Treats in Hoi An

In Hoi An there are three dishes that particularly standout and are quite famous in the region. The first, known as the White Rose (Bahn Bao Vac) its a soft, white shrimp dumpling in the shape of a rose topped with crispy shredded onion and chopped shallots.



The second is a wonton dumpling - similar to those in Chinese cooking but the presentation is different. These are large but thin and crispy topped with vegetables. Ours had carrot, green beans, cabbage and fried onions and ginger. Both come with two dipping sauces, a chilli and a soy sauce.






The last one, and it also happens to be my favourite, is Cao Lau - a delicous noodle curry soup with thin slices of pork, fresh herbs and vegetables as well as squares of pork crackling and rice crackers scattered with pepper. What makes the Cao Lau special are the noodles, they are said to be made with special water from the Ba Le Well. The texture of the noodles is similar to that of the soba noodle they are not as soft as the pho noodle, they are served al-dente.









I have been scouring the internet for a recipe and have found only one, here since you won't be able to find the noodles outside of Hoi An you could substitute Soba noodles. The recipe is quite complex but it is worth it. Let me know how it goes.