A daily-changing menu at Vietnam’s “no-menu” restaurant – Café Des Amis

Text by Chi Binghui, compiled and reported | Source: MOOK Editorial Department

When you walk into a restaurant and sit down, the first thing you usually do is look for a menu to order your meal, selecting the dishes you want. But sometimes, when you just can’t decide what to eat, perhaps leaving everything up to the chef is the best choice. Located in Hoi An, Vietnam, Café Des Amis is a “no-menu” restaurant. The passionate owner prepares different dishes every day and also takes time to chat with diners in his spare time, creating a very relaxing dining atmosphere.

The only option at the restaurant is the daily set meal, which includes about five courses, with three options: meat, seafood, or vegetarian. The dishes change every day, so you have no idea what you’ll be eating until it arrives. Sometimes you might get a stir-fried seafood medley, stir-fried meat slices, soup, or congee. For special local dishes, the server will explain how to eat them, helping guests adapt to the local culture.

On one of my visits to Café Des Amis, I had one of the best meals in Hoi An. In particular, the curry-based vegetarian soup was not spicy but full of flavor. Dip the crispy rice crackers in the soup for an unforgettable taste. There was also a fish porridge-like soup with a fresh fish aroma. And then there was Bahn Beo, a dish commonly eaten in central Vietnam. Owner Mr. Kim made a fully vegetarian version using tofu, bamboo shoots, green beans, and radish, making it different from the usual versions.

The not-so-big café feels warm and welcoming, and it’s also close to the riverside, where you can often see small boats go by. Foreign tourists usually enjoy a drink after their meal while chatting leisurely. The shop also has a notebook dedicated to messages from tourists around the world. No matter where you’re from, you can find “fellow countrymen’s” notes in the book and share stories about your travels and dining experiences.

Café Des Amis

Address: 111 D Nguyen Thai Hoc

Phone: (510) 861-616