Travelers come to Hoi An in Vietnam for lantern-lit alleys, riverside cafés, and tailor shops, but many leave with one memory lingering strongest: the taste of chicken rice.

Known locally as “cơm gà Hội An“, this dish traces its roots to Chinese traders who brought Hainanese chicken rice to Hoi An during the 16th-17th century. By the 1950s, locals adapted it with Tam Ky free-range chicken, rice simmered in broth, and turmeric for a golden hue. Once sold by street vendors, it soon became a beloved specialty, blending Chinese influence with Central Vietnam’s flavors. Today, it’s recognized as a cultural icon of Hoi An, familiar yet distinct from the chicken rice found in Singapore and Malaysia.

Imagine steaming rice, golden with turmeric and rich chicken broth, topped with shredded chicken, coriander, and onions, balanced with a tangy chili paste and pickled papaya.

Top places to eat chicken rice in Hoi An

Every restaurant offers its own subtle variation, but all share the same spirit: a meal that is comforting, affordable, and woven into daily life.

1. Com Ga Ba Buoi: The classic chicken rice eatery in Hoi An everyone knows

Ba Buoi is the name most associated with Hoi An chicken rice. Decades of tradition make it a rite of passage for locals and tourists alike. Step inside and you’ll see a packed dining room, buzzing with conversations in Vietnamese, English, Korean, and more.

The rice here is fluffy yet rich, cooked in chicken broth and turmeric. The chicken is shredded, mixed with onions and herbs, then topped with chili jam. A side of papaya salad brightens each bite.

Address: 22 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An

Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00

Price range: 35,000 – 55,000 VND

Tip: Go before noon. After 19:00, the food often runs out.

2. Com Ga Ty Hoi An

A few steps from Com Ga Ba Buoi, Com Ga Ty is equally beloved but less hectic. Its style is lighter: less oil, softer rice, and tender chicken. The accompanying ginger-infused soup is its star, comforting and aromatic. Families often gather here, and you’ll see locals slurping soup between bites of rice. It feels casual, welcoming, and authentically local.

Address: 27 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An

Opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00

Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND

Tip: If you prefer bolder flavors, ask for extra chili sauce.

3. Com Ga Huong: A less-known chicken rice eatery in Hoi An

Tucked inside the Ancient Town of Hoi An, Com Ga Huong is easy to miss but worth finding. It’s cozy, family-run, and less crowded than the famous shops.
The rice is particularly fluffy, and the chicken is juicy. Pickled vegetables bring crunch and brightness. The owner often chats with diners, explaining how rice is soaked in broth for hours before cooking. That patience shows in every bite.

Address: 56/16 Le Loi, Hoi An

Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:30

Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND

Tip: Visit late afternoon, just as lanterns light up the town.

4. Com Ga Xi: Best for late-night dinners in Hoi An

For those enjoying the nightlife in Hoi An, Com Ga Xi is the place to fill your empty stomach after the party. The chicken here is shredded more finely, seasoned slightly saltier, and layered with extra herbs. Pair it with a cold beer, and you’ll understand why locals love it after work.

Address: 47/2 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An

Opening hours: 14:00 – midnight

Price range: 30,000 – 45,000 VND

Tip: Best after an evening stroll by the lantern-lit Thu Bon River.

How to order chicken rice like a local in Hoi An?

• Choose your style: shredded (gà xé) or chopped (gà chặt)
• Add extras: giblets, papaya salad, more herbs
• Adjust heat: ask for “ít cay” (less spicy) if needed
• Balance: add lime juice and pickles to each bite
• Pair: iced tea or local beer.

Practical tips for a food tour in Hoi An

Carry cash: As most local eateries only accept cash and domestic bank transactions, you should withdraw or exchange some cash to pay for your meal.

Timing: Arrive outside peak hours (11:30–13:00 and 18:00–20:00).

Dietary note: Although Hoi An is a Muslim-friendly destination, the local dishes aren’t prepared according to halal requirements. To ensure your meal suits your needs, kindly ask the staff about the ingredients, especially regarding items such as pork or giblets.

Combine with a sightseeing tour: Hoi An is quite small, so it’s easy to combine your food tour with some sightseeing within the Ancient Town.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about chicken rice in Hoi An, Vietnam

1. Is there really an airport in Hoi An?
No, there is no airport in town. When people search for Hoi An airport or Hoi An Vietnam airport, they actually mean Da Nang International Airport (DAD), which is about 30 km away from Hoi An in Vietnam.

2. How far is Da Nang International Airport from Hoi An in Vietnam?
The distance from Da Nang International Airport to Hoi An in Vietnam is about 30 km. Travel time is usually 40 to 60 minutes by private car, taxi, or shuttle bus.

3. How much should I expect to pay for a bowl of chicken rice in Hoi An?
A portion of chicken rice in Hoi An Vietnam costs around 30,000–55,000 VND. The price often includes rice, chicken, herbs, chili paste, and a small soup.

4. What makes Hoi An chicken rice different from Singaporean or Malaysian versions?
Chicken rice in Hoi An Vietnam is cooked with turmeric broth for a golden color and topped with fresh herbs, lime, and chili jam. It is lighter and more herbal than the versions found in Singapore or Malaysia.

5. When is the best time to visit chicken rice restaurants in Hoi An?
Top chicken rice restaurants in Hoi An Vietnam like Com Ga Ba Buoi are busiest at lunch and dinner. To avoid queues, visit earlier. Many travelers from Da Nang airport plan their first stop for lunch right after arrival.

6. Are the chicken rice restaurants in Hoi An suitable for families with children or elderly travelers?
Yes. Chicken rice is soft, mild, and family-friendly. Visitors coming from Hoi An often enjoy it as their first meal since it is light, balanced, and easy to digest.

7. Can Muslim travelers or those with dietary restrictions enjoy chicken rice in Hoi An?
While only a few chicken rice restaurants in Hoi An are halal-certified, many of them can adapt dishes if you ask politely. You may request no giblets, no blood pudding, or ask for separate utensils.

8. How should I order chicken rice like a local?
When ordering, you can specify whether you prefer shredded chicken (cơm gà xé) or chopped chicken (cơm gà chặt). Locals often add extra papaya salad, herbs, or a squeeze of lime juice for more freshness. If you enjoy stronger flavors, do not hesitate to ask for more chili paste. A bowl of iced tea or a local beer is the perfect accompaniment to balance the meal.

9. Can I combine eating chicken rice with sightseeing in Hoi An?
Yes, absolutely. All the famous chicken rice shops are located within or close to the Ancient Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can easily plan a walking route that includes sightseeing at the Japanese Covered Bridge, exploring tailor shops, visiting lantern workshops, and enjoying a bowl of chicken rice in between. For late-night visitors, restaurants like Com Ga Xi are perfect after exploring the night market or strolling along the Thu Bon River.

10. Is chicken rice really worth trying if I already know the dish from Singapore or Malaysia?
Definitely. Even if you are familiar with chicken rice from your home country, tasting it in Hoi An in Vietnam is a completely different experience. The local twist, golden turmeric rice, rustic shredded chicken, and a refreshing balance of herbs, creates a new flavor profile that is both comforting and surprising. It is one of the simplest yet most memorable ways to connect with the local culture during your trip.

Conclusion

Chicken rice in Hoi An Vietnam is not just a dish; it’s a cultural experience. So next time you visit Hoi An, make chicken rice your first meal stop. You’ll understand why this humble meal is one of the town’s most unforgettable treasures.

Exploring Hoi An with Travel Sense Asia will help you experience the city’s soul through culture, history, and food. With over 15 years of expertise, our team ensures each journey is personalized, blending hidden corners, warm encounters, and flavors that stay with you long after the trip ends. Let us guide you through Hoi An and help you discover a taste of Vietnam you’ll never forget.