Cao lầu Không Gian Xanh — Restaurant in Hội An

After our lunch at Banh Mi Phuong, we went back to our AirBnB to refresh and rest for the afternoon, as we would be going back to the Ancient Town later in the evening. It was starting to get dark and that was when all the lights were lit up - we spotted this restaurant along the same road where the taxi dropped us earlier.

We decided to go and have a quick dinner and lucky for us, they have English description together with the dish name. ◾Cao Lau - a regional noodle dish originated from Hoi An, with pork and greens on a bed of rice noodles (which is soaked in lye water to give them unique characteristic in terms of texture and colour). It was a love-it-or-hate-it kind of affair. It wasn't my cup of tea to be honest. ◾Bun Thit Nuong - also a rice noodle dish topped with Vietnamese grilled pork and peanuts for the texture. I prefer this more as the crunchiness of the peanut went well with the tender pork and rice noodle. ◾Com Ga - chicken rice... Quite good though Com Ga Ba Buoi (our first dinner in Hoi An) was better. ◾Thit Nuong Cuon Banh Trang - grilled pork with rice papers.. fuss free and simply put everything onto the rice papers, wrap it and swallow it. ◾Bia Saigon - again... A beer for the occasion.

After that, we walked slowly around the Ancient Town, admiring the night lights, touring the night market, took a boat ride, and lastly had another meal (next post) before finally going home...

The first place that I chose to try cao lầu and I feel like I hit the jackpot! 😅

From the moment that you enter a place, you know that you're in for a treat:

uncle is sitting by the cashier with his belly showing 😅 auntie doesn't greet, smile and looks mean (but you know that deep down she's a sweetheart 😅) a scooter is parked right next to your table, and someone eventually starts it and leaves the restaurant riding it! 😅

There are just so many and so much to enjoy, that it's almost like you've entered an alternative reality!

I'm no expert but the cao lầu here was something else! It quickly became one of my favourite dishes in Vietnam, if not the favourite (I can't say favourite for sure because there's just so many awesome dishes). The bowl of awesomeness was so good, that during my two day stay in Hội An I had it four times! I could have had more, but there were other awesome places to visit around town 😁

Come for the experience, stay for the great food and service, and come back many...

I stumbled upon Cao Lau Restaurant at Versant Space by chance, and I’m so glad I did! The atmosphere was authentic, with only locals dining there, which heightened my curiosity to give it a try.

I ordered the Bun Thit Nuong (40k dong), and it exceeded all my expectations. The pork was perfectly cooked with exceptional seasoning, while the noodles and vegetables were incredibly fresh. The dish was finished with a generous topping of the crunchiest peanuts, adding a delightful texture. Every bite was delicious and satisfying.

For dessert, I opted for the Panna Cotta with passion fruit (15k dong). Though the texture was slightly firmer than usual, it was still delectable. The balance of sweetness and tartness was exactly what I needed to round off the meal.

This hidden gem truly impressed me, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and flavorful experience at...