Cao Lau
Hoi An's thick noodle dish, and the pork question to settle before you sit down.
Cao lau is a noodle dish from Hoi An, made of thick, chewy noodles served with greens, herbs, a little sauce and sliced meat. It is a dry bowl, not a soup. You say it roughly like “cow low”.
How will you meet it on the trip?
You will see cao lau on menus around the old town in Hoi An. The bowl arrives with the noodles and toppings piled together, and you mix it before eating. A small bowl suits a snack, while a larger one works as a meal.
What should Muslim travellers ask?
The usual version is served with sliced pork, so it is not suitable as it comes. Ask whether the kitchen can make it with a different protein, and whether pork is cooked in the same kitchen. If you cannot confirm the kitchen, choose another dish.
Never assume a restaurant is halal. Our meal and prayer checks list the questions to ask.
Which related terms will you see?
- Banh mi: a baguette sandwich, a quick street breakfast.
- Mi quang: a central noodle dish from the Da Nang area.
- Pho: a noodle soup, not a dry dish.
More food guidance sits in Food and daily travel.
If you are planning a Hoi An stay and food is a worry, tell us your dates and who is travelling, and we can help you plan meals around places you can check before you go.
Common questions
How do you say cao lau?
Say it roughly like cow low, with a falling tone on each word. You do not need perfect tones. Pointing at a bowl on another table and saying cao lau with a smile will get you one at a restaurant in Hoi An.
What does cao lau taste like?
It is a dry noodle dish, not a soup. The thick, chewy noodles sit under greens, herbs and sliced meat with a small spoon of sauce. You mix it yourself, so the flavour is savoury and fresh rather than spicy unless you add chilli.
Can Muslim travellers eat cao lau?
The usual version comes with sliced pork, so it is not suitable as served. You can ask whether a kitchen will make it with another protein, but the kitchen may still cook pork. If you cannot confirm the kitchen, choose a different dish.
Keep planning
If you are planning a Hoi An stay and food is a worry, tell us your dates and who is travelling, and we can help you plan meals around places you can check before you go.