Beer, Banh Mi & 45 Other Reasons To Love Hoi An

Today we discovered that food in Hoi An is far more than just something to eat — it’s history, culture and storytelling all rolled into one very delicious morning.

We joined the Taste of Hoi An experience and somehow managed to sample 45 different dishes and drinks throughout the tour. Bryan discovered that beer with breakfast is apparently completely acceptable here.

The morning started at 7am exploring the local market, which was alive with colour, noise, fresh herbs, seafood and spices. It felt chaotic at first, but once you slowed down and watched the rhythm of the market, you realised everyone knew exactly where they were going and what they were doing.

Our guide didn’t just feed us — she explained the stories behind the dishes and how different cultures influenced Hoi An cuisine over centuries. We learned how Hoi An’s trading history shaped many of the flavours still found today, with influences from Chinese, Japanese and European traders blending into the local food culture.

There were dishes we recognised, most we couldn’t pronounce, and a few we probably couldn’t identify again if challenged — but almost everything was packed with fresh flavour.

We learnt you can get paper everything to take to the next life including motorbikes

By the end of the tour we were completely full and fascinated by how much history and culture can be told through food.

Hoi An continues to surprise us — one bowl and one bite at a time.

The combination of full bellies, rice wine (Bryan had my share) and the relentless Hoi An heat left only one sensible option — retreating for an afternoon collapse to sleep it all off before even thinking about dinner again.