After a full afternoon exploring Hoi An’s lantern-lit Ancient Town, we had dinner at Com Linh before heading out to get our feet measured at Buffalo Leather Shop. It had been on our list since we started planning the trip, and it delivered exactly the kind of honest, flavour-forward Vietnamese cooking that makes Hoi An worth coming back for. Here’s everything you need to know about dining at this Hoi An gem.
Overview:
- Location: 42 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
- Price Range: $ (Budget-friendly)
- Our Bill: 815,000 VND for 7 people
- Best For: Roasted duck, family-style Vietnamese meals, authentic local cooking
- Reservations: Walk-in friendly
Table of Contents
Why Com Linh Is a Hoi An Must-Visit
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is lined with restaurants catering almost entirely to tourists, and it takes a little local knowledge to find the places that actually cook well. Com Linh is one of them. Located along Phan Chu Trinh Street, just a short walk from the heart of the Old Town, this unpretentious spot has built a loyal following on the strength of its roasted meats. The duck in particular is the kind of dish that earns a reputation and keeps it.
The setting is relaxed and casual, the service efficient and warm, and the menu built around Vietnamese staples done with genuine care. For a family group wanting to eat well, share dishes, and spend very little doing it, there are few better options in Hoi An.
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What We Ordered & Full Review
Half Roasted Duck ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The absolute highlight of the meal, and one of the best dishes we ate across the entire Vietnam trip. The duck arrived golden and lacquered, the skin crackling audibly with every cut. Beneath it, the meat was tender, juicy, and richly flavoured in a way that only comes from proper roasting. Paired with fresh herbs and a light dipping sauce, it was Vietnamese comfort food at its absolute finest. We finished every last piece and immediately wished we had ordered a whole one.
Roasted Pork with Fresh Noodles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A very close second to the duck. Slices of roasted pork with beautifully rendered fat and caramelised edges, served over a tangle of fresh rice noodles. The seasoning was well-judged, the textures worked together perfectly, and at 85,000 VND it represented remarkable value for the quality. This dish alone would justify a return visit.
Broken Rice with Fried Egg and Grilled Pork Chop ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A reliable classic executed well. The broken rice had that characteristic slightly sticky, comforting texture of good cơm tấm, topped with a properly charred grilled pork chop and a fried egg. Nothing surprising, but everything was done correctly and the portion was generous. A solid choice for anyone wanting something filling and familiar.
Grilled Pork with Fresh Noodles ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Similar in concept to the roasted pork noodles but with a lighter, smokier character from the grill. Decent and well-priced, though it naturally plays second fiddle to its roasted counterpart. A good option for anyone wanting something a touch less rich.
Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup ⭐⭐⭐
The broth was clean and fragrant, which is a good starting point, but the chicken itself was noticeably dry and lacked the tenderness you want in a proper bowl of noodle soup. It was perfectly edible and not unpleasant, but it fell short of the standard set by the rest of the meal. We would skip it on a return visit and put that appetite toward more roasted duck instead.
Wok-Fried Vegetables ⭐⭐⭐
A practical and well-seasoned accompaniment to balance out the richness of the meat dishes across the table. Simply prepared and exactly what a shared family spread needs. Not the reason you come to Com Linh, but a pleasant and necessary supporting act.
Hoi An Chicken Rice ⭐⭐⭐
Hoi An’s famous cơm gà is one of the city’s most celebrated dishes and we had high expectations. The rice itself was fragrant and nicely seasoned, but the chicken shared the same issue as the soup: it skewed dry and did not have the succulence the dish deserves at its best. For the definitive version of cơm gà in Hoi An, it may be worth seeking out a dedicated specialist.
Prices & Value for Money
Our Total Bill: 815,000 VND (Approximately SGD 45 for 7 people)
| Item | Price (VND) | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Half Roasted Duck | 250,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Broken Rice with Fried Egg & Grilled Pork Chop | 95,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Roasted Pork with Fresh Noodles | 85,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wok-Fried Vegetables | 85,000 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup ×2 | 150,000 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Grilled Pork with Fresh Noodles | 75,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hoi An Chicken Rice | 75,000 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Com Linh is exceptional value for money, particularly given its location within walking distance of the Ancient Town. For a full shared spread feeding seven people at 815,000 VND total, it is genuinely hard to beat. The roasted duck and pork alone justify the bill many times over, and the pricing across the rest of the menu is equally honest. This is the rare restaurant in Hoi An’s tourist centre that charges like a neighbourhood local.
Practical Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 42 Đ. Phan Chu Trinh, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam |
| Reservations | Walk-in friendly; arrive early during busy evenings |
| Opening Hours | Daily: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Getting There | Short walk from Hoi An Ancient Town |
💡 Pro Tip: The roasted duck can sell out on busy evenings, so order it as soon as you sit down. Come with a group so you can share multiple dishes and cover more of the menu.
What to Order: Our Recommendations
Com Linh shines brightest with its roasted meats. Here is what to order:
Recommended Items:
- Half Roasted Duck — We tried this, absolutely unmissable. The best single dish we had in Hoi An.
- Roasted Pork with Fresh Noodles — We tried this, exceptional value and deeply satisfying.
- Broken Rice with Fried Egg & Grilled Pork Chop — We tried this, a reliable and generously portioned classic.
- Grilled Pork with Fresh Noodles — We tried this, a lighter smokier alternative well worth ordering for a group.
- Wok-Fried Vegetables — We tried this, a well-cooked and practical balance to the richness of the meat dishes.
💡 Pro Tip: Skip the chicken dishes and save room for an extra order of roasted duck instead. The broth of the noodle soup is decent but the dry chicken holds both the soup and the chicken rice back from their potential.
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: 8/10
Com Linh delivered one of our most memorable meals in Vietnam. The roasted duck was genuinely exceptional, lacquered skin, tender meat, and the kind of depth of flavour that stays with you long after the meal ends. The roasted pork noodles ran it close. The chicken dishes were a minor disappointment, but they do not define the experience here. Stick to the roasted meats and you will leave very happy.
For families in particular, the combination of shared dishes, a relaxed atmosphere, absurdly reasonable prices, and cooking that tastes unmistakably of Vietnam makes Com Linh one of the most rewarding dinner stops in Hoi An.
Would we return? Without question. Next time we would order two half ducks and skip the chicken entirely.
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