Quang Noodles: A must-try and soul food of Quang Nam

When it comes to Central cuisine, Mi Quang is a dish that cannot be missed, especially for tourists when coming to Hoi An, Quang Nam. Not only is it a specialty dish of this land, Mi Quang noodles also carry within it the story of culture, history and soul of the people here. With its rich, delicious and irresistible flavor, Mi Quang captivates domestic tourists and leaves an unforgettable impression on international diners. Let’s explore this dish with the cultural imprint of Quang when you come to Hoi An, to fully experience the quintessential flavor of the Central region.

Introducing Quang noodles – Famous traditional dish of Quang Nam

Quang noodles are one of the culinary symbols of Quang Nam, a province in Central Vietnam. This is a delicious dish imbued with the culture and long-standing traditions of the people here. Quang noodles have been associated with daily life and important holidays, becoming an indispensable dish in family or community events.

Quang noodles are famous for their diversity in preparation and rich flavors. The broth of this dish is not as rich as pho but is usually just enough, creating harmony, not too fatty but still rich. In particular, Quang noodles use noodles made from rice flour, soft and flexible, cut into large pieces, with a golden yellow color thanks to turmeric water. When enjoying, people often eat with raw vegetables such as mustard greens, banana flowers, basil along with crispy grilled rice paper, creating a wonderful combination of many flavors and textures.

One of the special factors that makes Quang noodles attractive is the flexibility in the accompanying ingredients. Chicken, shrimp, quail eggs, pork, or snakehead fish can all be used as fillings, making the dish familiar, easy to make, and still very rich. Depending on each family or region, Quang noodles can have its own variations but still retain the core of its characteristic flavor. In particular, Quang noodles have been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, under the category of Folk Knowledge. This affirms the cultural value of Quang noodles and honors the traditional beauty of Vietnamese cuisine in general and Quang Nam in particular.

Origin of Quang noodles

Quang noodles are famous for their delicious taste and are associated with an interesting cultural exchange story. The name “Quang noodles” accurately reflects the origin of this dish, in which “mi” refers to the noodles as the main ingredient, and “Quang” refers to the origin from Quang Nam province, Central Vietnam.

The history of Quang noodles began in the 16th century, during the Nguyen Dynasty, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Southeast Asia and had become an international trading point. During this time, many Chinese merchants came to Hoi An to trade and live. With their diverse culinary culture, the Chinese brought the method of making wheat noodles from China to Vietnam, opening the way for the combination and development of a new dish.

With their creativity and ingenuity, the people of Quang Nam absorbed the noodle making technique from the Chinese and then transformed and added the unique features of Vietnamese cuisine to create Quang noodles. One of the most important improvements is the replacement of wheat flour with rice flour – a familiar ingredient for Vietnamese people. This helps Quang noodles have a soft, flexible texture and a distinct flavor compared to noodles made from Chinese wheat. In addition, the broth of Quang noodles is not too much, but rich and fragrant from ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, and pork, creating a unique feature.

The blend of Chinese noodle making techniques and traditional Vietnamese flavors has created a dish that is deeply regional but still carries the breath of cultural exchange. Quang noodles are a culinary symbol of Quang Nam and a testament to the flexibility and creativity in the way Vietnamese people absorb and develop from other cultures.

Thanks to the subtle combination of Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, Quang noodles have become a living cultural heritage, representing the richness and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine over the centuries.

Quang noodles in Hoi An culinary culture

Mi Quang is one of the iconic dishes of Quang Nam cuisine, especially in Hoi An. Considered a representative of local cuisine, Mi Quang is not only a dish, but also a symbol of the culture and tradition of this land.

When coming to Hoi An, visitors can easily find Mi Quang at small street stalls, luxury restaurants, or in bustling markets such as Hoi An market. With its widespread popularity, this dish appears everywhere, from narrow ancient streets lined with lanterns to rustic stalls at local markets. It is the dense presence of Mi Quang that has made it an indispensable part of the daily life of the people as well as the travel experience of visitors.

Interestingly, when enjoying Mi Quang, it is not simply a feeling of taste but also a connection with the culture and history of Hoi An. This dish is associated with the story of cultural exchange through the ages, from the use of local ingredients to the rustic but warm service style. Every time visitors enjoy Mi Quang in Hoi An, they fully experience the culture of this land, from the quiet old town space to the simplicity in the way the locals serve. In the space of peaceful old streets and unique cuisine, Mi Quang has become an irreplaceable symbol of Hoi An, leaving a deep impression in the hearts of every visitor to this land.

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Main ingredients of Quang noodles

Quang Noodles is known for its rich flavor and the blend of many different ingredients. Each bowl of Quang Noodles has its own unique ingredients, carefully prepared, creating a harmony of both flavor and color. Below are the main ingredients that make this dish special:

Noodles

Quang noodles are the first important element that creates the unique flavor of the dish. The noodles are made from rice flour, ivory white or slightly light yellow in color. The characteristic of Quang noodles is that they are soft and chewy but still retain their elasticity, not too crumbly but not too hard. The noodles are usually cut larger than other types of noodles, helping the dish absorb the flavor. To make the noodles more attractive, they are often spread thinly, cut into wide strips, then boiled or blanched before being put into the bowl.

Pork

Pork is one of the most popular ingredients in Quang Noodles. The meat is carefully selected, usually pork belly or lean shoulder, with just enough fat to keep the dish from drying out. The pork is sliced ​​into thin slices or cut into bite-sized pieces, then marinated with spices and stir-fried until fragrant. Some places also use roasted pork to add crunchiness and rich flavor to the dish.

Shrimp

Besides pork, shrimp is also an indispensable main ingredient in Quang Noodles. Shrimp is usually chosen to be fresh, medium-sized, crispy and sweet. Shrimp is cleaned, peeled and marinated with spices such as onions, garlic, and chili to enhance the flavor. After that, shrimp is stir-fried or cooked in broth to keep its freshness.

Boiled quail eggs

Boiled quail eggs are a small but important ingredient in the richness of Quang noodles. Quail eggs are small, rich in flavor, soft and easy to eat. After boiling, the quail eggs are peeled and placed on top of the noodle bowl, increasing the attractiveness of the dish.

Broth

The broth in Mi Quang is not as much as other types of noodle soup, but it is very rich and delicate. The broth is usually made from pork bones, chicken or shrimp, creating a natural sweetness. In particular, the broth in Mi Quang does not overflow the bowl, but is just enough for the noodles and ingredients to absorb the flavor. Some places also add turmeric to give the broth a golden color, enhancing the aesthetics and flavor.

Raw vegetables and ingredients

Raw vegetables are an indispensable part of enjoying Quang Noodles. A bowl of noodles would not be complete without raw vegetables such as basil, lettuce, Vietnamese coriander, bean sprouts and thinly sliced ​​banana blossom. Raw vegetables help balance the fatty and sweet flavors of the other ingredients. In addition, roasted peanuts, grilled rice paper and lemon and chili are the ingredients that make the dish richer and more flavorful. 

All of the above ingredients combine to create a complete Quang Noodle dish, a harmony of salty, sweet, fatty, nutty and refreshing flavors.

The taste of Quang noodles

Quang noodles are made from finely ground rice flour, Quang noodles are the characteristic ingredient that makes this dish different. The noodles are spread into thin layers, then skillfully cut by hand. Notably, the noodles not only have the natural white color of rice but can also be dyed light yellow from gardenia seeds or turmeric, creating an eye-catching and attractive color for the bowl of noodles.

One of the outstanding features of Quang noodles is its thickness and flatness, different from many other types of noodles. When still hot, the noodles retain a moderate softness, helping diners feel the sophistication of pure rice flour. When eaten, each noodle is soaked in broth and spices, creating a perfect culinary experience.

The flavor of Quang noodles comes not only from the noodles but also from the combination of many other ingredients. The broth of Quang noodles is made from pork bones, shrimp or stewed chicken, bringing a natural flavor, not too greasy. The blend of the broth with the main ingredients such as pork, shrimp, boiled quail eggs and roasted peanuts creates an irresistible taste.

This dish brings a perfect balance between sweet, salty, fatty and spicy flavors. The light sweetness of the broth combined with the slight toughness of the noodles and the fatty taste of the meat is the beginning of an unforgettable aftertaste. In particular, the crispy roasted peanuts and grilled rice paper create a characteristic crispness and aroma, adding richness to the dish. The mildly spicy red chili slices make the dish more stimulating, while the raw vegetables bring a refreshing taste, easing the richness of the broth and meat. Quang noodles are a suitable dish to enjoy all year round. Whether on hot summer days or in the cool air of winter, a bowl of Quang noodles always brings deliciousness and nutrition, making the eater feel comfortable and satisfied. The hotness of the bowl of noodles when just brought out, mixed with the fragrant smell of the ingredients, makes diners unable to resist and want to enjoy it immediately.

Some famous Quang noodles restaurants in Hoi An, Quang Nam

When coming to Hoi An, visitors can enjoy Quang noodles at many local restaurants with different styles and flavors. Below are some famous Quang noodles restaurants that you should visit.

Mrs. Minh’s Quang Noodles

Address: Cam Ha, Hoi An

Located near the poetic Thu Bon River, Mrs. Minh’s Quang noodles restaurant attracts diners with its delicious and flavorful noodles and the peaceful scenery of Hoi An ancient town. The restaurant serves many types of Quang noodles such as shrimp, chicken, pork… Each type has a distinct, rich flavor. This is an ideal destination for those who want to start a morning in Hoi An while enjoying the cuisine and admiring the beauty of the river and the ancient town.

Mr. Hai’s Quang Noodles

Address: 6A Truong Minh Luong, Cam Chau, Hoi An

Mr. Hai’s Quang Noodles is a traditional restaurant, loved by locals. The Quang noodles here are famous for their rich, smooth broth, true to the classic Quang noodles of Quang Nam. Each bowl of noodles at the restaurant is meticulously prepared, bringing full flavor at a very affordable price. This is definitely an address not to be missed for those who want to enjoy authentic Quang noodles.

Aunt Hat’s Quang Noodles

Address: 81 Phan Chau Trinh, Minh An ward, Hoi An

Aunt Hat’s Quang Noodles brings diners a unique culinary experience. Unlike large restaurants, Aunt Hat’s restaurant is just a small stall on the sidewalk of Phan Chau Trinh, but this is what creates a special attraction. Enjoying a bowl of Quang noodles right on the sidewalk gives diners a feeling of closeness, simplicity but still full of charm. The noodles here are prepared according to Aunt Hat’s own recipe, ensuring an irresistible deliciousness.

Ms. Sinh’s Quang Noodles

Address: 202 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoi An

Ms. Sinh’s Quang noodles are especially famous for their two main dishes: chicken Quang noodles and beef Quang noodles. The highlight of the restaurant is that the raw vegetables are always fresh, rich and full of different types of green vegetables. This is a suitable choice for those who love Quang noodles with fresh and quality ingredients.

Quang Van Noodles

Address: 329 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Cam Chau, Hoi An
Mi Quang Van attracts diners thanks to its traditional recipe for cooking Quang noodles with a unique flavor. In particular, each bowl of noodles here is very large, full of toppings, making diners feel satisfied with the variety of dishes. The flavor of Quang noodles at the restaurant is both rich and delicate, highlighting the difference of traditional Hoi An dishes.

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