Cao Lau is a signature dish of Hoi An. It is said that if you have not tried Cao Lau while in Hoi An, it means you have not been to Hoi An yet. So what is Cao Lau?

Cao Lau is a kind of noodles which is made from rice. The noodles also contain some burnt herbs which make the color of the noodles brown. The sauce is cooked from pork, 5 spices powder, soya sauce and lots of garlic. When served, it comes with lots of vegetables which are harvested from Tra Que Vegetable village.

History of Cao Lau

Its history is closely tied to the history of Hoi An itself, which was a bustling trading port during the 15th to 19th centuries, particularly during the time when Vietnam was ruled by the Nguyen dynasty.

The exact origins of Cao Lau are somewhat mysterious, with various legends surrounding its creation. One popular story suggests that it was influenced by Chinese traders who settled in Hoi An and brought their culinary traditions with them. Another theory proposes that it was created by Vietnamese chefs who adapted Chinese cooking techniques to suit local tastes and ingredients.

Cao Lau is distinct from other Vietnamese noodle dishes due to its unique combination of ingredients and flavors. It typically consists of thick rice noodles that have been soaked in lye water, giving them a slightly chewy texture and a distinctive flavor. The noodles are then topped with slices of roast pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers. The dish is typically served with a small amount of savory broth or sauce made from pork stock, soy sauce, and various spices.

What sets Cao Lau apart is its use of water from specific ancient Cham wells in Hoi An. Legend has it that this water, which is rich in minerals, is essential for achieving the authentic flavor and texture of Cao Lau noodles. However, due to modern health regulations, not all vendors use this water anymore, but it remains an important part of the dish’s cultural heritage.

Cao Lau has become synonymous with Hoi An and is a must-try for visitors to the city. Its popularity has spread beyond Vietnam, with many Vietnamese restaurants around the world offering their own versions of this delicious dish.

How to eat Cao Lau?

Eating Cao Lau is very easy, but to get the most experience, you can follow these steps:

Eating Cao Lau is a delightful experience that involves combining different elements to enjoy its rich flavors and textures. Here’s a general guide on how to eat Cao Lau:

1. Mixing: Before diving in, use your chopsticks or a spoon to mix the noodles and toppings thoroughly with the savory broth or sauce. This ensures that all the ingredients are evenly coated and infused with flavor.
2. Sampling: Take a small portion of the mixed noodles, toppings, and broth with your chopsticks or spoon. The combination of textures, including the chewiness of the noodles, the tenderness of the pork, and the crunchiness of the rice crackers, should be apparent in each bite.
3. Savoring: Enjoy the complex flavors of Cao Lau by savoring each bite slowly. Take your time to appreciate the interplay of savory, sweet, and herbal notes in the dish.
4. Accompaniments: Cao Lau is often served with additional condiments or garnishes on the side, such as lime wedges, chili slices, and fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Feel free to customize your Cao Lau by adding these condiments according to your taste preferences. Squeezing a bit of lime juice over the noodles can add a refreshing citrusy kick, while chili slices can provide extra heat for those who enjoy spicy food.
5. Enjoying the Crispy Bits: Don’t forget about the crispy rice crackers that typically accompany Cao Lau. These crunchy elements add a delightful contrast to the soft noodles and tender meat. You can either crumble the rice crackers over the noodles or enjoy them on their own as a side snack.

Where to find Cao Lau:

Within Hoi An, you can find Cao Lau served in a variety of establishments, including street food stalls, local eateries, and restaurants. Some of the best places to sample authentic Cao Lau include:

1. Central Market (Cho Hoi An): The Central Market in Hoi An is a bustling hub of activity where vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties, including Cao Lau. Head to the food section of the market to find stalls and small eateries serving up this iconic dish.
2. Local Restaurants: Throughout Hoi An’s ancient town and surrounding areas, you’ll find numerous restaurants and food stalls offering Cao Lau on their menus. Look for establishments that specialize in local cuisine or those recommended by locals and fellow travelers for an authentic dining experience.
3. Food Tours: Joining a food tour in Hoi An is a fantastic way to discover hidden gems and sample a variety of local dishes, including Cao Lau. Food tours often include visits to popular eateries, street food stalls, and markets, allowing you to taste a wide range of flavors and specialties.
4. Cooking Classes: Some cooking classes in Hoi An offer hands-on experiences where you can learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes, including Cao Lau. These classes often include a market visit to source fresh ingredients followed by instruction on cooking techniques and recipes.

Vegetarian/ Vegan Cao Lau

For non- meat eaters, you can find vegan version of Cao Lau in Hoi An. Vegetarian/vegan Cao Lau contains mushroom and tofu. The sauce is made from bean and soya sauce. It is completely animal -free and still delicious.

While the classic version of Cao Lau features slices of roast pork as one of its main ingredients, vegetarian Cao Lau substitutes the meat with plant-based proteins or other vegetarian-friendly alternatives.

Mate Restaurant and Coffee Hoi An offers the best Cao Lau in Hoi An. Apart from Cao Lau, you can try other local foods as Banh Xeo, Wonton, pork skewers, …

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Short video about making Cao Lau:

Mate Restaurant and Coffee Hoi An to try Cao Lau and other local food: