A Guide to Mi Quang in Ho Chi Minh City

If Hanoi has Pho, Bun Bo Hue is a famous dish in Hue then Mi Quang from Quang Nam is a seductive cuisine when mentioning a food tour in central Vietnam. Mi Quang in Ho Chi Minh City is a perfect combination between the flavor and texture, plus some Vietnamese signature ingredients like rice cake, noodles, pork, chicken… to create the best version of Quang Nam’s cuisine. 

Mi Quang with a unique style of plating

The broth is sometimes put in a separate bowl

The Origins of Mi Quang

Mi Quang (Quang Noodles) comes from Quang Nam province, an agricultural region in the Central of Vietnam with verdant farms and enchanting rural towns. As every different cultural region in Vietnam has its signature food, Quang Nam province is famous for its noodle. The locals here consider Mi Quang a traditional food and serve it on some special occasions such as Tet holiday or death anniversaries.

Mi Quang owns the central Vietnam’s flavor

There are many different styles of Mi Quang

What's in A Bowl of Mi Quang

The noodle for Mi Quang is wide and flat and is made from rice. It is quite similar to Pho but the noodles in Mi Quang have many different colors depending on which ingredients the chef uses, specifically yellow color from turmeric powder, white color from the pure rice, or brown color from red rice.

Yellow noodles in Mi Quang

The locals also made white noodles

In addition, the diversion of toppings in Mi Quang distinguishes it from other noodles. One standard serving includes a slice of pork, shrimp, chicken, boiled quail eggs, and crushed peanuts, and Vietnamese herbs such as are usually herbs, lettuce, basil, etc

The variety of toppings

There is also dry rice paper to eat with

Last but not least, the broth of Mi Quang is very different from other Vietnamese dishes. Even though it has many variations that depend on the person's taste, the most common broth is made from stew bone with basic seasoning and the famous seafood juice: fish sauce. Mi Quang normally has a concentrated broth and much less soup than other Vietnamese noodles.

One Mi Quang portion

Perfect combination between the ingredients

How to Eat Mi Quang Like A Local

Usually, Mi Quang will be served with a plate of vegetables and a piece of dry Vietnamese Rice Paper. First, you need to put some spices into the bowl depending on your personal taste - some lime juice, chili, and fish sauce. Next, add some herbs and vegetables so as to fulfill the flavor. Finally, before eating the noodles, you should dip some pieces of dry rice paper into the broth and have a bite to feel the deliciousness.

Remember to dip the dry rice paper into the broth

Join a Private Food Tour to Try Mi Quang

If you are still unsure about where to start, let the friendly and professional guides accompany you on a Ho Chi Minh Food Tour. Not only is there a chance to try diverse cuisines but also to blend in with the locals and experience the most fulfilling adventure on the streets if the city.

Where to Find Mi Quang in Ho Chi Minh City

Mi Quang An La Nho

Address: 123 Tran Quoc Thao Street, Ward 7, District 3.
Opening hours: 7 AM - 10:30 PM

This restaurant still has Mi Quang’s original flavor

Since Ho Chi Minh City is adored for its diverse cultural region and sometimes the origin of the food will be changed because of people’s taste, but Mi Quang in this restaurant still retains Quang Nam unique flavor.

Hong Hanh - Banh Cuon & Mon Hue

Address: 17A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.
Opening hours: 6 AM - 11 PM

If you want to try Mi Quang and other Hue’s cuisines, Hong Hanh - Banh Cuon & Mon Hue is a good option.

Even though Mi Quang in here not very close to its originality but the wide choice of Vietnamese food will please your appetite.

Mellow Creperie Café

Address: 51 Huynh Khuong Ninh Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1.
Opening hours: 9 AM - 10 PM

A bowl of Mi Quang at Mellow Creperie Cafe

Though this is a cafe, Mi Quang is a signature.

It is a small cafe but has an endless menu with a diversity of food, drinks, and desserts. You can try Mi Quang with a tasteful crepe as a dessert - which is a signature dish in this cafe.

Mi Quang 85

Address: 85 Tran Quang Dieu Street, Ward 13, District 3.
Opening hours: 6 AM - 12 PM

Mi Quang with dry rice paper

A fine meal at Mi Quang 85

Mi Quang 85 offers the best Mi Quang bowl of the whole town. Famous for the original form of Mi Quang in Ho Chi Minh City, this restaurant attracts the most locals.

Moc Vi Quan

Address: 732 Su Van Hanh Street, Ward 12, District 10.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 10 PM

Moc Vi Quan has a variation of Mi Quang

Mi Quang in Moc Vi Quan has many different styles besides the traditional one, you can find Mi Quang with no broth option or other kinds of toppings. Besides Mi Quang, this restaurant also has a lot of Vietnamese signature dishes.

Some Notes on Eating Mi Quang

- Mi Quang broth has a salty flavor so you should eat with some vegetables if you don’t like too much salt.

- Unlike Pho or other similar dishes, Mi Quang is served with very little broth. You can always ask for more broth if you have a difficult time enjoying this dish.

- You must try the dry rice paper with the soup.

- The most famous color of Mi Quang is yellow, but you don’t have to worry if the color is wrong. These days, more and more vendors are trying new recipes with all-natural ingredients. Though the color is changed, the flavor is still the same.

Conclusion on A Guide to Mi Quang in Ho Chi Minh City

Not only a signature dish from Quang Nam province, but Mi Quang is also one of the most famous cuisines you should try when visiting Ho Chi Minh city. Even though Mi Quang in Ho Chi Minh city is quite different from its origin in Quang Nam province, the flavor and texture remain throughout time.