Cao Lau - The iconic food of Hoi An cuisine

Cao lau is a renowned noodle specialty invented in Hoi An. It embodies the delicious fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisine. This Hoi An iconic dish includes Japanese udon-like noodles, pieces of roasted pork resembling Chinese char siu, raw greens, beansprouts, crunchy croutons, along with the Hoi An-style special sauce. Locals often mix cao lau with lime juice, Vietnamese chili paste, and fresh sliced chili to add extra flavors.

It has been said that the secret recipe of the authentic Hoi An's cao lau uses water from an ancient mysterious well - Ba Le well, jungle wood ash from Cham Islands, and organic herbs from Tra Que gardens. This is the reason why you should not miss out on the unique cao lau in Hoi An City. 

The origin of cao lau’s name also arouses the curiosity of foodies. Cao lau means "high storey" in Vietnamese because back in the 17th century, it was an exclusive dish served for the upper classes who would dine on the upper floors of restaurants. The social hierarchy has been removed in modern times, but people still keep its name as a signature of the Hoi An's street food.

• Average costs: 25.000 ~ 44.000 VND/a bowl 
• Where to eat Cao Lau: Bà Bé Cao Lau - Central Market, 19 Tran Phu Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City 

A Hoi An food tour would not be complete without trying cao lau (Source: @_thesweetpeach_)