When it comes to Central specialties, one cannot ignore Cao Lau, a dish that bears the mark of Hoi An with its unique flavor and distinct preparation method. Unlike any other noodle dish, Hoi An Cao Lau is a fusion of tradition and local culinary quintessence, creating a unique feature that only Hoi An has. A dish that is not only delicious but also encapsulates the story of history, culture and lifestyle of the heritage land.
Right in the heart of District 1, Hoi An Sense brings a culinary space imbued with the essence of Hoi An, where diners can enjoy Cao Lau in Saigon with its authentic flavor. Without having to go far, you can still feel the soul of Central cuisine, from the nostalgic, cozy space to each meticulously prepared dish, preserving the spirit of an old Hoi An. An ideal destination for those who want to find familiar flavors or discover the unique features of ancient town cuisine right in the heart of the city.
Cao Lau – A dish bearing the historical and cultural mark of Hoi An
The Origin of Cao Lau Hoi An – The Journey to Formation of a Culinary Symbol
If you have the opportunity to set foot in Quang Nam, diners cannot miss Cao Lau, one of the Central specialties that has been closely associated with Hoi An ancient town over the centuries
According to history, Hoi An Cao Lau Cao Lau originated in the 17th century when Hoi An was a bustling trading port where Chinese and Japanese merchants frequently traded. It was in this context that Cao Lau was born, bringing with it influences from both major Asian cuisines. The golden, chewy noodles are reminiscent of Japanese soba, while the way the char siu is prepared has a Chinese flavor.
But over time, this dish is not simply a product of fusion, but gradually transformed to suit Vietnamese tastes. Hoi An people have refined the recipe, used local ingredients and added typical spices to create Cao Lau Hoi An with a unique flavor, both strange and familiar, enough to captivate diners.
The name “Cao Lau” also carries an interesting meaning, implying “delicacies on high floors”. The ancients believed that this was a dish for high-class guests, often served on the upper floors of restaurants. Since then, Cao Lau has not only been a delicious dish, but also associated with an elegant dining experience – sipping on rich flavors while admiring the ancient streets of Hoi An.
Cultural value of Hoi An Cao Lau – More than a dish, it is a heritage
Not just a dish, Hoi An Cao Lau is also an important part of the cultural picture of Hoi An. To make a bowl of authentic Cao Lau, the locals here must use water from Ba Le well - an ancient well from ancient times, which is said to create the characteristic toughness of the noodles. The ash used to soak the rice must also be taken from cajuput trees on Cu Lao Cham, creating a natural golden color without the need for colorants. These secrets have created a distinct flavor that no other place can replicate. That is why Hoi An Cao Lau is recognized by the Asian Record Organization as a dish of Asian culinary value.
Today, although Hoi An has changed a lot, Cao Lau still retains its value as a culinary heritage of the Central region. It not only appears in simple street vendors, but also on the menus of high-class restaurants, becoming an indispensable part of tourists' journey to explore Hoi An.
Especially, at Hoi An Sense restaurant, in the middle of menu With a variety of Central Vietnamese dishes, Cao Lau is still a favorite dish of domestic and foreign diners. Fully experiencing the spirit of Hoi An, from the flavor to the decoration, the restaurant brings a profound and emotional culinary experience.
Cao Lau at Hoi An Sense restaurant – Preserving the essence, enhancing the flavor
Raw Materials – A Combination of Tradition and Premium Quality
Each bowl of cao lau hoi an at Hoi An Sense is a combination of traditional and quality ingredients. Cao lau noodles are handcrafted from delicious rice, soaked in ash water from cajuput trees to create a golden color and characteristic toughness. Char siu pork is selected from the soft and sweet shoulder, marinated according to a special recipe to preserve the rich flavor. The indispensable raw vegetable is Tra Que vegetable - one of the famous products of Hoi An, contributing to the fresh and harmonious taste of the dish.
How to prepare – preserve traditional culinary values and enhance flavor
At Hoi An Sense, Cao Lau is not only prepared according to the traditional recipe but also upgraded to bring a more perfect culinary experience. After being steamed, Cao Lau noodles are rinsed in cold water and then quickly blanched in boiling water to achieve the ideal chewy texture. The char siu is marinated with rich flavors and cut into thin, bite-sized pieces. The shimmering sauce is seasoned with a secret family recipe, with perfectly balanced flavors.
Sophisticated Presentation
Not only focusing on flavor, Hoi An Cao Lau at Hoi An Sense is also presented with sophistication. The golden noodles are neatly arranged in a high-class porcelain bowl, evenly sliced char siu, dotted with crispy pork rinds, and fresh green vegetables. The smooth sauce is lightly drizzled on top, creating an attractive shine. The dish is served on a rustic bamboo tray, evoking the image of ancient Hoi An, while also providing a luxurious and sophisticated experience of Cao Lau in Saigon.
Enjoy the elevated taste of cao lau in Saigon at Hoi An Sense restaurant.
Luxurious, Ancient Space
Amidst the bustling life of Saigon, Hoi An Sense offers a space nostalgic, luxurious, where diners can find the quiet beauty of ancient Hoi An. Exquisite wooden architecture, shimmering golden lanterns, and hand-carved patterns create a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Every corner of the restaurant exudes the breath of Hoi An, helping diners not only enjoy the cuisine but also immerse themselves in a sophisticated cultural experience.
Professional, Dedicated Service
Not only does it have a beautiful space and delicious food, Hoi An Sense also leaves its mark with its professional and dedicated service. The staff is knowledgeable about cuisine and is ready to share the story of Cao Lau in Saigon and guide you on how to enjoy it properly. Every detail, from the way the food is presented to the way the service is served, is carefully taken care of, bringing diners a thoughtful, classy yet warm and intimate culinary journey.
Hoi An Sense Restaurant – where food tells a cultural story
A bowl of Hoi An Cao Lau is not only a dish, but also a story about the history, culture and culinary quintessence of Central Vietnam. At Hoi An Sense, each noodle, each slice of char siu or bowl of smooth sauce is carefully prepared, bringing the authentic taste of Cao Lau in Saigon, helping diners fully experience the characteristics of Hoi An without having to travel far.
Come to Hoi An Sense to enjoy Cao Lau in a luxurious, nostalgic space, and fully enjoy the spirit of Hoi An right in the city center.
Book a table today so you don't miss out on this unique culinary experience!
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