Overview
Hoi An is one of Asia's great food cities — and this tour lets you eat your way through it. Your foodie guide leads you to hole-in-the-wall eateries, steaming street carts, and local family kitchens that tourists rarely find. Taste White Rose dumplings, Cao Lau noodles, Banh Mi Phuong (voted world's best), fresh spring rolls, and Hoi An specialties made from century-old recipes. As the evening draws in, you board a lantern boat for a magical float along the river before releasing flower lanterns into the dark water.
Tour Highlights
- 8–10 food tastings at authentic local spots
- Try Cao Lau — Hoi An's most unique dish, made with water from one ancient well
- White Rose dumplings at the original family kitchen
- Taste Banh Mi Phuong, Hoi An's most famous bánh mì
- Freshly made Banh Xeo crispy pancakes
- Evening lantern boat ride with flower lanterns
- Small group max 8 for an authentic experience
What's Included & Excluded
8–10 food tastings (generous portions — amounts to a filling meal)
Bottled water and local iced tea
Guided lantern boat ride
3 flower lanterns to release
English-speaking food guide
Hotel transfer
Additional drinks or food beyond tastings
Travel insurance
Important Information
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available — please inform us at booking so we can plan the route accordingly
- Some eateries are tiny family kitchens with plastic chairs — this is part of the charm and where the best food lives
- The food tastings are generous and most guests find they don't need dinner afterwards
- Please inform us of any food allergies or strong dislikes when booking
- Wear comfortable shoes — the tour covers 3–4 km of walking
- Tour departs around 4:00 PM to catch both daylight food stops and the evening lantern boat
Common Questions
Will I be full after the food tastings?
Almost certainly! The 8–10 tastings add up to a generous, well-rounded meal. Most guests tell us they're pleasantly stuffed by the end of the food portion. The lantern boat ride is the perfect way to digest while watching the river at night.
Are vegetarian and vegan options available?
Yes — Hoi An has excellent vegetarian food including tofu Cao Lau, vegetarian spring rolls, and plant-based banh mi. Just let us know when you book and we'll plan a vegetarian-friendly route for you.
What is Cao Lau and why is it unique to Hoi An?
Cao Lau is a noodle dish that can only be authentically made in Hoi An because it uses water from a single ancient Cham well and locally-grown greens. The thick rice noodles are unlike anything else in Vietnam. Your guide will explain the full fascinating story at the restaurant.
