Food

  Having been an intercontinental port city for more than five centuries, Hoi An is now a patchwork quilt of culture. This global-facing heritage is reflected in its architecture and its handicrafts as well as its cuisine. Hoi An has perfected the art of adaptation and innovation, taking the tastes it likes from what it’s been introduced to and “Vietnamese-ing” the rest. Hoi An today is a paradise for foodies, and it’s possible to spend days wandering through its maze of golden-yellow alleyways snacking on street food stalls scattered throughout the Old Town. It’s hard to get a bad meal here in general, but there are a few local specialties that should be considered “must try” Hoi An dishes. Cao Lầu (Pork Rice Noodle) Cao lầu is Hoi An’s answer to a rice noodle dish, but it’s as different as can be from relatives like bún or phở. Cao lầu rice noodles are soaked in lye water and wood ash, giving them a distinctly firm and springy texture. In fact, true Cao lầu noodles are supposed to be