When mentioning Hoi An, it is not only the image of ancient streets, colorful lanterns, but also the unique cuisine that has made the name of this land. Among the typical delicacies of Hoi An, Cao Lau stands out with its special flavor, a symbol of the culinary quintessence of the ancient town. Let's explore this dish to understand more about the unique culinary culture of Hoi An.

1. Origin and History of Cao Lau

Cao Lau has been present in Hoi An since the 17th century, when it was a bustling trading port. Cultural exchanges from countries such as China, Japan, and Western countries have contributed to the formation of this unique dish. Despite the influence of foreign cuisine, Cao Lau still bears the distinct mark of the people of Hoi An, becoming an indispensable dish in the meals of the people here.

The name “Cao Lau” also has many interesting meanings. According to legend, this name comes from the fact that the dish was often served to the rich, eating on high floors, showing luxury and class. However, today, Cao Lau has become a popular dish, for everyone, from locals to international tourists.

2. Typical Ingredients of Hoi An Cao Lau

Cao Lau is made from simple but very sophisticated ingredients and requires meticulousness in each processing stage. The main ingredients that make up the typical Cao Lau dish include Cao Lau noodles, pork, raw vegetables and especially the broth.

Cao Lau Noodles – The Soul of the Dish

Cao Lau noodles are made from delicious rice, but the special thing is the way they are processed. After being ground finely, the rice is soaked in ash water taken from coconut grass in Cu Lao Cham. This ash water not only gives the noodles their characteristic chewy texture but also gives the noodles a golden yellow color. The noodles are then steamed many times and dried, creating a special firmness and toughness that no other noodles can match.

Pork – Rich Flavor

The pork in Cao Lau is usually char siu pork, marinated and grilled to perfection. The meat is pinkish red, sweet and soft, and has a rich aroma. When eaten with noodles and raw vegetables, the pork creates a perfect blend, highlighting the flavor of the dish.

Raw Vegetables and Broth – The Secret That Makes the Difference

The raw vegetables in Cao Lau include lettuce, herbs, bean sprouts and especially bitter herbs – a type of vegetable that can only be found in Quang Nam. The broth of Cao Lau is not a normal broth, but is made from char siu pork broth, with a little spice added to create a rich flavor without being too fatty.

3. How to Make Hoi An Cao Lau with Standard Flavor

To have a bowl of Cao Lau with the standard Hoi An flavor, you not only need quality ingredients but also have to be skillful in each step of preparation. Below are instructions for you to try making Cao Lau at home.

Materials Needed

• Good rice: 300g (to make noodles)
• Pork: 500g
• Raw vegetables: lettuce, herbs, bean sprouts, bitter vegetables
• Palm ash water (can be replaced with lye water)
• Spices: salt, sugar, fish sauce, pepper, cooking oil

Steps to Take

Step 1: Make Cao Lau noodles

After soaking in ash water, the rice is ground finely, spread into a thin layer and steamed. The noodles are then cut and dried. When cooked, the noodles are blanched in boiling water to retain their chewiness and crispiness.

Step 2: Process pork

Pork after being marinated with spices (including fish sauce, sugar, pepper) is grilled until cooked, then thinly sliced. The meat juice after grilling will be kept to make broth.

Step 3: Prepare raw vegetables

Raw vegetables are washed and drained. This is an indispensable ingredient to create freshness and balance the flavor of the dish.

Step 4: Finishing the Cao Lau dish

Place the noodles in a bowl, add pork, raw vegetables, bean sprouts, then pour the broth on top. You can add a little soy sauce, fresh chili or lemon to enhance the flavor.

4. Cao Lau – The Beauty of Hoi An's Culinary Culture

Cao Lau is not only a delicious dish but also a symbol of Hoi An culinary culture. With its unique flavor, each bowl of Cao Lau not only brings culinary satisfaction but also reminds us of a peaceful, ancient and richly-identified Hoi An. This is a dish that anyone coming to Hoi An should try once to feel the quintessence of this land.

Nowadays, Cao Lau is not only popular in Hoi An but also appears in many places across Vietnam and the world. However, only when enjoying it at its birthplace, you can fully feel the quintessential flavor that Cao Lau brings. This is the reason why this dish always has a special place in the hearts of locals as well as tourists.

Cao Lau Hoi An

Cao Lau Hoi An is not only a dish but also an indispensable part of the ancient town's culture. With a unique combination of ingredients and sophisticated processing methods, Cao Lau has become a symbol of Hoi An cuisine, attracting millions of tourists to enjoy. If you have the opportunity to come to Hoi An, do not forget to try Cao Lau to experience the unique flavor and learn more about the culinary culture of this land.

Cao Lau – the culinary quintessence of the ancient town, is a dish that carries the soul of Hoi An, the pride of the people here. Enjoy and feel the magic that this dish brings, you will love the ancient and hospitable land of Hoi An even more.