Cua Dai Central Restaurant & Cooking Class — Restaurant in Hội An

I regretted in suggesting to go for our dinner date here. I truly regret every moment and cents that I spent here. It was supposed to be a peaceful, romantic evening and it got ruined by a flirtatious waiteress who keeps side eyeing me while full on smile to my partner.

In the beginning, I noticed an uncomfortable familiarity between her and my partner but I dont want to make a scene. It was our first time going there together and there is no way of him knowing her. I started to get uncomfortable when she placed my food that I ordered by myself to her in front of my partner with full smile. She is not even looking at me. I pulled that food and placed it in front of me and said thats mine. She gave me a momentary SIDE EYE and smile at my partner.

I started to get more upset and my Pho arrived. Guess what, it was super salty to the point I cant eat it. I dont know if their chef was incompetent or the waiteress sabotaged my food. So I ate slowly as I can because I dont want to ruin my evening and my partner started to get uncomfortable with my silence.

The WORST part came after my partner paid. She came back with 2 cups of tea and placed one infront of him and another on me. She immediately turn herself against me, so I see her ass and she was bending over to speak closely to my partner saying, "This tea is to cleanse your palate". I immediately told her, " Hey, I am here. Why are you only talking to him?" She made an innocent face and turn around and stand infront of our table and said, " No, no I am talking to both of you." And left.

I got super upset with this kind of bizzare treatment, I told my partner I am not going to drink any tea or food served by her and stand up and walk out from the restaurant. Guess who came back. The same flirtatious waiteress came to my partner when we were both outside of the restaurant. He was unlocking his bike on the right side of the restaurant and I was waiting on the left side. This waiteress walked to my partner will full all smile, touching his arms and asking him, if the food is good. I am sorry to say, I might looked crazy or angry at that time, walking straight to her and asking her again, why are you talking to him. It is soooo humiliating and unbearable to see how double standard treatment that I felt in this restaurant.

Thanks to you, waiteress for ruining my evening. I was crying the entire ride because it was supposed to be our special evening together. My partner also felt uncomfortable when you hold his arm while asking about the service. Mind you, we both already outside the restaurant. It is too much. Why cant you talk to me or treat me nicely? Is it because I am an Asian who looks like a Vietnamese?

HORRIBLE AND THE WORST SERVICE EVER. Salty...

Top Cooking Class experience made possible by the entire team! My friend and I decided to book a half day cooking class experience during breakfast as the weather forecast predicted rain all day. Susan, the owner of the restaurant and a homestay in Central Hoi An, made the arrangements to make it happen for us and smoothly so. We were picked up an hour later and Tan, our guide and teacher for the half day, initially took us to two stops. The local organic farm where produce is grown and a food market where locals buy fresh produce from. She showed us around, explained the different produce to us, gave us tasters and explained how it works. We also had a herbal tea stop in the local farm, yum! Tan also answered our many questions. We then went onto the restaurant where benches were set up for each of us (see picture), there was a very good level of hygiene and my dietary requirements (pescitarian) were fully considered in the preparation and adaptation of dishes where required. We cooked 4 dishes in total to make a well balanced meal. Tan is a wonderful teacher providing clear instructions and having patience. We also ate the 4 meals there :) everything was well organised and there was a small team in the kitchen on hand in case needed. We had a fun morning, have tried a couple of dishes back home and plan to try the others in time too. The dishes chosen are easy to replicate at home and the ingredients used are straightforward to find in most places. Susan then sent a follow up email with professionally finished recipe cards. All in all a great experience. Oh and it was well priced vs other similar local experiences. Thank you Ps: we went back to dine at the restaurant following a morning at the beach and per the feedback from other diners - the food, warm service and love that goes into the experience is excellent, 5...

Tucked away in one of the by-lanes near the old market, Cua Dai Central Restaurant exudes a charming ambiance that instantly captivates you. The restaurant is impressively clean and spacious, making it a comfortable spot for a delightful dining experience.

The food here is nothing short of extraordinary. We started with the chicken and papaya salad, which was a revelation—who knew raw papaya could taste so incredible? The salad was topped with their home sauce, a perfect blend of spicy and chili flavors. The pho beef was rich and flavorful, while the chicken turmeric rice came with an amazing sauce that elevated the dish even further.

To complement our meal, we enjoyed a passion fruit mojito and other exotic mocktails, all of which were expertly crafted and refreshing. Each dish and drink offered a picture-perfect taste experience, making it clear that the chefs have mastered their craft.

Cua Dai Central Restaurant also offers cooking classes, which we regret not trying. Learning the secrets behind their delicious dishes, like the banana flower or papaya salad, would have been a fantastic addition to our visit.

Overall, Cua Dai Central Restaurant provides a wonderful combination of ambiance, cleanliness, spaciousness, and exceptional food and drinks. It’s a must-visit spot in the old town and market area, and we look forward to returning for both the food and possibly a cooking class...