Qatu Qatsi!: Cao lầu in Da Nang

Since the first time we had cao lau in Hoi An, we dream about it. Everyone makes it differently but in general it is a small dish of medium-sized noodles, thin pork slices and leafy greens that wades in a shallow clear broth, just enough to keep everything moist. You may be given more greens, chili's and other items to add to your dish or you can enjoy it as is. The real prize to the dish though are the noodles and they even have a story to go with them. This dish is only available in Hoi An because It is said that the noodles can only be made here using water from a particular well there. As such, "this water" contributes to the noodles special texture and taste. Regardless if this legend is true or not, the noodles are amazing, and because you can only get them in this part of the world, it is important to get your fill while here.

Old town Hoi An - cao lau noodles drying in the sun

In Hoi An, Morning Glory is a very popular (and very good) place for cao lau along with other dishes. You can also sign up for cooking classes here.

Old town Hoi An - 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc

Bowl of cao lau at Morning Glory - 55,000 VND or $2.75 CAD

Luckily, the area that you can have cao lau expands a little further than just Hoi An, but you have to search a little harder. Finding cao lau in Da Nang has saved us from making the 30 km trek to Hoi An to satisfy every craving. So when we feel the need to enjoy those chewy, dense noodles, we head over to Tu Quynh. They serve a few other dishes but we have only been there so far for our cao lau fix, and it is good!

Da Nang - 1 Hai Phong between streets Le Loi and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai

The menu can be found on the wall, along with prices (very nice). There are a couple of faded pictures on the wall as well to help if you do not recognize any Vietnamese. Service is prompt and everyone is welcome.