Cao Lau Hoi An – The culinary essence of the ancient town

When it comes to Hoi An cuisine, we cannot ignore Cao Lau - a unique dish associated with the history of the ancient trading port. Cao Lau is not like Pho or Quang noodles, but has a distinct flavor with thick, chewy noodles, delicious char siu meat and fresh vegetables.

1. Characteristics of Cao Lau

Cao Lau. Image: Khoi Studio.

Cao Lau is a dish that bears the cultural and historical imprint of Hoi An, with a unique flavor unlike any other type of noodles. Below are the characteristics that make Cao Lau different:

1.1 Special chewy and crispy noodles

Cao Lau noodles are made from rice flour soaked in ash water from trees in Cu Lao Cham, giving the noodles a natural chewy texture and golden brown color.
According to legend, the water used to make noodles must be from Ba Le well - a hundreds-year-old well in Hoi An. Nowadays, the source of clean water to make noodles has become more diverse.

1.2 Little broth but rich

Not as much broth as pho or bun, cao lau only has a little sauce cooked from char siu (roasted pork or braised pork), condensed, creating a rich flavor.

1.3 Crispy char siu and pork fat

Char siu (Thịt xá xíu) is marinated with spices, grilled to keep its aroma and softness.

Crispy pork fat helps increase the fatty taste, blending with the noodles.

1.4 Typical fresh green vegetables

Cao lau must be eaten with fresh vegetables including bean sprouts, basil, lettuce...

Vegetables are usually taken from Tra Que vegetable village, famous for its natural aroma.

1.5 Hoi An-style way of eating

When eating, diners mix the noodles with the sauce, raw vegetables, pork fat and char siu to blend the flavors.

You can add Hoi An chili sauce or lemon to increase the spicy or slightly sour taste depending on your taste.

The combination of unique noodles, rich sauce, delicious char siu and fresh vegetables has created an unmistakable signature dish of Hoi An.

2. Origin and meaning of Cao Lau Hoi An

2.1 Origin of Cao Lau

Cao Lau appeared in the 17th-18th century, when Hoi An was still a bustling trading port with Japan, China and Western countries. This cultural exchange has created a dish with a special style, unlike Vietnamese pho, Quang noodles or Chinese or Japanese noodle dishes.

Japanese influence: Cao Lau noodles are somewhat similar to Japanese Udon noodles, thick and chewy.

Chinese influence: Char siu in Cao Lau has similarities with Chinese-style roasted and braised dishes.

Vietnamese identity: The combination of raw vegetables, spices, and cooking methods suitable for Vietnamese tastes, creates a dish that carries the soul of Hoi An ancient town.

2.2 Meaning of the name "Cao Lau"

"Cao Lau" means "eating on a high floor". In ancient times, this was a dish for merchants and the rich, often served on the upper floors of luxury restaurants or eateries.

Today, Cao Lau is no longer a luxury dish but has become a culinary symbol of Hoi An, attracting domestic and foreign tourists.

2.3 Cao Lau - Famous Specialty of the Old Town

Cao Lau is not only a delicious dish but also a crystallization of the history, culture and people of Hoi An. Legend has it that to make the characteristic noodles, people must use water from Ba Le well and wood ash from Cu Lao Cham, creating a flavor that cannot be found elsewhere.

Today, Cao Lau still retains its traditional features and has become an indispensable part of the journey to explore Hoi An. If you have the opportunity to visit, you should try it to feel the century-old flavor of this dish!

3. Suggestions for delicious Cao Lau restaurants in Hoi An

If you want to enjoy delicious Cao Lau in Hoi An, here are some famous restaurants, highly appreciated by many diners:

3.1 Thanh Cao Lau - Traditional taste

• Address: 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An
• Opening hours: 07:00 - 19:00
• Price: 30,000 - 45,000 VND
• Features: Chewy Cao Lau noodles, rich sauce, delicious char siu.

3.2 Ba Be Cao Lau - Long-standing restaurant

• Address: Hoi An Market (food court)
• Opening hours: 07:00 - 21:00
• Price: 30,000 - 40,000 VND
• Features: Traditional taste, served with fresh Tra Que vegetables.

3.3 Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh - The restaurant space is located on the walking street

• Address: 687 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
• Opening hours: 08:00 - 21:00
• Price: 35,000 - 50,000 VND
• Features: Spacious space, rich Cao Lau, fast service.