Cao Lầu is a must-try dish when visiting Hoi An, offering a unique blend of flavors, history, and texture. This special noodle dish features thick, chewy noodles made with lye water and traditionally cooked using water from the ancient Ba Le well. It’s topped with slices of savory pork, fresh herbs, crispy rice crackers, and just a little broth.
Cao Lau - Taste of Hoi An's Heritage in a bowl
When you visit Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most charming and historic towns, you’ll quickly discover that its unique culture extends far beyond ancient buildings and lantern-lit streets - it lives in the food. Among the many delicious local dishes, one stands out as truly special: Cao Lầu. Cao Lầu is more than just a noodle dish - it is a symbol of Hoi An’s cultural identity and culinary history. Unlike any other dish in Vietnam, Cao Lầu is made with thick, yellowish noodles that have a firm, chewy texture, almost like Japanese udon. The noodles are soaked in lye water, traditionally made by filtering ash from trees found on nearby Cham Island. This gives them their distinct texture and flavor, unlike the softer rice noodles used in most Vietnamese dishes.
But what truly makes Cao Lầu unique is the water used to prepare the noodles. According to local legend, the water must come from the Ba Le Well, an ancient well in Hoi An that dates back centuries. Locals believe only this well's water gives the noodles the right texture and taste. The dish is topped with slices of savory char siu-style pork (influenced by Chinese cuisine), crunchy rice crackers, fresh Vietnamese herbs like mint and basil, and a small amount of broth or sauce to lightly coat the noodles. The combination of textures - soft, chewy, crunchy - along with the harmony of herbal freshness and rich pork flavor creates a truly unforgettable experience.
Cao Lầu also tells the story of Hoi An’s past as a vibrant international trading port. The dish reflects influences from China, Japan, and even Europe, yet it remains distinctly Vietnamese and deeply rooted in Hoi An. You can find Cao Lầu served at street food stalls, local markets, and traditional restaurants across the town. Each place might prepare it a little differently, but the soul of the dish remains the same.
Whether you're exploring the Old Town, biking through the countryside, or enjoying a riverside dinner, make sure to try Cao Lầu. It's not just a meal - it’s a bite of history, a culinary journey, and one of the most authentic tastes you’ll experience in Vietnam.
