Hoi An Cao Lau

Besides ancient architecture and idyllic natural scenery, Hoi An also charms its visitors with delicious Vietnamese food. One of the most iconic dishes in Hoi An is Cao Lau.

Cao Lau is a noodle dish served with char siu, shrimp, pork, egg, and a small amount of broth (cooked with pork bones). Char siu meat is thoroughly marinated and then boiled. Then the boiled water is also used as a side sauce. Like other Vietnamese dishes, Cao Lau can’t truly taste the best without its accompanying vegetables.

Cao Lau is a noodle dish served with char siu, shrimp, pork, egg, and a small amount of broth (cooked with pork bones). Char siu meat is thoroughly marinated and then boiled. Then the boiled water is also used as a side sauce. Like other Vietnamese dishes, Cao Lau can’t truly taste the best without its accompanying vegetables.

There are 12 different types of vegetables: cucumber, star fruit, lettuce, cilantro, bitter vegetables, baby cabbage, banana cabbage, bean sprouts, and other herbs. There is also a vegetarian version of Cao Lau, where meat and eggs are replaced by tofu and vegetables such as mushrooms.

According to records, Cao Lau appeared in the early 17th century, during the most prosperous trading period of Hoi An port.The Chinese and Japanese traders brought their own culinary culture and gradually created a new dish, Cao Lau Hoi An, a blend of Chinese and Japanese cuisines.