Vietnamese Exotic Food Guide: Daring Delicacies to Try in Hoi An Published 14/07/2025
by Ching S.

FROM FERTILIZED DUCK EGGS TO SIZZLING SNAILS, HERE’S WHERE BRAVE FOODIES CAN TRY VIETNAM’S MOST ADVENTUROUS DISHES IN HOI AN AND BEYOND.

Hoi An is not just famous for its charming old town and beautiful beaches—it’s also a hub for foodies and daring eaters alike. While these exotic Vietnamese dishes can be found all over the country, you’re in luck because Hoi An has plenty of spots to try them too. Whether you're staying at FUSE Hostels or just passing through, this guide will point you to some of the most adventurous and unique Vietnamese food to try. From snails to fermented shrimp paste, here’s your go-to list of things to do in Hoi An for backpackers and thrill-seekers!

1. Ốc (Snails)

Vietnamese people love their seafood, and snails (Ốc) are a favorite. Available in a variety of preparations—steamed, stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, or grilled with butter and garlic—these mollusks are best enjoyed at a bustling street-side eatery with an ice-cold beer.

Where to Try: Ốc Hương Sả Tắc 

Address: 155 Tôn Đức Thắng

Must Try: Ốc Bưởu Hấp Sả (Large Mud Creeper Snails Steamed with Lemongrass)

Bonus Must Try: Nghêu Xào Trứng Muối (Clams Stir-Fried With Salted Eggs)

2. Ếch (Frog)

Often compared to chicken, frog meat is a popular dish in Vietnam. It is commonly grilled, fried, or cooked in a clay pot with spicy and aromatic flavors. Another popular way to enjoy frogs is hotpot (Lẩu Ếch), a flavorful tender frog meat simmered in a rich, spicy, and tangy broth, often enjoyed with fresh herbs and noodles. Best with the mates and a round of beers.

Where to Try: Mọi - Lẩu & Nướng ( BBQ & Hot Pot)

Address: 55 18/8, Phường Minh An

Must Try: Ếch Nướng Cay (Spicy Grilled Frog)

Bonus Must Try: Cá Kèo Nướng (Grilled Goby Fish)

3. Hến Xúc Bánh Đa (Baby Clams with Sesame Rice Crackers)

A specialty from Central Vietnam, Hến Xúc Bánh Đa consists of tiny, stir-fried baby clams served with crispy sesame rice crackers. The dish is packed with umami flavors and is typically enjoyed as a shared appetizer.

Where to Try: Bánh đập Ni Bà Già

Address: 34 Nguyễn Tri Phương

Must Try: Bánh Đập Hến Trộn (River Mussels with Rice Crackers)

Bonus Must Try: Bún Hến (River Mussels in Vermecelli) 

4. Chân Gà Sả Tắc (Chicken Feet in Lime)

A popular snack among locals, Chân Gà Sả Tắc consists of boiled chicken feet marinated in a tangy mix of lime, lemongrass, chili, and fish sauce. This dish is both flavorful and refreshing, offering a unique chewy texture with a spicy finish.

Where to Try: Chân Gà Cay

Address: 238 Lý Thường Kiệt

Must Try: Chân Gà Sả Tắc (Chicken Feet in Lime)

Bonus Must Try: Chân Gà Xào Nhỏ (Stir-fried Chicken Feet)

5. Trứng Vịt Lộn (Balut)

A popular street food across Southeast Asia, Trung Vit Lon is a fertilized duck embryo, boiled and eaten straight from the shell. This delicacy is rich in protein and is believed to have medicinal benefits. Typically enjoyed with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, it has a unique combination of textures—both soft and crunchy. Just don’t stare at the duck’s face before eating. 

Where to Try: Trứng Vịt Lộn Na

Address: 114 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An

Must Try: Trứng Vịt Lộn (Fertilized Duck Egg)

Bonus Must Try: Trứng Cút (Quail Egg)

6. Mắm Tôm (Fermented Shrimp Paste)

Not for the faint of heart, Mắm Tôm is a pungent fermented shrimp paste used in many traditional dishes, such as bún đậu mắm tôm (tofu and vermicelli with shrimp paste). It has a strong aroma but adds depth of flavor when combined with lime juice and chili. Bún đậu mắm tôm is a great way to eat shrimp paste - combining a variety of meats, crispy tofu, and bouncy vermicelli noodles to dip in the umami-filled sauce. 

Where to Try: Bún đậu Hà An

Address: 124 Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Cẩm Phổ, Hội An, Quảng Nam

Must Try: Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm (Vermicelli With Tofu And Shrimp Paste)

Bonus Must Try: Gỏi Bò Khô (Beef Jerky Salad)

7. Cháo Lòng (Pork Offal Porridge)

A comforting yet adventurous dish, Cháo Lòng is a rice porridge cooked with pork offal, including intestines, liver, and blood pudding. The porridge is typically served with a side of fresh herbs and crispy fried dough sticks (quẩy), however in Hoi An, it is served with bánh tráng (rice crackers). This dish is full of textures and flavors, making it hearty and filling.

Where to Try: Cháo Lòng - Lòng Thả Bé Linh

Address: 33 Trần Văn Dư, Tân An, Hội An, Quảng Nam

Must Try: : Cháo Lòng (Rice Porridge with Pork Offals)

Bonus Must Try: Dồi (Grilled Blood Sausage)



Daring Dishes Found Outside of Hoi An

While you might not find these in Hoi An, they're worth a try if your travels take you further across Vietnam!

Gỏi Sứa Đỏ (Red Jellyfish Salad) 

Red jellyfish salad (Gỏi Sứa Đỏ) is a unique Vietnamese dish originating from Hai Phong, popular in Hanoi, and made with rare red jellyfish found only in the mangrove forests of Hai Phong and Nam Dinh from March to July. The jellyfish undergoes a complex preparation process, soaking in water with mangrove tree roots and bark to achieve its deep red color and translucent texture, followed by steeping in lemon and kumquat water for added flavor. Served with herbs, tofu, copra (shredded coconut), and fermented shrimp paste (mắm tôm), the dish offers a light, cool, and crunchy texture balanced by the intense, umami-rich dipping sauce and fragrant herbs. While it may look intimidating, it’s surprisingly light and satisfying, making it a bold yet rewarding choice for food adventurers.

Where to Try: Coastal seafood restaurants in Nha Trang or Ha Long Bay

Rắn (Snake)

Snake dishes in Vietnam are considered exotic delicacies, with Lệ Mật Village near Hanoi being the most famous "Snake Village" due to its long-standing tradition of snake-catching and culinary practices rooted in local legend. Visitors can experience a variety of snake dishes, such as grilled, fried, or simmered snake, typically served with herbs and dipping sauces. One of the most daring experiences is the infamous snake shot—a potent mixture of fresh snake blood and homemade rice wine, served with the still-beating heart dropped into the glass. Sometimes, the gall bladder juice is added as a vivid green chaser. Known as rượu rắn or rượu thuốc, snake wine is believed to have medicinal benefits, particularly boosting vitality and masculinity. Traditionally served in shot glasses, it embodies both thrill and tradition, making it a must-try for adventurous eaters.

Where to Try: Lê Mật Snake Village (Hanoi)

Tiết Canh (Blood Pudding)

One of the most controversial dishes in Vietnam, Tiết Canh is a raw blood pudding typically made from duck or pig’s blood, mixed with crushed peanuts, herbs, and fish sauce. One popular way to enhance the flavor is by enjoying the dish with a side of “rượu nóng” (hot alcohol), such as rice wine or beer. The heat from the alcohol helps to balance out the strong taste of the blood and adds a warming element to the dish. Due to health concerns, consume only from trusted sources. 

Where to Try: Specialty countryside eateries

Sâu Tre (Bamboo Worms)

Crispy and nutty when deep-fried, these worms are a crunchy, protein-packed snack. Where to Try: Street food vendors all around the country

Chuột Đồng (Field Rat)

Grilled or stir-fried, field rat meat tastes similar to rabbit or chicken. Where to Try: Local eateries in Can Tho or An Giang 

Nhộng Tằm (Silkworm Pupae)

A crunchy and nutty delicacy, Silkworm Pupae are stir-fried or boiled and seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. High in protein, they are commonly enjoyed as a beer snack or side dish.

Where to Try: Street food vendors all around the country

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Food Tour For The Not Too Adventurous?

Curious about street food but not too excited about eating something odd? Try out our Street Food Tour in Old Town!

Join us for the FUSE Food Tour and experience Hoi An like a local! A 3 hour walking trip that takes you to the lantern-lit streets of Old Town, uncovering hidden food gems and savoring 8 local dishes and 4 drinks that reflect the true essence of Vietnamese street food culture. From savory to sweet, each stop offers a new flavor and cultural story to tell. Whether you're a food enthusiast or just looking for a fun evening activity, this tour is a perfect blend of discovery, flavor, and fun. Come hungry and leave with a full belly and heart!

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Exploring exotic food is one of the best things to do when traveling in Vietnam, especially if you're staying in Hoi An. Dare to taste these unique Vietnamese delicacies and share your favorites! Whether you’re a backpacker in search of bold experiences or just love trying new things, this guide has something for everyone.

Which of these daring dishes would you take on? Let us know your top picks for Vietnamese delicacies to try while exploring Vietnam!