Breakfast in the small riverside town of Hoi An is never a simple matter, as the
choice and variety can seem overwhelming. There’s something to suit everyone
and every budget, and having breakfast at a street stall is a common way to
begin the day. At dawn, hundreds of food stalls come to life, catering to a diverse
local clientele, young and old, rushing to work or study. Noodles are
popular, mainly mi quang (“the province noodles”), bun (rice vermicelli), pho
(Hanoi-style beef noodle soup), mi ga (chicken noodle soup), and Chinese hu
tieu (flat rice noodles). Some prefer to have banh mi (Vietnamese baguette)
filled with pork pa te (paté), “La vache qui rit” cheese spread, peanut butter and
sugar, or condensed milk. Baguettes are also served with sizzling fried eggs (op
la) or with a mild breakfast ca ri (curry).