Buzz
When visiting Quang Nam, indulge in the region's exquisite local specialties, perfect as flavorful gifts that will linger in the memories of every departing traveler.
Quang Nam Specialties as Gifts
1. Quang-style Noodles (Mì Quảng)
Mi Quang stands out as Quang Nam's most renowned dish. Not a single street or alley is without Mi Quang vendors. It's truly regrettable for any visitor not to indulge in this dish while here. Undoubtedly, there's no Quang local unfamiliar with preparing Mi at home. Cooking and enjoying Mi Quang has become a regular habit in every household.
The noodles are made from rice paper sliced into strands, soft and chewy. The broth is diverse, prepared with various ingredients such as: chicken, eel, snakehead fish, frog, beef, shrimp, crab... Mi Quang is always accompanied by grilled rice paper, chili, lime, peanuts, and a bowl of pure fish sauce. The fresh vegetables are meticulously prepared, including up to 9 types: split spinach, bean sprouts, spicy mustard greens, banana flowers... Perhaps that's why, even with less broth, Mi doesn't feel heavy or dry. The noodles carry the rich flavor of Quang land, captivating every visitor's palate.
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Mi Quang, a rustic dish loved by Hoi An locals, leaves an unforgettable taste in the mouths of all who savor it. Perhaps, that's why Mi Quang is recognized as one of the 12 Vietnamese dishes with culinary value in Asia.
2. Cao lầu
Hoi An's Cao Lau shares some similarities with Mi Quang but is much more elaborately crafted. The essence of Cao Lau lies in its golden, crispy noodles, intricately prepared using ash made from Cù Lao Tràm, soaked rice water from Bá Lễ well-known for its coolness and non-alkalinity. Cao Lau doesn't require broth; instead, it features slices of pork, a splash of sauce, and crispy lard. The accompanying fresh vegetables for Cao Lau are simple, consisting of only two types: young mustard greens and bitter vegetables. To enhance the dish, a bit of pork skin or crunchy square-shaped pieces of dried Cao Lau are added. For a flavor reminiscent of Mi Quang, some finely crushed peanuts are sprinkled. When eating Cao Lau, the sensation of the crispy and tender noodle strands, combined with the sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and astringent flavors of the fresh vegetables blending with the crispy lard, is delightful.
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There are many places selling Cao Lau, but only Hoi An retains the ancient taste of the Central region. Cao Lau contributes to preserving the ancient soul of Hoi An's streets, being a distinctive dish that every visitor must try. Like Mi Quang, Cao Lau is recognized as one of the 10 dishes with culinary value in Asia.
3. Pork Rolled in Rice Paper
In addition to Mi Quang and Cao Lau, when visiting Quang Nam, tourists must not miss the intricate and unique dish - pork rolled in rice paper, originating right here. To ensure the rice paper is chewy, resilient, and delicious, it must be the authentic Dai Loc rice paper. There are two types of rice paper: dry rice paper and wet rice paper. Dry rice paper, also known as sideline rice paper, has a moderately chewy texture, suitable for rolling. It is not as thin as the rice paper used for nem in the North, nor is it too thick like in some other regions. Wet rice paper is used immediately after being made and is not dried. The pork used here is either pork belly or meat with fat on both ends. Next, we cannot ignore the fresh vegetables for rolling. If the fresh vegetables come from Tra Que vegetable village in Hoi An, it would be wonderful. The selected fresh vegetables include green mustard, lettuce, basil, water spinach, scallions, fragrant herbs, bitter vegetables, bean sprouts, cucumber, and banana flowers, all of which are fresh and must include finely sliced banana flower, and split water spinach. Finally, the essential element contributing to the taste when eating is a bowl of rich Quang-style dipping sauce. Especially, adding green chili to the dipping sauce and then enjoying it with the fragrant and unchanged yellow fish sauce adds to the experience.
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The unique and flavorful dish of pork rolled in rice paper from Quang Nam has preserved many tastes for tourists. This delicious and famous dish has spread far and wide. You can find many pork rolled in rice paper stalls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy if you can't make it to Hoi An.
4. Tet Cake
Tet Cake – The flavor of Tet in Quang Nam. According to legend, Tet Cake was made by Mother Au Co to feed a hundred children along the journey up the mountain and down to the sea. There is also a story that Tet Cake appeared in the late 18th century during the Quang Trung period, when the king marched north to defeat the Qing army, and this cake was made to ensure food along the way.
Tet Cake is made from two main ingredients: glutinous rice and sugar. The initial ingredients must be carefully selected to make a cake that is both chewy and elastic, with a sweet and clear taste, not overly sweet. The cake has the shape of a bowl wrapped in a layer of banana leaves. It is not called a Tet Cake but a Tet Cake package. The cake can be white, ivory, coffee, or black depending on the quantity and type of sugar used in processing. On top of the cake, there is a layer of sesame seeds, and when you hold the cake up, you can immediately feel the aroma of sesame blending with the cake. There are many ways to enjoy this tempting steamed cake. It can be sliced and eaten raw, grilled, or fried until crispy. When eaten raw, you can taste the sweetness of the sugar, the spiciness of the ginger, and the chewy texture of the glutinous rice. If the cake is grilled, the aroma of glutinous rice and sugar will rise even more, becoming sweeter and richer. Eating it with crispy rice paper is amazing. Some tourists prefer to enjoy the cake fried until crispy, with a faint fragrance. A slice of crispy fried cake sandwiched with a grilled cake is a favorite choice of many tourists. Tet Cake also has another advantage, that it can be kept for a long time, gradually eaten for the whole month. Therefore, tourists can buy it as a gift for friends and family.
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In Quang Nam, there are many places making Tet Cakes, but the most traditional flavor is still found in Hoi An's ancient town. During Tet, the streets of Hoi An always attract shoppers. However, due to the increasing demand for tasting among tourists throughout the year, whenever you visit, you can still enjoy this rich and exotic cake. The name Tet Cake says it all, always recalling ancestors and family. Every Tet, sitting with the family to enjoy Tet Cake is an image deeply ingrained in the minds of Quang people.
5. Apricot Blossom Wine
Apricot Blossom Wine is a type of wine you'll find everywhere when you visit Hoi An. It emerged in the late 20th century. The wine has a pink color and a distinctive aroma, used in ceremonial occasions. When the glass is brought to the lips, the irresistible aroma makes it seem like if you don't drink it, it will fly away. When the wine touches the tongue, a spicy and intense flavor emerges, and as it goes down the throat, there's a lingering sweetness urging you to drink more and get warmer, making it hard to put the glass down. Apricot Blossom Wine is not just for drinking; it also holds a myriad of emotions and deep feelings for the ancients. It is a reminder of the homeland, a solemn vow that resonates deeply. No matter where you are, Apricot Blossom Wine always carries the essence of sentiment, flowing in every scent of the wine. This is reflected in a folk saying:
In Quang Nam, the land absorbs rain before it falls.
Apricot Blossom Wine, intoxicating before the first sip.
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Apricot Blossom Wine is classified among exquisite liquors, standing shoulder to shoulder with Central Highland's Can Wine, Binh Dinh's Stone Jar Wine... Anyone who has been here never forgets to savor this irresistibly intoxicating flavor.
6. Grilled Spring Rolls
The ingredients for this dish are very simple, just local pork, mostly lean meat, with a bit of fat added. When grilled, the fat melts, and the nem is fermented to the perfect tenderness, releasing an enticing aroma. This grilled nem is also a favorite of tourists when visiting Quang Nam. With just a charcoal stove, you can have delicious nem to enjoy with a cup of fragrant wine.
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7. Rice Paper Smash
Rice Paper Smash or locally known as 'Banh Trang Dap' – A rustic dish of Quang Nam, affordable and known to every Quang Nam local. Rice Paper Smash is simply composed of two layers: the outer layer is crispy rice paper grilled to golden perfection on a charcoal stove, while the inner layer is moist rice paper sandwiched between two crispy layers. When eating, press the layers together to enjoy the combination of textures.
Why is this dish called rice paper smash? It means when eating, you have to use your hands to press, not beat but gently press on the grilled rice paper and wet rice paper. The grilled rice paper, when lightly pressed, will break and stick to the wet rice paper, then break the piece about 2 fingers wide, dip in fish sauce, put it in your mouth, chew to enjoy the crispy, chewy, and fragrant texture.
The deliciousness of this dish comes not only from the thin crispy rice paper, thin layers of wet rice paper, and the aroma of roasted peanuts but also from the dipping sauce. Fermented fish sauce is the specific dipping sauce for this dish. The fermented fish sauce must be deliciously mixed with chili, garlic, lime, sugar, a bit of degreased oil with fried shallots... and add a bit of Hoi An chili sauce for the right taste. The crispy outer layer of the cake, the soft inner layer combined with the rich taste of fermented fish sauce creates the rustic flavor of rice paper smash.
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8. Hoi An Rice Noodle Soup
Banh canh can be cooked with pork hock, snakehead fish, shrimp, crab, pork sausage, fish... but it always starts with the silky noodle strands made from fragrant sticky rice grains. Banh canh carries the rich flavor of the countryside. When enjoying, one must feel the chewiness of the noodle strands and the deep sweetness of the broth. Anyone who has tasted banh canh here cannot forget its unique taste. Depending on each person's preference, banh canh can have additional ingredients and spices to suit different tastes.
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9. Shrimp Ram
Shrimp ram is the next enticing dish for diners. Shrimp ram is somewhat similar to the northern-style spring roll, but it has its own unique flavors and simple yet interesting preparation method.
The ingredients for preparing Quang Nam shrimp ram are very simple: pork belly, river shrimp, medium-sized rice paper, 1 chicken egg, and spices: salt, seasoning powder, chopped shallots, garlic, pepper, and spring onions. Unlike the northern-style spring roll, where ingredients need to be finely chopped or ground, Quang Nam shrimp ram has a special flavor because all the ingredients are left whole.
Similar to fried spring rolls, to make the ram crispy, it should be fried over low heat until evenly golden. Quang Nam shrimp ram is best enjoyed hot for its tenderness and aroma, the richness of the meat, the crunchiness of the whole shrimp, and the combination with sweet and sour dipping sauce, a touch of spicy chili. It is also delightful with finely chopped raw vegetables, whether eaten with vermicelli or rice. Among the many specialties of Quang Nam, shrimp ram is a dish that easily satisfies the taste buds of diners from various regions.
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10. Hoi An Bread
When in Hoi An, start your day with the special bread. This Hoi An bread is renowned far and wide, and every traveler must give it a try. It's unlike bread from other regions; it's slightly long, flat, and pointed at both ends. As you fill it, the stuffing expands, creating a visually appealing, enticing, and absolutely delicious bread. The key components that contribute to the deliciousness are fresh vegetables, avocado sauce, and Hoi An chili sauce. Notable places to enjoy this delicacy include Madame Khanh and Phuong bread stalls, whose flavors have traveled beyond the 'S'-shaped land, making them renowned worldwide as the most delicious street food.
Image: Collection
Image: Collection
11. Rice Field Crab with Rice Flour
In the coastal region of Quang Nam during crab season, from fishing boats to every market, you'll find sleek, silver-black shimmering ribbonfish. Crab offers numerous beneficial nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, allowing for diverse culinary creations: salads, soups, porridge, braised, and dried dishes.Various types of crab include blue swimming crab, red swimming crab, white swimming crab, pepper swimming crab, sand swimming crab, milk swimming crab, chalky swimming crab, and more. Apart from traditional crab dishes, occasionally the fishing village residents prepare a special dish called crab coated in flour to enjoy with rice. Taking a bite, you'll immediately sense the sweetness of crab, the crispy aroma of the flour, the spiciness of pepper, the richness of oil... all blending into an irresistible flavor.
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12. Quang Nam Dragon Fruit Dish
Dragon fruit thrives in arid regions, hailed as the new superfood and a specialty of Quang Nam residents. With a dry climate, this region is abundant in dragon fruit. A common and enticing dish here is the dragon fruit specialty. The ingredients are readily available, the flavor is captivating, and the preparation is not overly complex.
Before cooking, dragon fruit needs to be prepared by removing the outer thorns and the green membrane layer. Then, it is sliced thinly and blanched to reduce stickiness until the pieces turn yellow. After squeezing out excess water, these dragon fruit pieces can be transformed into various delicious dishes.
Dragon fruit can be used to prepare a variety of dishes. A common one in Quang Nam is stir-fried dragon fruit. After draining the water, dragon fruit is stir-fried with fat, and a touch of fish sauce results in a delightful dish for guests.
On scorching summer days, dragon fruit soup is the perfect refreshing dish. Additionally, the people of Quang Nam have created dragon fruit salad. With a few blanched dragon fruit pieces and crushed peanuts mixed together, you can enjoy a cool and flavorful salad.
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13. Green Bean Cake Hoi An
Green bean cakes are familiar, found in many places across the country, but Green Bean Cake Hoi An is a unique variation, a dried version with meat filling, and a local specialty. Green Bean Cake Hoi An has a distinctive flavor—sweet, fragrant with the aroma of green beans, a hint of richness from the meat filling, not overly greasy, and with a crisp texture from baking.
Moreover, thanks to traditional recipes, the cake can be stored for 10-15 days while retaining its unique and delicious aroma, even with meat filling inside.
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14. Boong Boong Fruit
Boong boong is one of the famous fruits of Quang Nam. This fruit is abundant in the Dai Loc area, harvested in the lunar months of May, June, and July. If you want to enjoy this fruit, visit here at the end of summer to early autumn. The taste is sour, fragrant, and uniquely sweet. Many assert that only in Quang Nam can you find the renowned delicious boong boong fruit.
The boong boong tree is a relative of the strawberry plant, with fruits clustered on the trunk and branches. Clusters can be single or double, extending up to two and a half feet. The delicious fruit is small, roughly the size of a thumbnail, slightly oval, with white-yellow skin that is slightly inflated. Larger fruits, nearly the size of a thumb, may look beautiful but are often less tasty, and the round ones with dark yellow skin are usually less sweet. Smaller fruits are mostly less delicious but can still be sweet; those with even seeds are the best.
When peeling the outer skin, the inside reveals 5 tightly bound white juicy segments with a fragrant aroma. Biting into a segment releases a gentle flow of sweet, succulent juice.
Image: Collection
Image: Collection
15. Dai Loc Rice Paper
Dai Loc is a district located in the northern part of Quang Nam province, where the majority of the population is closely tied to agriculture. The craft of making rice paper in Dai Loc has a long history and has created a nationally renowned brand. Dai Loc Rice Paper is one of the hometown specialties, and with each bite, you can feel the flavor and the spirit of the people of Quang Nam.
Dai Loc Rice Paper not only serves as a delightful treat but also makes a meaningful and cherished gift. People from the Quang Nam countryside often present bundles of rice paper to their relatives, a practical and deeply rooted hometown gift. Particularly, Dai Loc Rice Paper is an indispensable part of festive feasts on special occasions. Those from Quang Nam living far from home must seek and purchase these rolled rice papers to capture the essence of their homeland – the fragrant aroma of freshly harvested rice, the perfect blend of chewiness and crispness that defines Dai Loc Rice Paper.
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16. Seafood Delight: Bay Nang Cuttlefish
The season for Bay Nang Cuttlefish in the coastal waters of Quang Nam starts from late March to the end of August, peaking in May. During this time, the cuttlefish boasts thick, sweet, and delectable meat, making it a favored seafood dish every summer.
Steamed rice field squid (Photo: Collection)
Despite being just a bit larger than an adult's thumb, the rice field squid in Quang Nam boasts a texture, taste, sweetness, and a robust sea flavor that is truly unmatched. Rice field squid contributes to many unique dishes, such as stir-fried rice field squid with water morning glory, rice field squid fried with fish sauce and ginger, or stuffed rice field squid with meat. However, the most exceptional and authentically maritime dish remains the steamed rice field squid.
If you have the chance to visit Quang Nam, invite yourself to explore its beautiful beaches and savor the popular yet intensely flavorful dish - steamed rice field squid.
17. Raw Veal in Cau Mong
This is a specialty dish from Quang for half a century, a pride of the people in a small village located north of Cau Lau Bridge – a bridge spanning the Thu Bon River, on National Highway 1 in Dien Phuong commune, Dien Ban town, Quang Nam.
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The beef here is superior to other regions because it is sliced from 5-month-old calves and marinated with strawberry grass on both banks of the Thu Bon River, resulting in a more fragrant and sweet meat. The delicious grilled beef has a vibrant red color but isn't raw, with golden and moist skin, neither tough nor smoky. Only the locals from Cau Mong village can masterfully prepare this dish.
To enhance the richness and appeal of the grilled beef, essential accompaniments include: dipping sauce, rice paper sheets, and fresh vegetables. The dipping sauce must be made from pure fish sauce, a specialty processed from the coastal fishing areas near Hoi An, where they extract the essence, filter the water, add sugar, crushed garlic, along with a hint of ginger and toasted sesame seeds. The rice paper for wrapping the grilled beef must be small, thin, and chewy, produced by renowned bakeries in Dien Ban. Additionally, a few pieces of crispy grilled rice paper sprinkled into the meal, a tradition passed down for generations in this area. Alongside, a tray of Tra Que fresh vegetables, including various types such as perilla, Vietnamese coriander, lettuce, mustard greens, sour star fruit, basil, mint, dill, and green mango, adds the finishing touch to the feast.
When savoring, spread out the rice paper, place a few slices of grilled beef, roll it up with herbs, dip it in the fish sauce, add a bite of green chili, then chew slowly and carefully to fully appreciate the sweet taste of the meat, the rich flavor of the fish sauce, and the aromatic freshness of the herbs. Those who have tasted Cau Mong grilled beef are captivated by this enticing flavor.
18. Dao Le Chicken
Chicken has become a specialty found in many places, familiar to everyone. However, if you want to enjoy delicious and authentic chicken, you must go to the foot of Deo Le in Quang land. The Dao Le chicken here is renowned for its taste and is raised alongside the cool fresh water of Nuoc Mat stream, a famous tourist destination in Que Son.
Dao Le chicken is a breed of tre chicken, naturally raised with a weight of only 0.5 – 0.7kg per chicken. It can be prepared in various dishes such as grilled, boiled, and steamed. However, boiling is the most popular method as diners don't have to wait long to enjoy this dish. Dao Le chicken is boiled with crushed shallots, served with coriander, and small iron lime leaves.
Notably, the chicken is served whole here, creatively presented and ready for guests to cut. Restaurants in this area provide a plastic cover and a knife for diners to cut the chicken themselves. Cutting the chicken, mixing it with coriander, dipping it in salt and pepper, and enjoying it is quite an interesting experience. Additionally, it is often served with a bowl of hot rice porridge made from boiled chicken broth and giblets.
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When you have the chance to visit Que Son, don't forget to explore Nuoc Mat stream and savor Dao Le chicken. This place promises to bring many interesting experiences for travelers.
19. Quang Nam Arrowroot Pho
Arrowroot is processed into various delicious and unique dishes, but the best is still Pho. Many tourists come to Quang Nam to enjoy this dish in Quế Thuận, Quế Châu, Quế Long, Quế Phong, and Đông Phú town. After harvesting, arrowroot is peeled and sliced into thin pieces, then dried for year-round use.
Quế Sơn arrowroot Pho is aromatic and incomparable to any countryside gift. The ingredients are carefully selected from the essence of the arrowroot plant and the skillful work of the people here. From the arrowroot noodles, the people of Quế Phương can create various dishes, with the unique specialty being mixed Pho. Break the noodle sheet into multiple portions, soak it in boiling water to cool or warm water for about 3-5 minutes until the noodles are soft, then remove and drain the water. Mix it with slices of lean meat, fresh shrimp, and some herbs.
Arrowroot Pho, a popular dish (Image: Collection)
However, the best is still the broth-based Pho. The chewy texture of the arrowroot noodles complements the sweetness of freshwater snakehead fish, the crunchiness of young banana blossoms, the fragrant aroma of cinnamon, basil, and the sourness of lime, and the spiciness of chili. All these elements create a delicious and authentic bowl of Pho in this region.
20. Grilled Snakehead Fish
The coastal region of Quang Nam boasts abundant seafood, and notably, snakehead fish is a common dish in the daily meals of the locals. For those from Nui Thanh, the green grilled snakehead fish, wrapped in fresh herbs and dipped in spicy fish sauce, is a delightful experience by the Rang beach during the twilight.
Snakehead fish can be prepared in various delicious ways: crispy fried compressed snakehead fish, snakehead fish soup with aromatic herbs, rice porridge, stewed, steamed... If you're a visitor from afar, you'll be treated to the grilled snakehead fish. The fish is cleaned, gutted, marinated with a bit of fish sauce and chili, left for about 20 minutes for the flavors to infuse, then grilled on charcoal for approximately 30 minutes until it becomes a fragrant and delicious dish. Grilling snakehead fish along with a compress releases a captivating aroma throughout the space. Therefore, during grilling, you can crush the compress to remove excess oil and sprinkle it on top or place it in the middle of the fish.
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While eating, enjoy it with fresh vegetables and dip it in spicy fish sauce. You'll experience a delightful combination of richness, saltiness from the salt, spiciness from the fish sauce, and the enticing aroma of the compress gradually melting in your mouth, leaving you delighted and seduced by this flavor.
21. Boong Boong Salad in Tien Phuoc
Heading west about 25km from Tam Ky City along DT616, you'll reach the center of Tien Phuoc district, where everywhere sells boong boong fruits. With the skillful hands of the locals, boong boong fruits are transformed into various dishes, including soaking in wine for health benefits. Particularly, a rustic dish that has become a unique culinary cultural feature in Tien Phuoc district is the Boong Boong Salad.
To prepare a delicious salad, choose ripe clusters of boong boong fruits with a pale yellow or ivory color. The accompanying ingredients include pork belly, shrimp, chili, garlic, peanuts, herbs, fish sauce, and the preparation is simple but incredibly clever. The choice of shrimp is crucial—select the hopping, head-clicking, and tail-clicking earthworm shrimp. The tastiness of the Boong Boong Salad depends heavily on the fish sauce preparation technique, with every tablespoon of fish sauce combined with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 lime juice, and 1 finely chopped chili.
When tasting a piece of Boong Boong Salad, you'll experience a perfect blend of sour, sweet, spicy, and fragrant flavors. Don't forget to pair it with crispy shrimp crackers or baked rolls.
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22. Mountain Bamboo Shoot Salad in Quang Nam
Throughout the forests of Dong Giang district, various types of bamboo shoots, such as lo o, nua, tre, and dang, provide abundant harvests from May to September in the lunar calendar. Young Cơ Tu girls and women venture into the forest early in the morning to gather bamboo shoots. Once harvested, the outer tough layers are peeled away, leaving only the white, tender core. Depending on the preparation method, the shoots may be sliced into long strands or rounded sections. If used for soup or mixed dishes, slicing is preferred; if stir-frying, rounds are the choice. Mountain bamboo shoots are characterized by a delightful aroma, lacking bitterness, and maintain their vibrant color even after boiling.
The unique thing about Mountain Bamboo Shoot Salad is that it requires no sauce, soy sauce, or shrimp paste. Just prepare a bowl of spicy fish sauce with intense chili flavor, and you're good to go. To enhance the aroma and richness, sauté a small amount of peanut oil with crushed roasted peanuts until golden.
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The sweet aroma and firm texture of Quang Nam's mountain bamboo shoots blend with the spicy saltiness of fish sauce and the enticing richness of peanuts, creating an irresistible combination with every bite.
23. Vietnamese Pancake (Bánh Xèo)
Banh xeo is a popular Vietnamese dish, and in Hoi An, a renowned culinary city, it stands out as a beloved snack. The Quang Nam-style banh xeo is not as crispy as the Saigon version but has a delightful softness. The filling is simple, featuring pork belly and freshwater shrimp or just shrimp, creating a delicious combination. The Quang-style banh xeo is often cut in half or served whole if small. The fragrant, soft, and warm pancake is rolled with various fresh herbs, with green mustard leaves being essential. The bitter taste of mustard, when paired with the pancake, prevents it from being too rich, enhancing the overall flavor. Enjoy a piece of banh xeo rolled with fresh herbs and rice paper, dipped in a sauce made from fish sauce, ginger, and ground peanuts. Despite its simplicity, this dish has an addictive quality that captivates many.
Image: Collected
Banh xeo is a popular Vietnamese dish, and in Hoi An, a renowned culinary city, it stands out as a beloved snack. The Quang Nam-style banh xeo is not as crispy as the Saigon version but has a delightful softness. The filling is simple, featuring pork belly and freshwater shrimp or just shrimp, creating a delicious combination. The Quang-style banh xeo is often cut in half or served whole if small. The fragrant, soft, and warm pancake is rolled with various fresh herbs, with green mustard leaves being essential. The bitter taste of mustard, when paired with the pancake, prevents it from being too rich, enhancing the overall flavor. Enjoy a piece of banh xeo rolled with fresh herbs and rice paper, dipped in a sauce made from fish sauce, ginger, and ground peanuts. Despite its simplicity, this dish has an addictive quality that captivates many.
24. Green Eel Porridge
When visiting Quang Nam, it's hard for travelers to resist the charm of a traditional dish that has been a local favorite for generations: green eel porridge, also known as green eel and glutinous rice porridge. Due to the inclusion of green mustard leaves, locals affectionately call it green eel porridge. This dish is made using glutinous rice, a local rice variety with a long history, known for its chewiness, fragrance, and distinct sweet and nutty flavor.
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When enjoying this dish, locals have two methods. Some mix everything at once—mustard greens, various herbs, and small pieces of rice paper—into the porridge, savoring each spoonful. Others leisurely add individual strands of mustard greens, experiencing the spicy taste of the greens, the richness of the eel, and the sweet fragrance of the local glutinous rice. All must be eaten hot, occasionally biting into a piece of green chili, leaving everyone nearby craving a taste.
25. Thuận Cake
Thuận Cake is a traditional Tet cake of the people of Quang. This specialty cake boasts a splendid taste that echoes far and wide. With its distinctive sweet flavor from sugar and the aromatic essence of eggs, every bite of Thuận Cake is a delightful experience that never gets tiresome. Holding the golden cake in your hand, resembling a blooming apricot blossom, and savoring a slow, deliberate bite will leave you with a fascinating sensation.
Locals in Quang Nam often use Thuận Cake as an offering to ancestors or as a gift during Tet and festive occasions. Travelers visiting this region should indulge in the delightful aroma and consider buying these cakes as gifts for friends and family.
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26. Clear Dumplings
For those who have visited Tam Ky - Quang Nam, the unforgettable taste of this cake lingers in their memories. Unlike the Hue people who wrap banh bot loc in banana leaves, the people of Quang Nam often make the translucent banh bot loc without any covering. The see-through cake, wrapped around a bright red shrimp and coated in a glossy layer of oil, looks very enticing, making one want to indulge immediately. When you're here, try savoring the cake dipped in a flavorful dipping sauce; it will leave you longing for more.
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When you visit the beautiful land of Quang Nam, you'll discover new landscapes, famous landmarks, and, most importantly, don't forget to savor the addictive local specialties!
