I take care of the cooking, while my friend does the shopping and the washing up. Occasionally, I also treat myself to some traditional dishes that bring back warm memories with my loved ones.

Quang noodles nostalgia

As someone who grew up eating Mi Quang in Vietnam, I know how hard it is to find an authentic version of this dish. However, in Rennes, a city in the West of France, I tried to make a similar dish. Using ingredients available from local supermarkets and remembering how my mother cooked it at home.

Rennes, in the heart of Brittany, is home to some of the city’s oldest half-timbered houses, with their ancient facades. They whisper stories of the past, while its squares and fountains are bustling with the laughter of the present.

Creativity flows freely in this city. Of course, I am influenced in some way. Although my noodles are not exactly the same as what I have enjoyed back home, they still bring a little bit of the flavor of home while being away.

I grew up fascinated by the way my mother cooked Quang noodles. However, finding ingredients like shallots, peanut oil or banana blossoms was not easy - not even in Rennes.

In fact, these simple ingredients are crucial to creating the authentic taste of Mi Quang. Perhaps, it is because one of those dishes whose overall flavor far surpasses its individual parts, making all the effort worthwhile.

Cooking like my mother is a labor of love. I only cook so-so, creating so-so bowls of noodles in a foreign land. But my friend ate three bowls in a row, I only had two.

Mi Quang is simple and versatile. It doesn’t require much preparation, but it still exudes rustic charm. As I said, I made this noodle dish in France. That was quite a challenge!

But my friend, who grew up in Saigon, had never heard of Mi Quang. And my version of “Mì Quảng thành Rennes” left a deep impression on him. Later, when he returned home, he still mentioned it!

Nowadays, Quang noodles have gradually become popular, you can find it in many Saigon restaurants such as “Three brothers” or some other nameless restaurants. I wonder if my friend still remembers the bowl of Quang noodles from the days when he was away from home?

"Symbol" of Quang people

We were lucky to find sesame rice paper that day. With the combination of crushed peanuts and delicious filling, the bowl of “Mì Quảng lai” still turned out great!

When I am away from home, nostalgia always accompanies me. Memories of my homeland do not fade in my mind. The poetic words of Han Mac Tu still echo: “Here the mist and smoke obscure human figures/ Who knows if love is deep?”

Many years have passed since those days...

Quang noodles are an indispensable part of the lives of people in Quang Nam. It is difficult to find a place that does not sell this dish - whether it is in the countryside market or on the street corner.

It clearly shows the nature of Quang Nam people: unpretentious, straightforward, sincere, steadfast in principles, but still flexible in communication.

It is also a dish that symbolizes the uniqueness of Quang Nam - the ability to maintain its identity no matter where it is.

Poet Bui Giang, a native of Quang Nam, lived and died in Saigon for many years, was also famous for his love of Quang noodles. It is said that whenever he had some money, he would go find this dish at restaurants, or ask his friends to cook it for him. He also often invited children to eat with him until he ran out of money. A generous and kind gesture!

In fact, Quang noodles are a delicious and healthy choice that won't cause weight gain. Whether it's a main meal or an afternoon snack, this dish is always suitable.

When I think back to my experience with Quang noodles, the desire to enjoy it comes back to me. However, cooking a few bowls now becomes difficult, even though in Saigon, the ingredients are easy to find...

And luckily, there is Ba Hoa market in Tan Binh. This is the place where you can easily find a bowl of noodles that reminds you of home. Having lived away from home for many years, this “comforting” taste, along with other flavors, is priceless. This place is not only a place where you can find delicious dishes like Quang noodles at reasonable prices, but also “helps” you hear the familiar accent of home.

I always try to go to Ba Hoa market a few times a month. Mainly, to feel connected to my roots, through eating with people who speak with a real Quang accent like out there.