A Truly Honest Review of the 2025 ‘Vegan Food Tour – Untold Stories of Hoi An’

Okay, so let’s be real for a second; finding food that is completely plant-based when you are moving through a new country can, at times, be a bit of a challenge. You know, you are trying to soak in all the sights, but a part of your brain is sort of always wondering what’s really in that noodle soup. Frankly, I had this exact thought about Hoi An, a town celebrated for its amazing food, which pretty much often has meat or fish sauce as a main component. So, I figured the 2025 ‘Vegan Food Tour – Untold Stories of Hoi An’ was, you know, at least worth looking into. At the end of the day, I wanted to find more than just the usual safe options available on the main tourist drags. I really hoped for a way to get into the heart of the town’s food culture, but, you know, in a way that worked for me. The idea of a tour promising “untold stories” was, honestly, quite appealing because it sounded like more than just a sequence of snacks and stuff.

First Steps and a Warm Welcome

So, the meet-up spot was actually super easy to locate, right near the famous Japanese bridge, which was a good start. I was, I mean, a little bit nervous, sort of hoping it wouldn’t be a massive crowd of people. And thankfully, it really wasn’t; our group was pretty small, just a handful of us, which, to be honest, made the whole thing feel more personal from the get-go. Our guide, a local woman named Linh, just had this incredibly open and friendly way about her, you know? She didn’t just give us a standard “hello and welcome”; instead, she actually asked each of us what we were most excited to try, which was a nice touch. It sort of felt less like a formal tour and more like a friend was showing you their hometown. You could tell, like right away, that she had a genuine fondness for the town’s history and its food. She basically explained that the point wasn’t just to eat, but to comprehend the ‘why’ behind each meal, connecting it to the town’s Buddhist traditions and local farming life.

Into the Hidden Alleys: The Food Begins

Alright, so almost immediately, Linh led us away from the packed, lantern-lit main roads. We went down these little side streets that, honestly, you would probably just walk right past. It was sort of like stepping behind a curtain. The first place we stopped at was, I mean, basically someone’s front room that they had turned into a tiny eatery. You could just smell this amazing mix of fresh herbs and frying shallots. It was here that we got to try vegan Cao Lầu, which is, you know, a dish I thought was impossible to find without pork. This version, however, was just incredible. The noodles had that signature firm, chewy quality, and instead of meat, there were these amazing squares of marinated tofu and mushrooms that were full of savory character. Linh explained, as a matter of fact, that the secret to real Cao Lầu is the water, which must come from a specific ancient well in town, the Ba Le well. That kind of detail, you know, made tasting it feel really special.

Hearing the Stories Behind the Dishes

Well, this part of the trip was what really made it stand out for me. At pretty much every stop, the food came with a story, just as promised. For example, we went to this family-run spot to try Banh Xeo Chay, which is like a crispy, savory pancake made from rice flour and turmeric. As we watched the woman expertly swirl the batter in a hot pan, Linh told us about the family’s history of making this dish for generations, especially on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month when many locals eat only vegetarian food. It was this kind of information that gave the food a whole new layer of meaning, you know? It wasn’t just a pancake anymore; it was part of a living tradition. I think Linh put it perfectly at one point.

“You see, in Hoi An, food is not just for your stomach, it is actually for your soul. Each recipe holds a memory of our ancestors, you know?”

Hearing that, while literally eating a piece of that history, was a pretty powerful moment. We also got to try a type of ‘white rose’ dumpling, shaped by hand, that was so delicate it was almost see-through. Seriously, it showed a level of skill that was just amazing to watch and even better to eat.

Sweet Endings and a Lasting Impression

So, our last stop was for something sweet, which was, honestly, the perfect way to finish everything. We went to a small, brightly colored stall that only sold Chè, which is a kind of Vietnamese sweet beverage or pudding. There were, like, so many kinds to pick from, all displayed in these big glass containers. I went with a corn and sweet rice pudding, warmed and topped with a little bit of coconut cream. It was, I mean, so comforting and satisfying without being too heavy. As we sat on little plastic stools, just sipping our desserts and watching the town life go by, I kind of reflected on the whole afternoon. It was definitely more than just a food sampling trip. It was a really neat look into a part of Hoi An’s culture that you might not otherwise see. You really do leave feeling like you have been let in on a few of the town’s best-kept secrets, and your stomach is, of course, very, very happy too.

What You Should Know Before You Go

Alright, so if you are thinking about doing this tour, and frankly you probably should, there are just a couple of things to keep in your mind. First, definitely come with an empty stomach; I mean, you will be eating a lot more food than you might expect, seriously. The portions are, in a way, just right for tasting, but they absolutely add up. You also should wear some really comfortable shoes, as there is a fair bit of walking involved, though it’s all at a pretty relaxed pace. The paths in the old town can be a little uneven, so, you know, just watch your step. And remember that the whole point is to try new things, so just be open to whatever the guide puts in front of you. You will, more or less, be very happy you did.

• Book Ahead: Obviously, these tours are for small groups, so they can fill up fast, especially during peak season.
• Stay Hydrated: Vietnam is, you know, quite warm and humid, so carry a water bottle with you.
• Bring Cash: While the tour is paid for, you might want to buy a little something extra or leave a tip for the amazing family cooks you meet along the way.
• Ask Questions: The guides, like Linh, are a goldmine of information, so don’t be shy. Just ask them anything about the food, the culture, or life in Hoi An.

Final Thoughts & Booking Details

To put it simply, this tour offers a genuine connection to the local plant-based food scene in a way you couldn’t achieve on your own. It’s really for anyone wanting to see a different side of Hoi An’s culinary world.

Read our full review: [Vegan Food Tour Hoi An Full Review and Details]

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