
CAO LAU: A PROUD SYMBOL OF HOI AN’S CULINARY HERITAGE
Cao Lau is the spirit of Hoi An’s ancient town. This iconic dish holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The trip to Hoi An’s ancient town will be incomplete without it. From centuries past, there have even been poems made to highlight its essence, such as:
Those who wander through Hoi An’s streets, heading to Phuc Kien, and taste Cao Lau’s treats.
What makes Cao Lau so special?
Cao Lau is more than just a delicious cuisine; it is representative of Hoi An’s gastronomic culture and historical stories. In the past, this dish was exclusively served to the upper class. Its name also signifies “high floor”, where the wealthy would dine in ancient restaurants. Over the course of hundreds of years, Cao Lau has evolved into an unmissable specialty for tourists visiting Hoi An. You can easily find this culinary delight throughout the city center, from dynamic street vendors to upscale restaurants.
What is Cao Lau? It is a flavorful mix of golden, chewy rice noodles and a variety of toppings like slices of barbecued pork, crispy fried pigskin, fresh bean sprouts, lettuce, and aromatic herbs. The harmonious blend of savory, refreshing, sweet, and aromatic flavors is definitely one of the most memorable culinary experiences that you may never find anywhere.
If you’re wondering where to go to enjoy the authentic taste of this specialty, below are our top recommendations when you visit Da Nang and Hoi An!
Top 5 Delicious Cao Lau Restaurants to Try in Da Nang
1. Cao lau Hoai Pho
- Address: 255 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Hai Chau, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Price range: 20,000 VND – 40,000 VND per bowl
2. Cao lau Pho Hoi
- Address: 163 Phan Dang Luu, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price range: 10,000 VND – 30,000 VND per bowl
3. Cao lau Ly Hoi An
- Address: 267 Thai Thi Boi, Thanh Khe, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price range: 15,000 VND – 21,000 VND per bowl
4. Cao lau Phuoc
- Address: K18 Nguyen Duy Hieu, An Hai Dong, Son Tra, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price range: 20,000 VND – 40,000 VND per bowl
5. Cao lau Nhung
- Address: K87/29 Nguyen Van Linh, Da Nang
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Price range: 15,000 VND – 20,000 VND per bowl
Top 3 Delicious Cao Lau Restaurants to Try in Hoi An
1. Cao lau Trung Bac
- Address: 87 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An City Center, Quang Nam
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price range: 40,000 VND – 60,000 VND per serving
2. Cao lau Ba Thanh
- Address: 26 Thai Phien Street, Hoi An City Center, Quang Nam
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Price range: 30,000 VND – 45,000 VND per serving
3. Cao lau Ba Be
- Address: Inside the food area of Hoi An Market, Tran Phu Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
- Opening hours: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Price range: 30,000 VND per serving