To experience Hoi An in the most authentic way, start with the places where locals choose to eat, drink and meet every day.
Hoi An has long captivated international visitors with its sunlit yellow streets, time-worn ancient houses, the poetic Hoai River and the slow rhythm of life under glowing lanterns. Beyond the familiar charm of the Ancient Town, however, Hoi An also offers another layer of experience: more intimate, more everyday and more deeply connected to local life. These are the eateries, cafés, drink stalls and dining spaces chosen by local residents as part of their daily routines.
Recently, Time Out Asia published the article “12 places locals love to eat and drink at in Hoi An”, featuring 12 recommended dining and drinking spots in Hoi An through the voices of people working in the local culinary, restaurant and beverage scene. The list not only introduces visitors to signature Central Vietnamese flavours such as mi Quang, beef pho and banh xeo, but also opens up fresh experiences, from dinner beside the rice fields and riverside cocktails to garden cafés and lively local spots after work.
This is an inspiring guide for travellers who wish to discover Hoi An in a slower and more authentic way, stepping beyond the crowded streets to experience a more intimate side of the destination through flavours, local rhythms and spaces loved by residents.
Places to Eat in Hoi An
Mi Quang 92
Mi Quang is one of the signature flavours of the Da Nang region, often recognised by its yellow noodles, rich broth, fresh herbs, sesame rice crackers and a variety of toppings. According to Time Out, Mi Quang 92 is recommended as one of the must-try addresses in Hoi An for visitors seeking a bowl of mi Quang with a true local taste.
What makes the restaurant interesting is that, besides familiar versions with pork or shrimp, diners can also enjoy mi Quang with fish or beef. With tender, flavourful fish, fresh herbs and a refreshing glass of orange juice, this is an ideal choice for a light yet deeply satisfying Central Vietnamese meal.
Quan Xanh
For those looking for a meal with a distinctly local atmosphere, Quan Xanh is a stop worth considering. As shared in Time Out’s article, this is a suitable place to visit with a group of friends and enjoy dishes such as crispy roast pork and large grilled fish topped with aromatic herbs and leaves.
The restaurant has a warm, down-to-earth spirit, allowing diners to feel the everyday food culture of Hoi An residents. A dinner here is not only about the dishes, but also about the conversations, the sound of glasses clinking, the lively energy and the familiar warmth that define local eateries.
Mango Rooms
Located beside the Hoai River, Mango Rooms offers a more modern and refined dining experience. Time Out introduces it as a suitable address for those looking for a beautiful setting to watch the sunset and enjoy fusion cuisine inspired by Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
The dishes here are highly regarded for their use of quality ingredients and creative cooking techniques. In particular, the restaurant’s in-house smoked items create a distinctive culinary signature. This is a fitting choice for a leisurely riverside evening, when visitors want to experience Hoi An in the gentle colours of sunset and the atmosphere of contemporary dining.
Pho 127 Cua Dai
Pho is a familiar dish for travellers to Vietnam, and in Hoi An, 127 Cua Dai is recommended by Time Out as a worthwhile stop for those who love beef pho. The restaurant focuses on beef pho, served with a clear broth that carries the natural sweetness of beef bones, herbs and onion.
According to a local chef featured in the article, the best time to enjoy pho here is in the morning, around 8:00 – 9:00 AM. The restaurant often sells out by around 10:00 AM, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early to fully enjoy the flavour of a local breakfast in Hoi An.
Banh Xeo Hai Dao
Banh xeo is a dish closely associated with joy and sharing in Vietnamese cuisine. At Banh Xeo Hai Dao, the pancakes are introduced with a crispy yet less oily shell, flavourful fillings and a generous selection of fresh herbs.
The appeal of banh xeo lies not only in its crisp texture, but also in the way it is wrapped with fresh greens, dipped into a rich sauce and enjoyed while still hot. This is a great experience for visitors who wish to explore street food in a familiar, rustic and flavourful way.
Tok
While the Ancient Town evokes images of golden streets and bustling crowds, Tok reveals a different side of Hoi An: quiet, green and overlooking the rice fields. Recommended by Time Out as a dinner destination, Tok is suitable for travellers looking for a space away from the town centre, private enough to turn a meal into a small journey beyond the Ancient Town.
The countryside setting, the changing rhythm of the rice seasons and the peaceful atmosphere are what make the experience at Tok stand out. This is a suggestion for those who want to combine dining with scenery, and to see that Hoi An is not only about the Ancient Town, but also about serene green spaces filled with calm.
Places to Drink in Hoi An
Café Slow
In Vietnam, coffee is not only a morning drink but also part of everyday life. Café Slow is introduced by Time Out as a suitable address for starting the day slowly in Hoi An.
The ideal time to visit is around 8:00 AM, when the sun is not yet too strong, the space is still quiet and visitors can walk through the garden, watching locals tend vegetables and water plants. A cappuccino, a slice of toast with strawberry jam and the fresh air of the garden create a gentle experience that aligns beautifully with the spirit of slow travel in Hoi An.
Sinh To Tam
Located at the corner of Ba Le Market, Sinh To Tam is a suggestion for those looking for a refreshing drink in the morning. According to Time Out, this drink stall serves a variety of fresh juices and smoothies, including fresh coconut, orange, ginger orange and blended aloe vera.
This is a simple yet delightful stop, giving visitors a glimpse into the rhythm of a local market, where residents shop, have breakfast, chat and begin a new day. A cool glass of juice here can become an ordinary yet memorable moment on a journey through Hoi An.
Market Bar
With its view over the river, Market Bar is recommended as a destination for late afternoon or sunset. Comfortable sofas, beautiful views and a creative cocktail menu make it a suitable choice for visitors who want to shift from a day of sightseeing into a relaxed evening.
As shared in the article, infused gin cocktails are among the highlights at Market Bar. One version inspired by pho offers an unexpected twist, drawing on the familiar herbs and spices of Vietnamese cuisine. This fresh approach shows that Hoi An’s culinary culture is not limited to traditional dishes, but can also inspire contemporary creations.
Sky Beer
Sky Beer offers a very local slice of Hoi An’s nightlife. It is a suitable place to meet friends after work, enjoy cold beer and share small dishes such as fried tofu wrapped with fresh herbs, grilled pork belly and other local bites.
This space is ideal for travellers who want to discover Hoi An in a more down-to-earth way, where the experience does not need to be elaborate but clearly reflects the local habit of meeting, eating, drinking and talking together.
Hill Station
Hill Station is a familiar address for those who enjoy a relaxed setting for wine, beer, cider and European-style bites. According to Time Out, it is a suitable place for happy hour, with options such as Camembert cheese, baguette, mango, wine or beer.
Set within the atmosphere of Hoi An, Hill Station offers a laid-back feeling, perfect for sitting back, watching people pass by, chatting with friends and enjoying a slower rhythm of the town after a day of exploration.
Mezcal Cocteleria
For those looking for a more urban and slightly mysterious drinking experience, Mezcal Cocteleria is a noteworthy suggestion. Time Out describes it as a hidden cocktail space, creating a sense of surprise as guests pass through a small entrance and go upstairs into a dark, characterful room.
The cocktails here are highly regarded for their refined, complex flavours and creative preparation. This is a fitting choice for an evening in Hoi An, especially for travellers who enjoy speakeasy-style spaces and want to discover a more modern, international side of the destination.
Suggested Itinerary
With the 12 addresses introduced by Time Out, visitors can design a Hoi An culinary journey at different rhythms throughout the day. The morning can begin with a bowl of beef pho at 127 Cua Dai, a smoothie at the corner of Ba Le Market or coffee in the quiet garden of Café Slow. Noon and afternoon are suitable times to enjoy mi Quang, banh xeo or local eateries. As sunset falls, visitors can choose Mango Rooms or Market Bar for riverside views, or travel a little further from the Ancient Town to Tok for dinner beside the rice fields.
What these suggestions have in common is not conventional fame, but their ability to bring visitors closer to the real life of Hoi An. It is a Hoi An of simple breakfasts, local drinking spots, garden cafés, creative cocktails, dinners overlooking rice fields and very everyday encounters.
From the perspective of international media, Time Out’s list once again shows that Hoi An’s appeal comes not only from architectural heritage or the scenery of the Ancient Town, but also from its food culture, the creativity of the local community and a deeply distinctive way of life. For travellers staying in Da Nang, a day trip to Hoi An or a combined Da Nang – Hoi An itinerary becomes even more complete when enriched with culinary stops like these.
Let Hoi An lead the way through flavour: from a rich bowl of mi Quang and a hot crispy banh xeo to a morning coffee, a riverside evening or dinner among the rice fields. Each stop is a small slice of local life, contributing to a Hoi An journey that feels intimate, refreshing and full of inspiration.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
