Hoi An boasts some of the
best food I've eaten on my trip thus far. For whatever reason, this little town
claims a few delectable dishes as unique to their town alone. The first is
White Rose, a simple but outstanding meat and shrimp dumpling steamed in a rice
dough that somewhat resembles a white rose.
Second is Cao Lau, a noodle
and beef soup with bean sprouts and fresh herbs mixed in when it arrives at the
table. The noodles are only available in Hoi An because they are made from a
particular water source that gives them their unique texture. The noodles are a
bit doughy but the dish is truly delectable because the meat is marinated and
tastes a bit of cinnamon. And the fresh herbs are amazing...mint and basil, I
believe.
Finally, crispy rice
pancakes, known as "Banh Xeo", which consist of a fried pancake, kind
of like a rice crepe, with bean sprouts and shrimp inside. The dish is served
with all sorts of fresh herbs which you put inside the pancake and then wrap in
a thin piece of rice paper. It's topped off by dipping in an amazing spicy
peanut sauce. To die for.
