When traveling through the historic streets of Hoi An, I found myself wandering into Quán Cao Lầu Bá Lễ, a charming local eatery that has earned its place as one of the must-visit spots for Cao Lầu lovers. Nestled along the riverside, the restaurant offers an authentic taste of this iconic Hoi An dish—something I had heard so much about but had yet to experience.
The Atmosphere
Walking into Quán Cao Lầu Bá Lễ, you’re greeted with the warm, familiar scent of sizzling pork and fragrant herbs. The small restaurant has a cozy, casual atmosphere, where locals and tourists alike gather to share a meal, laughter, and stories. The decor is simple, with wooden tables and chairs that give off a homey feel. The highlight, however, is the open kitchen, where you can watch the staff prepare each dish with care.
The Dish: Cao Lầu
The star of the show, of course, is the Cao Lầu—a noodle dish unlike anything I’ve had before. Quán Cao Lầu Bá Lễ is renowned for its recipe, passed down through generations, and it’s clear why.
Served in a bowl of rich, flavorful broth, the Cao Lầu here is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The noodles, thick and slightly chewy, have a unique texture thanks to the water used from a local well, a secret that adds to the dish’s mystique. The pork, tender and marinated to perfection, complements the noodles beautifully. Each bite is topped with fresh herbs, crunchy bean sprouts, and crispy rice crackers, adding layers of flavor and crunch that make the dish even more satisfying.
What stood out the most, though, was the subtle smokiness of the broth. The blend of spices and pork fat creates a savory, almost velvety richness that envelops the noodles, making each spoonful feel like a warm hug. The bowl is generously portioned, and the balance of ingredients is spot-on, with just the right amount of freshness from the herbs and a hint of sweetness from the chili.
The Experience
Sitting down to eat at Quán Cao Lầu Bá Lễ, I couldn’t help but think about the history behind this humble dish. Cao Lầu is deeply tied to Hoi An’s identity, a reflection of the city’s multicultural influences. The dish’s origins are shrouded in mystery, but it’s believed to have been created by the Chinese and Japanese merchants who once visited this thriving port town. The blend of textures and flavors in Cao Lầu is as complex as Hoi An’s rich cultural tapestry.
As I finished my meal, I couldn’t help but feel like I had uncovered a piece of the city’s soul. The dish was not just a meal—it was a connection to the past, to the land, and to the people of Hoi An. And with every bite, I was transported into the heart of this beautiful city.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever in Hoi An, make sure to stop by Quán Cao Lầu Bá Lễ. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this spot offers a genuine taste of local Vietnamese cuisine that’s hard to find elsewhere. The Cao Lầu here is a must-try, a dish that encapsulates the essence of Hoi An in every bite. So, the next time you’re in the area, take a seat, savor the flavors, and enjoy the experience. Trust me—you won’t regret it.
Quán Cao Lầu Bá Lễ is a renowned restaurant in Hoi An, Vietnam, famous for its Cao Lầu, a unique local dish. This dish is a flavorful noodle soup made with thick, chewy rice noodles, topped with slices of savory pork, fresh herbs, and crunchy croutons. What sets Quán Cao Lầu Bá Lễ apart is their commitment to using traditional methods and ingredients, including water sourced from the famous Ba Le well, which is believed to be essential to the authentic taste of Cao Lầu. The combination of rich flavors and a centuries-old recipe has made Quán Cao Lầu Bá Lễ a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts.
Beef Noodle Bowl
Dive into the vibrant flavors of our Beef Noodle Bowl, a dish bursting with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles. Inspired by traditional Vietnamese cuisine, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen with easily accessible ingredients. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a culinary enthusiast, this customizable bowl offers a balance of savory and aromatic elements that will delight your taste buds. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this wholesome and satisfying meal, crafted with simplicity and health in mind!
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Ingredients
- Marinade
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons five-spice seasoning
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
4 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- Beef
1.5 pounds beef tenderloin cubed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons water
- Noodles and Toppings
2 pounds thick Vietnamese rice noodles
2 cups fresh bean sprouts
1 cup torn lettuce leaves
1 bunch green onions chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles
- Marinade
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons five-spice seasoning
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
4 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon chicken bouillon
- Alternative Ingredients:
Beef Tenderloin: Replace with beef sirloin or chicken breast for a different protein option.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Five-Spice Powder: Substitute with a blend of cinnamon cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.
Chicken Bouillon: Use vegetable broth powder for a vegetarian option.
Vegetable Oil: Can be replaced with olive oil or another neutral oil.
Chow Mein Noodles: Substitute with crispy fried noodles suitable for gluten-free diets.
Directions
- Prepare Marinade: In a spacious glass or ceramic bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, five-spice seasoning, granulated sugar, paprika, and chicken bouillon. Mix thoroughly to form the marinade.
- Marinate Beef: Add the cubed beef tenderloin to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to absorb the flavors.
- Cook Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, approximately 4 to 7 minutes. Pour in water and continue to cook, stirring, until the liquid evaporates and the beef is fully cooked, about 2 additional minutes.
- Prepare Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Rinse the rice noodles under cold water and gently break them apart. Submerge the noodles in the boiling water until they reach half-tenderity, about 30 seconds. Add bean sprouts and continue boiling until the noodles are tender yet firm, another 30 seconds. Drain thoroughly.
- Assemble Bowl: In a large serving dish, combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture. Top generously with torn lettuce leaves, chopped green onions, fresh basil, cilantro, and a sprinkle of crispy chow mein noodles for added texture.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Nonstick Pan
- large skillet
- wok
- measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing Bowls
- plastic wrap
- large pot
- colander
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 4mg
