Mì Quảng
Central Vietnamese rice noodles with meat, herbs, and a little turmeric broth
Mì Quảng is a noodle dish from Quảng Nam Province in central Vietnam. It features wide rice noodles, meat such as shrimp, pork or chicken, fresh herbs, and a small amount of turmeric-infused broth. Topped with peanuts and sesame rice crackers, it is eaten at any time and served on both ordinary and festive occasions.
- Uses just a small amount of turmeric-flavored broth
- Topped with peanuts and sesame rice crackers
- Originates from Quảng Nam Province and Đà Nẵng
- Recognized as national intangible cultural heritage in 2024
- Can be made with shrimp, pork, chicken, or other meats
What is Mì Quảng?
Mì Quảng is a noodle bowl from central Vietnam, known for its wide rice noodles and vibrant toppings. It usually contains shrimp, pork, or chicken, along with fresh herbs like basil, coriander, and lettuce. The noodles and herbs are served with just a small ladle of warm, turmeric-tinted broth, enough to moisten but not submerge the contents. Garnishes include roasted peanuts and pieces of toasted sesame rice cracker, which add crunch. The dish is often finished with lime and chili, making it aromatic and lively.
Where does Mì Quảng come from?
This dish comes from Quảng Nam Province and the city of Đà Nẵng in central Vietnam. It is a signature food of the region and has become popular throughout the country. Mì Quảng is deeply tied to local identity and is served at family gatherings, death anniversaries, and the Tết holiday. In 2024, it was recognized as part of Vietnam's national intangible cultural heritage, highlighting its cultural importance.
How is Mì Quảng made?
To prepare mì Quảng, wide rice noodles are placed in a bowl, often over a bed of fresh herbs. Meat such as shrimp, pork, or chicken is simmered with turmeric, fish sauce, black pepper, shallot, and garlic to make a strongly flavored broth. Only a small amount of this broth is poured over the noodles and herbs. The dish is topped with peanuts and broken pieces of sesame rice cracker. Lime, chili, and sometimes quail eggs or pork sausage are added for extra flavor.
How and when is Mì Quảng eaten?
Mì Quảng can be eaten at any time of day, from breakfast to dinner. It is enjoyed both as an everyday meal and at special events like weddings, family parties, and religious occasions. The dish is typically served warm, and diners often add more lime or chili to taste. It is sometimes offered to guests as a gesture of hospitality and affection, as reflected in local sayings.
Kinds of Mì Quảng
While shrimp, pork, and chicken are most common, other meats like fish, eel, beef, frog, or even jellyfish can be used. Some versions include hard-boiled quail eggs, steamed pork sausage, or pork rinds. Mì Quảng can also be served dry, as a salad (mì Quảng trộn), with the broth omitted. The choice of herbs and garnishes may vary by household or region.
What Mì Quảng means
Mì Quảng is a symbol of Quảng Nam and Đà Nẵng, often served at important family and community events. It is mentioned in local poetry as a sign of affection and hospitality. Its recent recognition as national intangible cultural heritage marks its status as a treasured part of Vietnamese food culture.
When Mì Quảng is on the table
Questions people ask about Mì Quảng
What is mì Quảng made of?
Mì Quảng is made with wide rice noodles, meat such as shrimp, pork, or chicken, fresh herbs, and a small amount of turmeric-infused broth. It is topped with peanuts and toasted sesame rice crackers, and often finished with lime and chili.
Where does mì Quảng come from?
Mì Quảng comes from Quảng Nam Province and the city of Đà Nẵng in central Vietnam. It is a well-known specialty of this region and is now enjoyed throughout the country.
How is mì Quảng different from other Vietnamese noodle dishes?
Unlike many noodle soups, mì Quảng uses only a small amount of broth, just enough to moisten the noodles and herbs. It is also distinguished by its turmeric flavor, crunchy peanuts, and sesame rice cracker topping.
When is mì Quảng usually eaten?
Mì Quảng can be eaten at any meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is served on ordinary days as well as at family parties, weddings, and during the Tết holiday.
Are there vegetarian or meatless versions of mì Quảng?
The dish is most often made with meat or seafood, but some versions can be prepared without meat, using tofu or extra herbs instead. The ingredients can vary depending on local or family preferences.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Mì Quảng", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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