Vietnamese classics
Pho, Bún Bò Huế and Cao Lầu are highlighted for rich broth, fresh herbs and traditional flavour.
Hoi An Restaurant
Trade Centre
Hoi An is a Vietnamese restaurant in Trade Centre, located within Shangri-La Dubai. It is known for pho, traditional dishes with modern presentation, and weekend brunches that have included table-served or buffet formats.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
179 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Brunch variety
The brunch has included freshly cooked starters, soups, mains and desserts, with standout crab cakes, duck curry and fried banana.
Dietary flexibility
A vegan diner received alternative dishes and specially adapted plates, while another group had food adjusted for allergies.
Helpful service
Reviewers describe attentive staff who explain unfamiliar dishes and accommodate personal preferences.
Calm setting
The restaurant is described as comfortable, quiet and warmly decorated, making it suited to an unhurried dinner.
What to Eat at Hoi An Restaurant How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Hoi An Restaurant, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Hoi An Restaurant, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 1
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Pho bo Net +2
“Food was extremely tasty, from the freshly made rice roles to the rich and herby pho bo. All these was rounded off with some traditional Vietnamese drip coffee.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was extremely tasty, from the freshly made rice roles to the rich and herby pho bo. All these was rounded off with some traditional Vietnamese drip coffee.”July 2018
“Visited this place for the Beef Pho and the taste is amazing.”May 2024
Honorable mentions (27)
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Asahi on tap Net +1
“The authentic preparation of the cuisine left me speechless. Asahi on tap is an addition to the pleasure.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The authentic preparation of the cuisine left me speechless. Asahi on tap is an addition to the pleasure.”April 2022
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Australian tenderloin vietnamese curry with fried rice Net +1
“Prawn crackers on the house, had some yummy seafood starter, lemon sorbet while waiting, while waiting for the main, Australian tenderloin Vietnamese curry with fried rice. It was just fabulous.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Prawn crackers on the house, had some yummy seafood starter, lemon sorbet while waiting, while waiting for the main, Australian tenderloin Vietnamese curry with fried rice. It was just fabulous.”August 2021
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Bún bò huế Net +1
“I highly recommend the Bún Bò Huế and Cao Lầu—both were bursting with authentic flavor, rich broth, and fresh herbs.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend the Bún Bò Huế and Cao Lầu—both were bursting with authentic flavor, rich broth, and fresh herbs.”April 2025
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Cao lầu Net +1
“I highly recommend the Bún Bò Huế and Cao Lầu—both were bursting with authentic flavor, rich broth, and fresh herbs.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I highly recommend the Bún Bò Huế and Cao Lầu—both were bursting with authentic flavor, rich broth, and fresh herbs.”April 2025
-
Chicken red curry Net +1
“For the main course we ordered the Chicken Red Curry, the beef tenderloin, the salmon(pictured), the chicken fried rice, and the pineapple and scallop fried rice (pictured). The quantity for main course meals were good, substantial for 5 people. The red curry was rich in flavour and was absolutely divine.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For the main course we ordered the Chicken Red Curry, the beef tenderloin, the salmon(pictured), the chicken fried rice, and the pineapple and scallop fried rice (pictured). The quantity for main course meals were good, substantial for 5 people. The red curry was rich in flavour and was absolutely divine.”December 2018
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Coconut ice-cream with mango Net +1
“Their dessert was amazing! Loved Coconut ice-cream with mango.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Their dessert was amazing! Loved Coconut ice-cream with mango.”April 2018
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Crunchy asian crackers Net +1
“A hot towel scented with invigorating jasmine stole my heart, and a serving of crunchy Asian crackers with a side of sweet chilly sauce, my full attention.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“A hot towel scented with invigorating jasmine stole my heart, and a serving of crunchy Asian crackers with a side of sweet chilly sauce, my full attention.”October 2017
-
Cuttlefish satay skewers Net +1
“Started off with some cuttlefish satay skewers (pictured) and grilled duck(pictured) for appetisers. The quantity is small for these two but tasted great.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Started off with some cuttlefish satay skewers (pictured) and grilled duck(pictured) for appetisers. The quantity is small for these two but tasted great.”December 2018
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Duck curry Net +1
“Main course: Outstanding! The duck curry was delicious and the seabass was great 😊 The egg noodles was excellent, it was fried that made it interesting and outstanding 🤩”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Main course: Outstanding! The duck curry was delicious and the seabass was great 😊 The egg noodles was excellent, it was fried that made it interesting and outstanding 🤩”June 2024
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Fried banana and taro Net +1
“Desserts: The fried banana and taro is outstanding”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Desserts: The fried banana and taro is outstanding”June 2024
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Grilled duck Net +1
“Started off with some cuttlefish satay skewers (pictured) and grilled duck(pictured) for appetisers. The quantity is small for these two but tasted great.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Started off with some cuttlefish satay skewers (pictured) and grilled duck(pictured) for appetisers. The quantity is small for these two but tasted great.”December 2018
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Hot and sour scallop soup Net +1
“We had the hot and sour scallop soup (pictured), the traditional Vietnamese soup with Angus beef (pictured), and the vegetable soup with tofu. These three soups were very good as well.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the hot and sour scallop soup (pictured), the traditional Vietnamese soup with Angus beef (pictured), and the vegetable soup with tofu. These three soups were very good as well.”December 2018
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Lemon sorbet Net +1
“In between courses, they provide a lemon sorbet to cleanse the palette. The sorbets were soft and perfect blend of sweet and sour.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“In between courses, they provide a lemon sorbet to cleanse the palette. The sorbets were soft and perfect blend of sweet and sour.”December 2018
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Mango sticky rice Net +1
“Try the Vietnamese red curry with king prawns, mixed satay and the mango sticky rice. The food is bursting with spices and flavours. :)”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Try the Vietnamese red curry with king prawns, mixed satay and the mango sticky rice. The food is bursting with spices and flavours. :)”September 2018
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Mixed satay Net +1
“Try the Vietnamese red curry with king prawns, mixed satay and the mango sticky rice. The food is bursting with spices and flavours. :)”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Try the Vietnamese red curry with king prawns, mixed satay and the mango sticky rice. The food is bursting with spices and flavours. :)”September 2018
-
Pan-seared crab cakes Net +1
“Hot starters: Everything was very good, my favorite was the Pan-seared crab cakes, Vietnamese rocket prawn rolls and the Vietnamese Rice Pancake”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Hot starters: Everything was very good, my favorite was the Pan-seared crab cakes, Vietnamese rocket prawn rolls and the Vietnamese Rice Pancake”June 2024
-
Pho soup Net +1
“The best part of my evening was a bowl of pho soup with herbs, sauces and fresh chilies on the side. I spiced up my pho to the maximum with as many chillis as possible. What a delight!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The best part of my evening was a bowl of pho soup with herbs, sauces and fresh chilies on the side. I spiced up my pho to the maximum with as many chillis as possible. What a delight!”October 2017
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Rich beef noodle soup (pho) Net +1
“There are plenty of dishes to try starting with a wide variety of flavourful bite sized appetisers, rich beef noodle soup (pho), light and refreshing salads, filling mains, and complimenting desserts.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“There are plenty of dishes to try starting with a wide variety of flavourful bite sized appetisers, rich beef noodle soup (pho), light and refreshing salads, filling mains, and complimenting desserts.”October 2019
-
Seabass Net +1
“Main course: Outstanding! The duck curry was delicious and the seabass was great 😊 The egg noodles was excellent, it was fried that made it interesting and outstanding 🤩”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Main course: Outstanding! The duck curry was delicious and the seabass was great 😊 The egg noodles was excellent, it was fried that made it interesting and outstanding 🤩”June 2024
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Seaweed soup Net +1
“Soup: Both Tamarind Fish Soup and seaweed soup were good, they served it in a little bowl which is just enough not to make you full”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Soup: Both Tamarind Fish Soup and seaweed soup were good, they served it in a little bowl which is just enough not to make you full”June 2024
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Tamarind fish soup Net +1
“Soup: Both Tamarind Fish Soup and seaweed soup were good, they served it in a little bowl which is just enough not to make you full”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Soup: Both Tamarind Fish Soup and seaweed soup were good, they served it in a little bowl which is just enough not to make you full”June 2024
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Traditional vietnamese soup with angus beef Net +1
“We had the hot and sour scallop soup (pictured), the traditional Vietnamese soup with Angus beef (pictured), and the vegetable soup with tofu. These three soups were very good as well. The beef soup was light and flavourful. Not spicy more of a clear soup with Noodles. The beef was soft and cooked perfectly.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We had the hot and sour scallop soup (pictured), the traditional Vietnamese soup with Angus beef (pictured), and the vegetable soup with tofu. These three soups were very good as well. The beef soup was light and flavourful. Not spicy more of a clear soup with Noodles. The beef was soft and cooked perfectly.”December 2018
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Vietnamese red curry with king prawns Net +1
“Try the Vietnamese red curry with king prawns, mixed satay and the mango sticky rice. The food is bursting with spices and flavours. :)”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Try the Vietnamese red curry with king prawns, mixed satay and the mango sticky rice. The food is bursting with spices and flavours. :)”September 2018
-
Vietnamese rice pancake Net +1
“Hot starters: Everything was very good, my favorite was the Pan-seared crab cakes, Vietnamese rocket prawn rolls and the Vietnamese Rice Pancake”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Hot starters: Everything was very good, my favorite was the Pan-seared crab cakes, Vietnamese rocket prawn rolls and the Vietnamese Rice Pancake”June 2024
-
Vietnamese rocket prawn rolls Net +1
“Hot starters: Everything was very good, my favorite was the Pan-seared crab cakes, Vietnamese rocket prawn rolls and the Vietnamese Rice Pancake”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Hot starters: Everything was very good, my favorite was the Pan-seared crab cakes, Vietnamese rocket prawn rolls and the Vietnamese Rice Pancake”June 2024
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Virgin pina colada Net +1
“For drinks we had a lychee ice tea, a virgin pina colada, and a fresh green apple juice. All three drinks were very good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For drinks we had a lychee ice tea, a virgin pina colada, and a fresh green apple juice. All three drinks were very good.”December 2018
-
Boneless chicken Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“My amuse-bouche was a piece of boneless chicken steamed and seared on a pan and then topped with a yellow flower. Spiced mildly for my complicated taste, it signaled a desire to popularize traditional Vietnamese cuisine by introducing it to a wider audience.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 2
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Fresh green apple juice Net +1
“For drinks we had a lychee ice tea, a virgin pina colada, and a fresh green apple juice. All three drinks were very good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For drinks we had a lychee ice tea, a virgin pina colada, and a fresh green apple juice. All three drinks were very good.”December 2018
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Lychee ice tea Net +1
“For drinks we had a lychee ice tea, a virgin pina colada, and a fresh green apple juice. All three drinks were very good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For drinks we had a lychee ice tea, a virgin pina colada, and a fresh green apple juice. All three drinks were very good.”December 2018
What to Avoid (6)
Food 6
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Chicken curry Net −1
“The chicken curry had more of cauliflower and other vegetables than chicken for AED 115.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The chicken curry had more of cauliflower and other vegetables than chicken for AED 115.”February 2023
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Crab Net −1
“Oh yes, and my friend said that he felt crab without the utensils to extract the meat is a little pointless.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Oh yes, and my friend said that he felt crab without the utensils to extract the meat is a little pointless.”October 2024
-
Fried rice Net −1
“There is not enough food either - the portion of fried rice for two previously was about the same size as that now provided for all the patrons.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“There is not enough food either - the portion of fried rice for two previously was about the same size as that now provided for all the patrons.”October 2024
-
Oven baked sea bass Net −1
“The oven baked sea bass weighed probably less than 100 grams for AED 150/-.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The oven baked sea bass weighed probably less than 100 grams for AED 150/-.”February 2023
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Sea bream Net −1
“The sea bream was disappointing - again, bland flavour with poor texture - either badly defrosted or over-cooked; we couldn't be sure.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The sea bream was disappointing - again, bland flavour with poor texture - either badly defrosted or over-cooked; we couldn't be sure.”October 2019
-
Seafood noodles Net −1
“The seafood noodles had a few prawns and the portion did not fill the stomach of my teenage grand daughter for AED 90/-.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The seafood noodles had a few prawns and the portion did not fill the stomach of my teenage grand daughter for AED 90/-.”February 2023
Tips for a Better Visit
Check availability. Ask whether the dish you want is available before visiting; some Vietnamese items have moved to weekend buffet service.
Ask about brunch. Confirm the current brunch format and refill policy, since the experience has changed from table service to self-serve buffet.
Use offers. Check Entertainer before booking: one brunch review reports a buy-one-get-one arrangement that substantially reduced the bill.
Mention allergies. Tell the team about allergies or dietary needs before ordering; reviewers report that dishes can be adapted accordingly.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Level 1,Shangri-la Hotel - Sheikh Zayed Rd
Trade Center First, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Small portions
Several diners felt portions were too small for hotel pricing, including a sea bass dish described as under 100 grams.
Brunch changes
One newer brunch format had limited selection, slow refills and too little food, causing guests to wait around.
Inconsistent flavour
Some diners found dishes bland or insufficiently authentic, including vegetable dishes and a meal that needed extra salt.
Hotel pricing
A few reviews consider the restaurant expensive for its portion sizes, with drinks also criticised as costly.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 228
brunch with soft beverages
“💵 Price: AED 228 with soft beverages, AED 328 inclusive of house beverages, AED 428 inclusive of sparkling beverages”Google review · June 2024
AED 328
brunch inclusive of house beverages
“💵 Price: AED 228 with soft beverages, AED 328 inclusive of house beverages, AED 428 inclusive of sparkling beverages”Google review · June 2024
AED 428
brunch inclusive of sparkling beverages
“💵 Price: AED 228 with soft beverages, AED 328 inclusive of house beverages, AED 428 inclusive of sparkling beverages”Google review · June 2024
AED 150/-
oven baked sea bass
“The oven baked sea bass weighed probably less than 100 grams for AED 150/-”Google review · February 2023
AED 115
chicken curry
“The chicken curry had more of cauliflower and other vegetables than chicken for AED 115”Google review · February 2023
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Hoi An is a Vietnamese restaurant in Trade Centre at Shangri-La Dubai, with a menu that ranges from pho and fresh spring rolls to regional dishes such as Bún Bò Huế and Cao Lầu. The restaurant is especially associated with brunch, where past formats have included freshly cooked-to-order dishes and a serve-yourself buffet. The strongest food feedback is quite specific.
Pho is repeatedly praised, while one brunch review singled out pan-seared crab cakes, duck curry, seabass, fried egg noodles, and fried banana and taro. Diners also describe fresh herbs, attractive presentation and traditional flavours with a modern touch. Vegan alternatives and allergy-conscious adaptations have been reported, so it is worth mentioning dietary needs before ordering.
The setting is generally calm, comfortable and Vietnam-inspired, although one diner found the interior dated and the music inconsistent. Service is often attentive, with staff explaining unfamiliar dishes and accommodating preferences. That said, portion sizes and value are recurring concerns, particularly against upscale-hotel prices; drinks can also be expensive.
Check dish availability and the current brunch format before you go, and look for Entertainer offers if applicable.