western food
December 12, 2018 Douglas Thompson
Travelling is your chance to experience new things. Above all, to open your mind and palate to the local cuisine and, even more than that, the local way of life. In the words of the late, great Anthony Bourdain, “If I’m an advocate of anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes, or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.” However, that’s not to say that you should never eat in a western food restaurant while travelling in Hoi An.
Đang xem: Western food
We must say that while we were reviewing all these places and eating their food, we really enjoyed it! For instance, sometimes it’s a welcome break from noodles, rice, and soup. Concerning quality, Hoi An is way up at the top. For instance, you’ll find better western food here than just about anywhere in Vietnam. However, the main issue is that this ‘taste of home’ will come at a cost. At least three to four times as much as a good local meal.
In this review, Hidden provides you with the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide on which the best western Hoi An restaurants are and where to find them.
Contents
Most Popular Western Restaurants in Hoi An:Central Hoi An – Aubergine49Dingo DeliThe Kebab Shack – WeaversHoi An SteakhouseHoi An Burgers PlusLe CabanonMIX Greek RestaurantMango RoomsGood Morning VietnamHola TacoThe Cargo ClubNu EateryThe Hill StationAn Bang Beach – The H’mong Sisters Hoi AnLuna d’AutunnoBazar Cafe and RestaurantHidden’s Thoughts
Most Popular Western Restaurants in Hoi An:
These days most restaurants in Hoi An will offer a couple of western dishes in a mixed menu format. But we won’t be focusing on these, or this article would run into hundreds of pages. There are a couple of places with fusion menus that have enough western-style meals to make the list. We then look at a few upmarket restaurants, a bunch of mid-range establishments, and in conclusion some cheap and cheerful options where you can satisfy that craving for a little taste of home.
Good bread for a toast can be hard to find in Vietnam. Thankfully, the country has the best western Hoi An restaurants. Photo: Antonia Lira
Central Hoi An – Aubergine49
Web – Address: 49 Ly Thai To – Hours: Mondays – Saturdays 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Closed on Sundays
Recently refurbished, this is one of Hoi An’s proper fine dining western food restaurants. Every effort is put into treating the customer to a sublime experience from start to finish. Thinh, the chef and owner of Aubergine49, has worked with some serious names in Europe and Japan. Namely Rick Stein, Paul Gayler, and Seiji Yamamoto. Trust us—he knows his way around the kitchen. His dishes are sophisticated, but not over-done. For instance, they include flashes of local produce amongst the mainly modern European style dishes, with a light dusting of pan-Asian fusion throughout.
Thinh applies his personal touch to every dish coming out of the kitchen. He uses his international knowledge of fine dining to train a crisp, polished service team. But prices are reasonable when you consider the amount of skill and love put into each dish. At 495,000 VND (21.50 USD) for a three-course set menu, you can still afford to grab a nice bottle of wine.
The presentation complements the fine food found at Aubergine49. Photo: Wnfdiary
Dingo Deli
Web – Address: 277 Cua Dai – Hours: Open daily 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Located unobtrusively on Cua Dai, about a ten-minute ride on a scooter from the centre of town. Dingo Deli Hoi An is as good a western bakery cafe/restaurant as we would expect to find in Melbourne or Vancouver. It is simple and unpretentious. Everything is baked fresh on-site every day by local employees. There is a wonderful selection of simple cakes, fresh bread, Aussie meat pies, and sausage rolls. There is also a small selection of mouth-watering charcuterie available, salads, cheeses, brunch, and coffee. Also, there are some hard-to-find groceries like Branston pickle, vegemite and gourmet sausages.
If you are having one of those “I can’t even look at another bowl of noodles right now” moments. Get yourself on down here, pronto. The prices are very reasonable. A sandwich seriously packed with grilled chicken, salami, roasted vegetables, goat’s cheese, and mustard will cost 140,000 VND (6 USD). The cakes and pastries are less than we would have expected at 40,000 to 60,000 VND (1.70 to 2.50 USD). But some of the imported grocery items are obviously going to cost. For example, that old Aussie staple Vegemite is 160,000 (7 USD).
There is an indoor and outdoor play area out back with a fort and some swings. For nomadic workers, there are also some quiet AC private rooms. Look out for the helpful noticeboard where locals advertise their services or you can pop your own ad up if you’re searching for something or have something to sell.
Hidden Hint: Dingo has an excellent website – you can order online and they will deliver to your accommodation in Hoi An. Last orders by 8:30 p.m. Free for orders over 150,000 VND (6.50 USD).
Dingo Deli, one of the best western Hoi An restaurants, serving western meals and kitchen essentials to tourists and expats. Photo: Agnuush
The Kebab Shack – Weavers
Web – Address: 38 Thai Phien – Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Every town needs a kebab shop, and this shack/restaurant happens to be a great place for a western foodie fix as well in Hoi An. You will find cheap London-style chip buttys, full English breakfasts, and obviously, kebabs. If you’re looking for a greasy spoon experience, this is the one for you. Owner Tim will be happy to banter with you while you have a kebab and a beer. Kebabs cost 25,000 VND (1 USD), Sausage Butty costs 35,000 VND (1.50 USD). The Mega English Breakfast tops the scales at 100,000 VND (4.30 USD). Whilst the prices may be low, the food is excellent.
Hidden Hint: This is a great place for coeliacs as they do a fabulous gluten-free breakfast, including homemade hash browns.
A group enjoying a meal at The Kebab Shack in Hoi An. Photo: Wnfdiary
Hoi An Steakhouse
Web – Address: 11B Phan Boi Chau – Hours: Mondays to Saturdays 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Hoi An Steakhouse restaurant offers simple, upmarket western pub food—steaks, fries, pizza, fish & chips, pasta, risotto, some salads, steak tartare, soup, fish fillets, and more. Basically, it’s a carnivore’s paradise. They use a decent quality product, Australian Beef, which understandably is quite pricey as it is, of course, imported.
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Although the cuts are probably not what you would get in Australia itself. it definitely outdoes the local beef on offer in Hoi An. The chef knows his stuff—10 years in resort kitchens has given him great skills with basic food. Don’t expect bells and whistles—they are not trying to reinvent the wheel here—just simple dishes to a good standard.
To satisfy your meat craving, the mixed grill will set you back a cool million VND (43 USD). Pasta and risotto go from 100,000 to 200,000 VND (4.30 to 8.60 USD). Starters and salads range from 80,000 to 90,000 VND (3.40 to 3.90 USD).
Upmarket pub food and Australian beef on offer at Hoi An Steakhouse. Photo: Agnuush
Hoi An Burgers Plus
Web – Address: 22 Phan Boi Chau – Hours: Open daily 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This is a tiny 10-seat nook of a western restaurant, cute as a button, with overhanging ivy and quaint bar stools just on the outskirts of Hoi An’s Old Town. We were absolutely charmed by the place and by Tranh, the lovely and equally tiny Vietnamese woman who owns and runs it. She was just great—she serves, cooks clear the tables, and pours the drinks. She also makes a delicious burger and nice, crunchy fries. They have a very sweet disposition and genuinely wants to make sure you’re having a great time.
Her prices are much cheaper than the other burger joints in town: 89,000 VND (3.90 USD) for a cheeseburger and 65,000 VND (2.80 USD) for a chicken burger. You can order fries, too, but you actually get a handful of fries and a side of sauce with the burger, so you only need to order more if you’re really hungry. They also have onion rings, wedges, and potato bombs. There is no need for happy hour when your bottled beer is only 15,000 VND (.65c USD) all day!
Give in to your burger craving at Hoi An Burger Plus. Photo: Wnfdiary
Le Cabanon
Web – Address: Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa – Hours: Open Mondays to Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Closed on Sundays
A wonderful little French cafe owned by ex-pat Frenchman Julien. This western restaurant is super small and cosy, right by the riverside – a great people watching spot, looking out to An Hoi Island. Belgian beer on tap, sweet and savoury crepes, croque monsieur et madame, and croque mademoiselle.
The mademoiselle was new to us, with olives, aubergine and tomato on crunchy fried sourdough, and a roasted veg salad dressed with a creamy vinaigrette next to it, we found it to be a great mid-morning snack. They also serve pasta, burgers, and a nice range of wine. Prices are competitive: sweet crepes around 40,000 to 50,000 VND (1.70 to 2 USD), savoury crepes at 120,000 VND (5 USD), and pasta and burgers ranging from 150,000 to 160,000 VND (6.50 to 6.90 USD).
Hidden Hint: Happy hour is from 8 p.m. to 8 p.m. Customers get a free tapas plate with any bottle of wine ordered.
A French cafe vibe at the riverside Le Cabanon. Photo: Wnfdiary
MIX Greek Restaurant
Web – Address: 188 A/5 Tran Phu street – Hours: Thursdays to Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 1 10 p.m.; Closed on Wednesdays
Based in an old terrace house near the Japanese Bridge, in the heart of the Old Town. MIX Greek restaurant is owned by Greek couple Maria and Christos. MIX restaurant is full of difficult-to-find-in-Hoi An western items, like crumbly, sharp feta, and thick, tangy Greek yoghurt. The menu is more of a “classic hits” album of familiar Greek exports than a traditional Greek menu, but don’t take that as a criticism. There are plenty of vegetarian dishes on offer, and a crazy, mouth-watering array of share plates, filled with spit-roasted meats, garlic, grilled aubergine, tzatziki, olive oil, chickpeas, and fried calamari.
MIX is a nice place to go for a meal, but if you have a bunch of people eating together, the share platters and a few shots of ouzo might just be the best choice. The servings are large and good value for money and plus there’s always a free dessert taster at the end of your meal. The restaurant is decorated with various curios hanging from the walls and ceilings—plenty for the kids to look at and when they tire of their surroundings, and there are some board games to pass the time.
Starters cost around 80,000 to 120,000 VND (3.40 to 5 USD), salads range from 120,000 to 150,000 VND (5 to 6.50 USD), mains cost about 150,000 to 170,000 VND (6.50 to 7.30 USD), and share platters are around 580,000 VND (29 USD).
Hidden Hint: There are two levels for dining but it does pay to either book ahead or go early as this place is popular. The bathrooms are thoughtfully stocked with any toiletries you may have forgotten such as nappies and sanitary items. Just remember to pay it forward and restock for the next person next time you’re passing.
Sample the classic Greek menu at MIX in Hoi An Old Town. Photo: Agnuush
Mango Rooms
Web – Address: 111 Nguyen Thai Hoc – Hours: Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
This is Hoi An fusion at its finest. Mango Rooms restaurant Hoi An has a relaxed, cafe-style setting, and the menu reads really well, mixing southeast Asian flavours and ingredients with western style dishes and techniques. Vietnamese chef and owner Duc grew up in Vietnam and is also well-travelled, hence creating a fantastic fusion menu of an international standard. Duc’s two other Hoi An restaurants, Mango Mango and Mai Fish are also well worth a visit.
The drinks list is packed with great fusion cocktails in the same style and a limited but effective wine selection. It fronts onto Nguyen Thai Hoc street, and backs onto the Thu Bon river, facing An Hoi island. The interior is colourful with comfortable, cushioned couches and coffee tables mixed with wooden chairs and cafe tables.
At lunchtime, they have half-price beers and cocktails (the cocktails are normally 120,000 VND (5 USD), whilst the beers are normally 50,000 VND (2 USD). The food is cooked and plated to a good standard. Starters range from 90,000 to 160,000 VND (3.80 to 6.90 USD, salads at 110,000 to 140,000 VND (4.70 to 6 USD), and mains range from 290,000 to 580,000 VND (12.50 to 25 USD).
Beautifully prepared and presented tuna with mango salsa at Mango Rooms. Photo: Hidden Hoi An
Good Morning Vietnam
Web – Address: 11 Le Loi – Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This is an Italian restaurant that serves the standard Italian fare of pizza, pasta, and garlic bread. After that they also do some good main plates: substantial fish, beef, and chicken dishes with an Italian spin.
They also have a sister restaurant in Nha Trang. Both these western restaurants have a strong following amongst both Hoi An and Nha Trang tourists and locals. Owned by local Italians, and with a strong Italian presence in the kitchen, you get the feeling that these guys care about keeping it as real as possible. Although the menu is not very adventurous for foodie types, the meals are tasty and plated appealingly.
Pasta dishes are reasonably priced at around 200,000 VND (8.60 USD); however, the pizzas tip the scales at anywhere between 155,000 and 255,000 VND (6.70 to 11 USD). That being said, you will struggle to find better pizza in town than the ones that come out of this kitchen. The meat and seafood mains range from 225,000 to 455,000 VND (9.70 to 19.50 USD). At lunchtime, you’ll get a 15% discount on pizza.
Good Morning Vietnam restaurant delivers authentic Italian pizza in Hoi An. Photo: Wnfdiary
Hola Taco
Web – Address: 9 Phan Chu Trinh – Hours: Open Mondays to Saturdays 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Closed on Sundays
The first thing you will notice about Hola Taco is the delicious smells that emanate from the restaurant as you walk past it on the street. Aussie chef Brad and his Vietnamese wife Nhung own the place, and there is nothing else like it in town.
Hola Taco restaurant offers western dining in a family-friendly, casual setting in Hoi An. You’ll find quesadillas, chips and dips, deluxe nachos and, of course, tasty tacos filling up one side of the menu card. When you flip it over, you’ll see several margaritas, sangria and Mexican beers to wash them down with, as well as the usual local beverages. The margaritas are well worth highlighting as contenders for the best cocktail in town.
However, prices are not exactly budget-friendly. Nachos’ prices range from 140,000 to 170,000 VND (6 to 7.30 USD), Cheese quesadillas cost 15,000 VND (.65c USD), Oaxacan chorizo quesadillas are 130,000 VND (5.80 USD). Tacos come in pairs, ranging from 115,000 to 130,000 VND (5 to 5.60 USD).
Colourful and tasty tacos at Hoi An’s Hola Taco. Photo: Agnuush
The Cargo Club
Web – Address: 107D Nguyen Thai Hoc – Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cargo Club is a Hoi An institution. Containing a brunch cafe, restaurant, and patisserie, its concept is taken from the world-renowned cafe stylings of Melbourne. Australia’s internationally renowned food hub. Mrs Vy, the owner, spent time in Melbourne. She decided that she would like to replicate the comfortable western restaurant atmosphere and high standards she enjoyed, back here in Hoi An.
For instance, the restaurant is professionally presented—clean lines AND brisk service. The food was on point, and the drinks list has everything you need. There is a fantastic selection of top quality cakes on offer to satisfy that afternoon sugar low.
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Mrs Vy is a pillar of the Hoi An hospitality scene with six establishments in her stable. For instance, this experience shows in the great reviews that Cargo Club has online. The menu is international, with some touches of Italian, a dash of Mexican, and a good selection of brunch items, pastries, and cakes.
Local dishes range from 70,000 to 100,000 VND (3 to 4.30 USD). Starters and salads go from 90,000 to 150,000 VND (3.90 to 6.50 USD). Mains from 150,000 to 450,000 VND (6.50 to 19 USD).
Quality cakes at the cosy Cargo Club. Photo: Agnuush
Nu Eatery
Web – Address: 10A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai – Hours: Mondays to Saturdays 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Closed on Sundays
This quaint little fusion joint has a strong following amongst locals and ex-pats. Similarly their online reviews are absolutely glowing. It is a cool, little hidden laneway gem, with three tiny dining rooms decked out with small tables and bright colours. Every time we’ve walked by, the open kitchen is buzzing with activity, and the dining room is full of customers chattering away in several different languages.
Above all, you get the feeling that this place was put together by a team that really enjoys good food. They are doing it a little bit differently than everyone else, and it’s paying off. On the menu, there is Chinese soy-braised pork bao side-by-side with pasta dishes, calamari pomelo salads rubbing shoulders with poached beets and balsamic. Chilled tomato soup is hanging out with bánh mì, and on the dessert list, lemongrass ice cream is knocking boots with a housemade baked cheesecake.
Great prices for desserts 55,000 VND (2.40 USD), mains cost 100,000 VND (4.30 USD), whilst soups and salads’ prices range from 45,000 to 75,000 VND (1.90 to 3.20 USD).
Hidden Hint: This place is both small and popular so it pays to book ahead. You need to be on time for your booking—they won’t be able to keep it if you’re late. If it is busy, they have a sister restaurant, The Sea Shell , equally as good with the same menu.
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