By Chi Binghui | Compiled & Reported | Source: MOOK Editorial Department
Upon entering the restaurant and taking a seat, the first thing most people do is look for a menu to order. They pick their favorite dishes, but sometimes, when you just can’t decide what to eat, leaving everything up to the chef might be the best choice. Café Des Amis in Hoi An, Vietnam, is a “no-menu” restaurant where the friendly owner prepares a different selection of dishes every day. He also takes time to chat with guests during quieter moments, creating a very pleasant dining atmosphere.
Not sure what to eat? Just leave the entire meal up to the chef’s decision.
The only option at the restaurant is the daily set meal, which typically includes around five courses. There are three options: meat, seafood, or vegetarian, all changing daily, so you won’t know what you’re getting until the dishes arrive. Sometimes it might be a stir-fried seafood medley, sautéed meat slices, soup, or congee. For signature local specialties, the staff will explain how to enjoy them, helping you immerse yourself in the local culture.
Café Des Amis only offers a daily set menu, with a different selection each day.
On one of our visits to Café Des Amis, we had one of the best meals in Hoi An. Especially memorable was the curry-based vegetarian soup—mild yet rich in flavor. It was delicious when dipped with crispy rice crackers. Another dish resembled a fish congee, offering the fresh aroma of fish. There was also Bahn Beo, commonly eaten in central Vietnam. Owner Mr. Kim made a fully vegetarian version using tofu, bamboo shoots, green beans, and radish—quite different from the usual version.
The set meal comes with about 4–5 dishes.
Café Des Amis has a small but cozy space, located close to the riverbank where you can often see boats passing by. Foreign visitors usually enjoy a drink after the meal while chatting leisurely. The restaurant also has a guestbook specifically for travelers from around the world, where people from all countries can find “fellow countrymen’s” notes and share travel and dining stories.
The small Café Des Amis feels even more atmospheric in the evening.
Café Des Amis
Address: 111 D Nguyen Thai Hoc
Phone: (510) 861-616