Text and photos by Purdey Morison
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, is one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations. With beautiful lantern-lit streets and famous tailor shops, the city offers a blend of culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. One thing you cannot miss when you are here? The incredible food scene—it is a foodie’s dream destination!
Hoi An food scene has something for everyone. You can either choose from their endless selection of bustling street food to charming cafes and restaurants. You are spoilt for choice. One in particular, a local gem, Gia Thien Restaurant, is one spot not to be missed when you are in Hoi An.
I’ll share with you 5 reasons why you should not miss Gia Thien when you are in Hoi An.
1. It tastes like home-cooked Vietnamese Food
Gia Thien serves flavourful Vietnamese dishes, similar to what you may expect when you eat in a Vietnamese home. The ingredients are fresh, cooked into perfection and rich with flavour. The highlight for me ? It has to be the steam clam with local basil.
The clam was fresh, steamed to perfection with a hint of herbs while accentuating the fresh flavours of the clam. We were taught to dip the clam into a mixture of salt and ground pepper. Such a perfect pairing with a glass of local beer or white wine!
Other notable dishes: hot and sour fish broth (fresh fish, just enough sourness & not too spicy) & sweet and spicy chicken with mam sauce (rich, sticky and with enough heat).
2. Cozy and Local Ambience
The moment you walk into Gia Thien, you would feel like you are dining in a family home. The yellow walls, blue tiles and brown coloured wooden panels and furniture are all the styles true to Hoi An aesthetic. I felt I was invited to a family home for a meal. The interior is not flashy and over the top. It felt simple and welcoming.
3. Affordable Prices with Great Quality
The portion here is satisfying and they certainly did not skimp on the flavours. For the portion and flavours, I would consider the restaurant affordable. Such a great find without stretching my budget while savouring one of Hoi An’s best Vietnamese-styled food.
4. Friendly & Fast Service
Expect the staff at Gia Thien to welcome you with smiles and make you feel at home. They are more than willing to suggest what dish to try. Their attentiveness to serving you is commendable and makes your experience here, even more so memorable. I felt they care about how I feel and want to make sure I enjoy their food.
This, to me, is great customer service and hospitality.
5. Location, Location, Location
Did I mention this restaurant is just a mere 5-8 minutes walk to Hoi An Old Town. There is no need to grab/get a taxi over. Walking around the Old Town before or after your meal at Gia Thien is a breeze. You can schedule your last-minute shopping right after your lunch or dinner. The walk to discover Hoi An Old Town will help you to feel less guilty of the delicious meal you just had at Gia Thien.
I had a pleasant and wonderful dining experience at Gia Thien. It’s not just the location, but the flavourful dishes paired with great hospitality makes this place a gem. Make sure you pre book to avoid disappointment. Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you !
For more info log on to their website at Gia Thien
