Central Market food hall, Hoi An

In the late 2000s, the local government of Hoi An decided to demolish the French era central market. Plenty of us were alarmed at what might follow in the heart of the World Heritage listed old town.

Whether the demolition was justified or not, there aren't too many complaints about what's replaced the original old market. The new building looks perfectly at home in the old town and is now a massive food hall.

Locals and travellers flock to the market to sample some of Hoi An's delicious specialties as well as a good range of other Vietnamese favourites like banh xeo pancakes, bun bo Hue spicy soup and a variety of rice based dishes. There's even a dedicated vegetarian stall.

Make sure you visit at least once. You could easily spend several mealtimes here.

The stallholders are friendly, if at times a little pushy, the atmosphere's great and there are no complaints about value for money.

The market also has fresh fruit stalls where you can sample the delights of pomelo or custard apple juice as well as more conventional juice offerings. Recommended.