Mar - 27 - 2026
The black sesame soup demonstration in Hoi An is one of the most authentic cultural experiences in the Ancient Town. More than a simple street dessert, it tells the story of a beloved local figure and a tradition that has warmed visitors for decades. Often called the “Old man soup Hoi An”, this humble bowl of sesame soup has become a hidden gem for travelers seeking a deeper connection with the town. This GTrip guide will help you discover the story behind Ngo Thieu’s House, what makes the soup so special, and how to visit this unique cultural spot in Hoi An.
Overview of the Black Sesame Soup Demonstration in Hoi An
The Black Sesame Soup Demonstration in Hoi An is a small heritage site located in the former home of Ngo Thieu, a beloved local vendor who sold his famous black sesame soup for more than 70 years. Unlike Hoi An’s grand temples and historic houses, this humble spot offers a personal glimpse into the town’s everyday traditions and the story of a simple dish that became a cultural icon.
Where is Black Sesame Soup Demonstration Hoi An?
Address: 45/17 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An Ancient Town, Hoi An Ward (formerly Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province), Da Nang City
Finding this location is part of its charm. The Black Sesame Soup Demonstration is tucked away near the famous Ba Le Well, a narrow, atmospheric lane that feels like a portal to a quieter, more authentic Hoi An. As you navigate off the main thoroughfare of Tran Hung Dao Street, you’ll feel like you’re discovering a local secret. Its slightly hidden location ensures it remains a peaceful respite, rewarding those who take the time to find it.
Tucked inside the small Ba Le Well alley off Tran Hung Dao Street, the Black Sesame Soup Demonstration offers a quiet, hidden corner of authentic Hoi An
Opening hours and ticket prices of the demonstration
The Black Sesame Soup Demonstration offers a unique and delightful cultural experience that can easily be woven into any Hoi An itinerary. The demonstration site is generally accessible seven days a week, from morning until evening, providing ample flexibility for visitors. While the demonstration site aims for consistent opening, it may occasionally close unexpectedly due to family matters or public holidays. It's always a good idea to check in advance if possible.
- Daily opening hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Ticket prices:
To visit the Black Sesame Soup Demonstration, you will need a valid Hoi An Ancient Town entrance ticket. This comprehensive combo ticket is essential for exploring the town's numerous heritage sites. For foreign adults, this ticket costs 120,000 VND. It grants you general access to the charming Ancient Town and allows you to visit five of the 20+ designated heritage sites, which include iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Bridge, ancient houses, and traditional assembly halls (like Ngo Thieu's House). The Black Sesame Soup Demonstration is typically one of the designated "sights" you can enjoy with your ticket stub, offering excellent value and a truly unique cultural exchange.
What is black sesame soup?
Black sesame soup, locally known as che me den or xi ma phu (sometimes spelt chi ma phu), is a traditional dessert popular in both Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. It is made from roasted black sesame seeds ground into a paste and cooked with rice flour and sugar, creating a smooth and thick texture. In Hoi An, the local version often includes pennywort and other herbs, giving the soup a subtle herbal note and a reputation as a nourishing, healthful treat.
Black sesame soup (che me den or xi ma phu) is a traditional sweet dessert made from roasted sesame seeds, known for its smooth texture and nourishing herbal flavor
Better to know about ‘Black Sesame Soup Master’ Ngo Thieu
The story of the Black Sesame Soup Demonstration is closely tied to the life of Ngo Thieu, a beloved figure in Hoi An. More than just a street vendor, he became a symbol of dedication and tradition through his famous bowl of xi ma phu.
Born in 1923, Ngo Thieu moved to Hoi An as a young child. There, he learned the secret recipe for black sesame soup from a Chinese family and spent years perfecting the balance of ingredients and the slow-cooking technique that gave the soup its rich flavor.
For over 70 years, his daily routine rarely changed. Before dawn, he would begin preparing the soup, then carry the pot on a traditional shoulder pole (ganh) as he walked through the streets of Hoi An selling it. Without a fixed shop, locals often found him near Phan Chau Trinh Street or Ba Le Well, calling out his familiar phrase: “Ai… me den day!” His dedication earned him the affectionate nickname “the old man with the soup”.
Although he passed away in 2014, his legacy continues. Today, his name is still used by relatives and trusted vendors as a symbol of authenticity, keeping the tradition of Ngo Thieu’s black sesame soup alive in Hoi An.
History of the Black Sesame Soup Demonstration Hoi An
Black Sesame Soup Demonstration opened on June 19, 2019, as part of the celebrations marking 20 years of Hoi An Ancient Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The attraction preserves the legacy of Ngo Thieu, a beloved street vendor famous for selling traditional black sesame soup around Hoi An for decades. His small one-storey house near Ba Le Well, one of the oldest freshwater wells in town, was converted into a demonstration space where visitors can learn about the dessert and the life of its creator.
Today, Mr. Ngo Thieu’s children manage the house, welcoming visitors and sharing stories about their father’s street business. The family also maintains a small altar inside the house to honor both their father and grandfather, keeping the culinary tradition alive for new generations of travelers.
Black Sesame Soup Demonstration shares the story of Ngo Thieu, a legendary Hoi An vendor who spent over 70 years perfecting and selling the traditional xi ma dessert
Things to do at Black Sesame Soup Demonstration Hoi An
A visit to Ngo Thieu's House is an intimate and multi-sensory experience. Here’s what you can expect when you step into this charming memorial home:
1. Explore the exhibits
The house is filled with personal artifacts that tell the story of Mr. Ngo Thieu's life. You can see several historical items, such as his original shoulder pole and the well-worn cooking pots he used for decades. The display also includes family photographs spanning his long life and framed newspaper articles celebrating his contribution to Hoi An’s culture. These objects provide a powerful, tangible connection to the past.
2. Taste the legendary soup
The highlight, of course, is tasting the black sesame soup itself. You can purchase a hot, fragrant bowl prepared according to the master's original recipe. Served in a small ceramic bowl, it’s the perfect way to connect with the history you've just learned about. The cost is very reasonable, and it’s an experience you won't find anywhere else.
The highlight is tasting a warm bowl of black sesame soup made from the original recipe, offering a simple yet authentic taste of Hoi An’s culinary heritage
3. Witness a demonstration
While there aren't fixed, scheduled "shows", you can often see the soup being prepared or kept warm in the traditional way. The family members who run the site are usually happy to chat and answer questions about the cooking process, offering insights into the craft. The experience is more of an open-house observation than a formal demonstration.
4. Soak in the atmosphere
This is not a crowded, noisy attraction. It's a quiet, respectful space. Take a moment to sit, enjoy your soup, and reflect on the simple dedication of a man who perfected his craft over a lifetime. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a peaceful break during a busy day of sightseeing in the Ancient Town.
This quiet, intimate space offers a peaceful break to enjoy your soup and reflect on a lifetime of dedication to a simple craft
How to get to Black Sesame Soup Demonstration Hoi An?
The Black Sesame Soup Demonstration is nestled at 45/17 Tran Hung Dao Street, conveniently located near the historic Ba Le Well within Hoi An Ancient Town. As it sits in a narrow alley, walking or cycling is the easiest way to reach it. Look for a small sign near Ba Le Well, then proceed a short distance down the alley to find the entrance.
From Da Nang International Airport
Travelers arriving at the airport can reach the demonstration by private car, taxi, or motorbike. The route follows the coastal corridor south toward Hoi An.
- Distance: ~30 km
- Travel time: 45-60 minutes
- Routes: Vo Nguyen Giap → Lac Long Quan → Hai Ba Trung → Tran Hung Dao
- Optimal option: Private car or taxi for convenience with luggage
From Da Nang City center
From downtown Da Nang, visitors typically travel along the coastal road to Hoi An before entering the ancient town area.
- Distance: ~28-30 km
- Travel time: 45-55 minutes
- Routes: Vo Nguyen Giap coastal road → Lac Long Quan → Hai Ba Trung → Tran Hung Dao
- Optimal option: Motorbike or private car for flexibility
From downtown Da Nang, it takes about 45-55 minutes to reach Hoi An via scenic coastal roads, best traveled by motorbike or private car
From around Hoi An Ancient Town
The demonstration lies within the heritage zone, close to several famous landmarks, making it easy to visit on foot.
- Distance: 100-500 m from central Old Town attractions
- Travel time: 2-8 minutes walking
- Routes: Walk along Tran Hung Dao Street toward Ba Le Well
- Optimal option: Walking or cycling
Transportation options
Several transportation choices are available depending on your starting point and travel style.
- Walking: Best option within Hoi An Old Town.
- Bicycle: Popular for short distances around the heritage area.
- Motorbike: Convenient for travelers coming from Da Nang or nearby areas.
- Taxi / Grab: Comfortable and easy for airport transfers.
- Cyclo: A traditional and relaxing way to explore Hoi An.
- Shuttle buses or hotel transfers: Often available from resorts and hotels.
Visitors can choose from walking, cycling, motorbike, taxi, cyclo, or shuttle services depending on their location and travel preference
Nearby attractions to Black Sesame Soup Demonstration
One of the best things about the Black Sesame Soup Demonstration is its central location, putting you within a short walk of many other key Hoi An attractions. You can easily create a mini-itinerary for your day.
- Japanese Covered Bridge: Just a 5-minute walk away, this iconic 18th-century bridge is the symbol of Hoi An and a must-see landmark. Its unique roofed design reflects the influence of the Japanese community that once lived in the town.
- Tan Ky Old House: A beautifully preserved 200-year-old merchant's house, this is another site you can visit with your combo ticket. The house displays many original antiques that illustrate the prosperous trading life of Hoi An’s merchant families.
- Fujian Assembly Hall: A stunning example of Chinese architecture, this ornate hall was a social and spiritual center for the Fujian community. Its colorful gates, dragon statues, and peaceful courtyard make it one of the most impressive cultural sites in the Ancient Town.
- Hoi An Central Market: A vibrant, bustling market where you can experience local life, shop for souvenirs, and sample a huge variety of street food. It is especially lively in the morning when locals come to buy fresh seafood and produce.
The Black Sesame Soup Demonstration is just a short walk from many of Hoi An’s top attractions, making it easy to plan a convenient mini-itinerary
For more ideas on how to structure your day, see our GTrip [One Day in Hoi An Itinerary].
Practical tips for visitors when visiting the demonstration of the black sesame soup in Hoi An
Before visiting the Black Sesame Soup Demonstration, it’s helpful to know a few practical tips to make your experience smoother. Since this attraction is a small family house rather than a large museum, respecting local customs and preparing for the weather will help you enjoy the visit more comfortably.
- Remove your shoes before entering the house, following Vietnamese tradition.
- Try a bowl of black sesame soup (about 10,000-20,000 VND) to support the family.
- Visit during the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
- Bring cash, as small local attractions may not accept cards.
- Combine the visit with nearby Old Town attractions since everything is within walking distance.
- Respect the house and avoid touching old tools or antiques on display.
- On hot days, sit outside near the pomelo trees for a more comfortable tasting experience.
Before visiting Black Sesame Soup Demonstration, keep a few simple tips in mind, such as bringing cash and visiting during cooler hours for a more comfortable experience
Visiting the Black Sesame Soup Demonstration is more than just a quick stop, it’s a chance to experience the living heritage of Hoi An. The story of Mr Ngo Thieu, who devoted his life to perfecting a humble bowl of black sesame soup, reflects the passion and simplicity behind the town’s street-food culture. Enjoying the dessert in the very house where his legacy is preserved offers a warm, authentic moment that complements any exploration of the Ancient Town. To make the most of your journey, consider joining one of the curated Da Nang Tours by GTrip. Exploring unique local stories and hidden cultural gems like this is what turns an ordinary trip into a truly memorable travel experience.
