My Go-To Dining Experiences in Hoi An—and What They Cost
If you’ve read previous blog posts by students in Hoi An, you may have gathered that we eat out quite a bit during our stay here.
This text is translated using AI.
View the original article here.Prices at most restaurants in Vietnam are quite low compared to Norway.
So eating out can still be a fairly affordable option, despite our student budget. Not least, it is yet another way to explore the city and get to know it better.
During our first few days here, our seminar leader, Duc, shared a list with us on Google Maps.
He has saved 129 of his favorite places to eat in Hoi An. These include cafés, restaurants, and bars. Prices vary widely, so different places will suit different occasions.
Several of us look at this list when we're searching for something new and need inspiration. If we go to a restaurant mentioned on the list, we can also feel confident that the quality will be good, because Duc is very fond of good food.
After five weeks in Hoi An, I’m nowhere near being able to say I’ve eaten my way through this list. Still, I’ve found several places that have become my go-tos. Here they are, ranked by price.
1. Thai Food - Thai Street Food
Located right next to the old town in a truly vibrant area along the river. Low plastic chairs and open-air dining.
The perfect choice if you’re looking for something casual, cozy, and affordable without compromising on quality. They serve, among other things, pad thai and crispy spring rolls for NOK 11 each. I also really like their kumquat iced tea, which costs NOK 5. It’s incredibly refreshing and perfect for hot weather or after a long day.
2. Co Loi Grilled Meat Hoi An
This restaurant specializes in just one thing: grilled pork skewers. They are usually served with a mix of salad greens and herbs, along with rice paper so you can eat the skewers as rolls.
On the side, you also get a delicious peanut sauce. A full portion costs NOK 37 and includes 10 skewers plus accompaniments. It is intended for two people, which works out to NOK 19 each. The food is served at an open grill with plastic chairs.
3. Kha My Café
A very cozy café located by the same river as Đồ ăn Thái Lan. It is usually very quiet here, so it is also a nice place to read.
I've fallen in love with their coconut ice cream, which is served with freshly grated coconut and coconut water on the side. This is my go-to whenever I come here. It costs around NOK 30 and can easily be shared with someone else.
4. Hiên Sushi Bar
Possibly the best sushi I've ever had, and at a very reasonable price too. The restaurant is located right in the heart of the old town, and they serve all kinds of sushi, as well as ramen, salads, and other side dishes.
The last time I was there, I ordered tuna tataki and flaming salmon maki, and I paid less than NOK 100 including a drink. Very, very worth it!
5. Nù Eatery
For a special occasion, Nù is absolutely perfect. Tucked away on a side street in the old town, it has a charming interior and a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant operates as a bistro, serving sharing plates with a Vietnamese-Western twist.
The dishes at Nù usually cost between NOK 15 and 45, so you can simply mix and match until you've had your fill. The tempura shrimp spring rolls and pork tacos with wasabi sauce are my two favorites here.
One particularly special dining experience I had was when I visited the restaurant Nèn during a weekend trip to Da Nang with some friends. It is a fine-dining restaurant that focuses on showcasing Vietnamese flavors using ultra-local ingredients.
They have their own garden right next to the restaurant, which we got to visit before dinner. The menu is seasonal, and you can choose either 7 or 9 courses. The shorter 7-course menu cost around NOK 1,000 per person and was the one I ordered.
This isn't exactly an everyday experience, but it was incredibly fun and a new way to explore Vietnamese cuisine.
I was also told about a restaurant here in Hoi An called Múa, which is run according to a philosophy similar to Nèn's. I haven't had the chance to go there yet, but I'm planning to visit with several classmates before too long. I'm really looking forward to it!
If this list isn't for you, I can at least guarantee that you'll find something on Duc's list. There's truly something for everyone!
