Cao Lau Hoi An – The Iconic Noodle Dish You Can Only Find in Hoi An

Cao Lau is not just a local dish – it is the culinary symbol of Hoi An. While pho represents Hanoi and bun bo Hue belongs to Hue, Cao Lau belongs exclusively to Hoi An. You can find it written on menus across Vietnam, but the real flavor exists only here.

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Cao Lau — a dish you can only find in Hoi An. Thick noodles, char siu pork, fresh local herbs, and no soup — just flavor. Exploring food spots around town is easy by motorbike or e-bike. Many travelers ask: is it safe to ride a motorbike in hoi an Yes. Slow streets. Calm traffic. Beginner-friendly rides. Book your motorbike, electric motorbike, or e-bike at hoianit.com Ride slow. Eat like a local. Feel Hoi An. CaoLauHoiAn HoiAnFood HoiAnStreetFood LocalFoodHoiAn HoiAnTravel

♬ original sound – Anh Khoa – Hoi An – Anh Khoa – Hoi An

If you want to truly understand Hoi An, you don’t start with landmarks – you start with a bowl of Cao Lau.

The Origin of Cao Lau Hoi An

Cao Lau dates back to the 17th–18th century, when Hoi An was one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trading ports. Merchants from China, Japan, and Europe passed through daily, and this cultural exchange shaped the town’s architecture, lifestyle, and food.

Cao Lau reflects that history:

• Thick, chewy noodles inspired by Japanese udon
• Char siu–style pork influenced by Chinese cuisine
• Fresh local herbs deeply rooted in Vietnamese food culture

The name “Cao Lau” literally means “high floor.” According to local stories, wealthy traders once ate this dish upstairs, overlooking the bustling streets and river below.

What Makes Cao Lau Completely Unique?

The most important element of Cao Lau is the noodle.

Traditional Cao Lau noodles are made from:

• Local rice
• Soaked in lye water created from ash burned on Cham Islands
• Mixed with water from the ancient Ba Le well in Hoi An

This process creates noodles that are:

• Firm and chewy
• Slightly golden in color
• Able to absorb sauce without becoming soft

Because of this, many locals believe authentic Cao Lau cannot be made outside Hoi An.

What’s Inside a Traditional Bowl of Cao Lau?

A classic bowl of Cao Lau includes:

• Thick Cao Lau noodles
• Slices of marinated char siu pork
• Fresh greens and herbs (lettuce, bean sprouts, Tra Que herbs)
• Crispy fried noodle squares or pork cracklings
• A small amount of rich, savory sauce (not soup)

Cao Lau is not a noodle soup. It is closer to a dry noodle dish, mixed before eating so every bite has texture, aroma, and depth.

Where to Eat Authentic Cao Lau in Hoi An

You’ll find Cao Lau everywhere in Hoi An, but the best bowls usually come from:

• Small family-run stalls
• Local market vendors
• Traditional shops that sell only Cao Lau

A simple rule locals trust:

The less fancy the restaurant, the more authentic the Cao Lau.

How to Get Around Hoi An to Try Local Cao Lau Spots

Hoi An is compact, but many of the best local food spots are hidden in small streets or outside the tourist center. That’s why most travelers choose to explore by motorbike, electric motorbike, or e-bike.

Many visitors ask: is it safe to ride a motorbike in Hoi An

The answer is yes — especially compared to big Vietnamese cities.

• Traffic is slow and relaxed
• Streets are narrow with few trucks
• Electric motorbikes and 50cc bikes are easy to control
• E-bikes are perfect for beginners

If you’re not confident riding, an electric bicycle is a safe and comfortable option for food hopping around town.

A Simple Cao Lau Food Route in Hoi An

• Morning: ride around the Old Town and enjoy Cao Lau at a local stall
• Afternoon: coffee by the Thu Bon River
• Late afternoon: cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village or An Bang Beach
• Evening: return to the Old Town for lanterns and street food

Having your own ride lets you experience Hoi An at your own pace.

Final Thoughts

Cao Lau Hoi An is more than a dish – it’s a taste of history. From its handmade noodles to the way locals eat it, Cao Lau tells the story of a town shaped by culture, trade, and slow living.

To enjoy Cao Lau the right way:

• Eat where locals eat
• Travel slowly
• Choose a vehicle that fits your comfort level

Hoi An is best experienced one bowl, one street, one ride at a time.

Ride slow. Feel the breeze. Enjoy Hoi An your way. 🌿🛵