Cao lầu: the noodle you can only eat in Hội An
Most Vietnamese noodles travel well. Cao lầu doesn’t – locals will tell you the real thing only exists in Hội An.
Cao lầu is Hội An’s signature noodle: firm, chewy rice noodles with sliced pork, fresh greens, crispy crackers and just a spoonful of rich sauce. It usually costs 30,000–60,000 VND. Order with “Cho tôi một tô cao lầu” – and bring your own water bottle to refill.
At a glance
How to order
“Cho tôi một tô cao lầu.”
One bowl of cao lầu. Say thêm rau for extra greens, or không cay for no chilli.
Why the noodles are different
Cao lầu noodles are traditionally made with water from the old Bá Lễ well in Hội An and lye made from wood ash, which gives them their firm, springy bite and slightly smoky taste. Production has long been in the hands of a few local families, which is why the dish is so closely tied to the town.
A taste of an old trading port
From the 15th to the 19th century Hội An was a busy port for Chinese, Japanese and European traders. Cao lầu is often described as a mix of those influences – noodles a little like Japanese udon, pork a little like Chinese char siu, and herbs from gardens outside town.
When to go
You can find cao lầu from breakfast to dinner. Market stalls are busiest in the morning; restaurants serve it all day.
Questions travellers ask
Why can you only get cao lầu in Hội An?
The noodles are traditionally made with local well water and wood-ash lye, and production has been kept by a few Hội An families. Versions elsewhere rarely taste the same.
Is cao lầu a soup?
No. It comes with only a small amount of rich sauce at the bottom of the bowl. Mix everything together before you eat.
How much does cao lầu cost?
Around 30,000–60,000 VND a bowl at local places. Old-town restaurants can charge more.
What is the difference between cao lầu and mì Quảng?
Both are central Vietnamese noodles served with little broth. Cao lầu noodles are thick, chewy and specific to Hội An; mì Quảng uses wide, soft turmeric noodles and comes from the wider Quảng Nam area.
Prices are typical ranges we’ve seen and change often; tourist areas can charge more. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it. Last updated 2026-09-30.
