese baguette sandwich that has conquered the world. While the legendary Madam Khanh (Banh Mi Phuong is more famous, but Madam Khanh at 115 Tran Cao Van is the original queen) operates just outside the market, several excellent vendors inside the market serve their own outstanding versions for 20,000-30,000₫. The Hoi An-style banh mi is distinctive — a crispy, airy baguette filled with pate, cold cuts, grilled pork, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, chili sauce, and a secret combination of sauces that varies by vendor. The market vendors typically serve from early morning through lunch. Try multiple versions to find your favorite — each has subtle differences in seasoning, bread texture, and filling combinations.

White Rose dumplings are one of Hoi An's most unique culinary treasures — translucent rice paper dumplings shaped like delicate roses, filled with spiced shrimp or pork, and topped with crispy fried shallots. The recipe is a closely guarded secret held by a single family (the Tran family) who have been making them for generations. Every restaurant in Hoi An that serves White Rose dumplings sources them from this one family. At the market, you can sometimes find vendors selling freshly made White Rose dumplings to take away. They are typically served steamed with a light soy-based dipping sauce. A plate of these beautiful, delicate dumplings costs around 30,000-40,000₫ and is an essential Hoi An food experience.

Beyond the food stalls, the Central Market is a vibrant display of central Vietnam's agricultural bounty. Mountains of tropical fruit — dragon fruit, rambutan, mangosteen, jackfruit, and the pungent durian — are piled high in colorful arrangements. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and leafy greens are delivered each morning by farmers from the surrounding countryside. The flower section near the entrance is a riot of color with tropical blooms, lotus flowers, and fragrant jasmine sold in bunches. The wet market area features fresh seafood brought in from the Thu Bon River and the nearby coast — fish, prawns, crabs, and squid laid out on beds of ice. This is where Hoi An's restaurants and home cooks shop each morning, and the energy and color make it a photographer's paradise.