Food & Receipts

The Tasty Treasures of Quang Nam: 20 Delights to Savour and Gift.

Introducing the culinary delights of Quang Nam, a province renowned for its delectable specialties. Embark on a gastronomic journey through this region, tantalizing your taste buds with 20 of the most mouth-watering delicacies it has to offer. From savory treats to sweet indulgences, each bite will transport you to a world of unique flavors and cultural heritage. Uncover the secrets of Quang Nam's culinary treasures and embark on a flavorful adventure you'll never forget.

Administrator

9 July, 2024

Quang Nam is a province full of scenic beauty and attractions, attracting tourists from near and far. The cuisine here is equally fascinating, and we invite you to join us as we explore 20 must-try specialties of Quang Nam that every traveler should know about.

1Introduction to Quang Nam Tourism

Quang Nam is a coastal province located in the northern region of South Central Coast, in the central part of Vietnam. It boasts numerous attractions that lure visitors, such as My Son Sanctuary, Tam Thanh Mural Village, Ha My Beach, Rang Beach, Ghe Da Ban Than, Hon Kem Da Dung, and Ho Giang Thom Waterfall, to name a few.

Introduction to Quang Nam Tourism

2Top 20 Quang Nam Specialties to Try

Must-Try Delicacies in Quang Nam

Mi Quang (Quang-style Noodles)

A bowl of Mi Quang, featuring yellow turmeric broth and topped with shrimp, pork, and herbs.

A trip to Quang Nam would be incomplete without tasting the authentic Mi Quang. This iconic dish consists of chewy noodles in a vibrant yellow turmeric broth, topped with shrimp, pork, and a variety of herbs, served with sesame rice crackers and a selection of side dishes. Indulging in a bowl of Mi Quang in its birthplace is an unforgettable culinary experience.

Estimated price: 25,000 – 35,000 VND (~$1.09 – $1.54)

Suggested addresses:
– Mi Quang Ong Hai Hoi An: 6A Truong Minh Luong, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
– Mi Quang Co Sinh Hoi An: 202 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Son Phong Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Tam Ky Chicken Rice

Tam Ky Chicken Rice is a famous dish that rivals Mi Quang in popularity.

Tam Ky Chicken Rice is a renowned dish that rivals Mi Quang in fame. What sets this dish apart is the unique chicken breed from Tam Ky, known for its firm and tender meat and thin skin, resulting in a captivating yellow color when boiled.

The chicken is typically served shredded or chopped, accompanied by rice, pickles, and a side of papaya salad.

Estimated price: 20,000 – 45,000 VND/serving (~$0.88 – $1.98)

Suggested addresses:
– Com Ga Ba Minh Hoi An: 22 Dao Duy Tu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
– Com Ga Tan Duyen Tam Ky: 256 Trung Nu Vuong Street, An My Ward, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo (Rice Paper Rolls with Pork)

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo is a famous dish in Quang Nam, similar to the southern version but with distinct twists.

Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo may sound familiar, as it is similar to the southern version of rice paper rolls with pork. However, the Quang Nam version has its unique touches. The rice paper is made by drying it in the dew instead of boiling, and the dish is served with the region’s distinctive fish sauce. Enjoy it with fresh herbs, and you’ll discover a whole new flavor profile.

Estimated price: 50,000 – 150,000 VND/serving (~$2.2 – $6.6)

Suggested addresses:
– Banh Trang Cuon Thit Heo Gia Loc: 124 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
– Thit Heo Hap Cuon Banh Trang – Ba Hieu: 72/47 Hung Vuong Street, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Banh Mi Hoi An (Hoi An-style Sandwich)

Banh Mi Hoi An, a sandwich with a unique blend of flavors and textures.

Banh Mi Hoi An is a must-try when visiting Quang Nam. This sandwich has received rave reviews from both domestic and international tourists, thanks to its perfect combination of crispy bread, diverse fillings (such as pork liver pate, grilled pork, and sausage), and a tangy, spicy sauce.

Estimated price: 15,000 – 25,000 VND/piece (~$0.66 – $1.1)

Suggested addresses:
– Banh Mi Phuong: 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
– Banh Mi Madam Khanh: 115 Tran Cao Van Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Be Thui Cau Mong (Grilled Beef at Cau Mong Bridge)

Be Thui Cau Mong is a famous specialty in Quang Nam, best enjoyed with a unique dipping sauce.

Be Thui Cau Mong is a renowned delicacy in Quang Nam that you should try at least once. The key to this dish’s excellence lies in its dipping sauce, which is made with either ground pork liver or mackerel. It complements the beef perfectly, ensuring a delicious and non-greasy dining experience.

Estimated price: 150,000 – 350,000 VND (~$6.6 – $15.4)

Suggested addresses:
– Be Thui Cau Mong Muoi: QL1A, Dien Phuong Commune, Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province
– Be Thui Tuyet Suong: 97 Ton Duc Thang Street, An Son Ward, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province

Banh Bot Loc (Clear Shrimp and Pork Dumplings)

Banh Bot Loc, a popular snack with a unique dipping sauce.

While Banh Bot Loc is a familiar snack to many, the version found in Tam Ky has its own distinct charm. The key difference lies in the dipping sauce, which is thick and aromatic, enhancing the overall dining experience. It’s a favorite among tourists visiting Quang Nam.

Estimated price: 20,000 – 25,000 VND/serving (~$0.88 – $1.1)

Suggested addresses:
– Banh Bot Loc Co Be 115 Nguyen Truong To: 115 Nguyen Truong To Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
– Banh Bot Loc Be Uyen: 916 Phan Chau Trinh Street, Hoa Huong Ward, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province

Quang Nam Grilled Lemongrass Skewers

Quang Nam Grilled Lemongrass Skewers, a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or with rice.

Quang Nam’s grilled lemongrass skewers have a distinct character, both in terms of flavor and how they are prepared and served. After marinating and steaming the pork, it is grilled over charcoal and brushed with a layer of mesmerizing scallion oil. Enjoy it as a snack, with rice, or wrapped in rice paper and fresh herbs—it’s delicious any way you have it!

Estimated price: 35,000 – 90,000 VND (~$1.54 – $4)

Suggested addresses:
– Nem Nuong Ngoc Tam Ky: 19 Ton Duc Thang Street, An Son Ward, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province
– Hanh Quan: 598 Phan Chu Trinh Street, An Son Ward, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province

Stir-fried Mountain Bamboo Shoots

Stir-fried Mountain Bamboo Shoots, a unique and refreshing dish loved by locals and tourists alike.

Stir-fried mountain bamboo shoots is a unique dish that may be unfamiliar to many visitors to Quang Nam. It is a beloved local snack, featuring thick bamboo shoots shredded into fibers and stir-fried with garlic and a touch of chili, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful dish.

Banh Canh Hoi An (Hoi An-style Noodle Soup)

Banh Canh Hoi An, a hearty noodle soup with a distinct regional twist.

Banh Canh is a humble dish, and each region in Vietnam has its own variation. In Quang Nam, the Hoi An version stands out with its soft and smooth noodles and flavorful broth, creating a unique take on this popular dish.

Estimated price: 20,000 – 35,000 VND/bowl (~$0.88 – $1.54)

Suggested addresses:
– Banh Canh Ba Quyt: 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street, Minh Anh Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
– Banh Canh Co Luon: 276 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Minh Anh Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Cao Lau Hoi An (Hoi An-style Noodles)

Cao Lau Hoi An, a unique noodle dish created in Hoi An.

Cao Lau Hoi An is a one-of-a-kind noodle dish that, despite its name, was actually invented by the people of Hoi An, not by Chinese immigrants as some may assume. The noodles are made from locally sourced rice soaked in lye water from Cu Lao Cham Island, resulting in a distinctive yellow color. The dish is served with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and a small amount of broth.

The combination of flavors and textures creates a rich and satisfying culinary experience.

Estimated price: 25,000 – 70,000 VND (~$1.1 – $3.08)

Suggested addresses:
– Cao Lau Hoi An Trung Bac: 87 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
– Cao Lau Ba Thanh Hoi An: 26 Thai Phien Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

Ram Tom (Shrimp Fritters)

Ram Tom, a delicious and unique fritter made with shrimp and other ingredients.

Ram Tom is a must-try delicacy when visiting Quang Nam. Although it may resemble southern cha gio (spring rolls) or nem ran (fried pork rolls), the ingredients and flavors are entirely different.

The distinctive feature of Ram Tom is its small size, consisting of a piece of shrimp-filled rice paper that is deep-fried to perfection. It is typically served with rice paper and fresh herbs. Bite into one, and you’ll be greeted by the sweet and savory taste of shrimp, complemented by the nutty flavor of the rice paper.

Frequently asked questions

Quang Nam, a province in central Vietnam, offers a diverse range of delicious specialties that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage. The area is renowned for its unique and flavorful dishes, with highlights including ‘Mi Quang’, a vibrant turmeric noodle dish with shrimp, pork, and local herbs, and ‘Banh Dap’, a crispy rice cracker served with a variety of toppings. The region also boasts a wide variety of fresh seafood, such as ‘Hen Tram’, a local clam delicacy, and ‘Cua Dai’, a famous crab dish named after a local beach. The province’s cuisine reflects its cultural diversity, with influences from the mountains, the sea, and the neighboring ancient towns of Hoi An and My Son.

Mi Quang is a signature dish of Quang Nam and has become an iconic symbol of the region’s cuisine. It’s a colorful and flavorful noodle dish made with locally sourced ingredients. The noodles are made from rice and tinted yellow with turmeric, then topped with a variety of proteins, including shrimp, pork, and even chicken or eggs. The dish is served with a broth made from bone or shrimp, and garnished with herbs, peanuts, and rice crackers. Mi Quang is known for its vibrant colors, robust flavors, and the slight chewiness of the noodles, offering a unique sensory experience.

Quang Nam offers a range of unique gifts and souvenirs that reflect the region’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the local markets and shops to find handcrafted items such as silk scarves and clothing, as well as intricate lace products made in the village of Phuoc Kieu. The region is also known for its high-quality cashew nuts and local spices, offering a tasty treat to bring home. Additionally, the province is renowned for its traditional crafts, including beautiful woven baskets and mats made from local reeds and bamboo.

Quang Nam’s culinary scene is a reflection of the region’s diverse geography and cultural influences. The province boasts a long coastline, providing an abundance of fresh seafood, with dishes like ‘Cua Lot’ (stir-fried small crabs) and ‘Bun Cha Ca’ (grilled fish noodle soup) showcasing the sea’s bounty. Meanwhile, the mountainous areas contribute unique ingredients and flavors, such as the herbal chicken dish ‘Ga Tam Ky’. The ancient towns of Hoi An and My Son also leave their mark, with influences from Chinese, Japanese, and French cuisines blending with local traditions to create a rich and diverse food culture.

To fully immerse yourself in Quang Nam’s culinary delights, consider visiting the local markets, such as the Hoi An Central Market, where you can find a variety of street food options and fresh produce. For a fine dining experience with a twist on traditional flavors, restaurants like Nu Eatery in Hoi An offer innovative takes on local dishes. To sample Mi Quang, head to popular spots like Mi Quang Ba Minh or Mi Quang Ms. Ly in Da Nang, just north of Quang Nam. For seafood lovers, the Cua Dai Beach restaurants offer a range of fresh crab, shrimp, and fish dishes.