Quang noodles at Ky Ly intersection

Ky Ly Quang Noodles — *Ky Ly Quang noodles. Photo: TA*

For many, it's not just a dish, but also a part of their memories. Many people who live far from home, whenever they return, the first thing they do is stop by Ky Ly to eat a bowl of noodles to rediscover the taste of their childhood.

Without flashy signage or extensive marketing campaigns, this small eatery has existed for over 25 years, quietly attracting customers with its traditional flavors. The secret to Tư Châu noodles' uniqueness lies in the chicken, the soul of the dish.

Ms. Chau, the owner of the noodle shop, said: "The chicken must be a rooster with spurs, firm meat, yellow skin, and a naturally sweet taste. Good chicken meat doesn't need fancy seasonings; just onions, garlic, pepper, chili, a little salt, and seasoning powder; marinate it just enough so that the meat is flavorful but still retains its characteristic aroma."

Next, the chicken is simmered in pure peanut oil, a rich, fragrant oil from the Quang Nam countryside. The finished dish must be tender yet firm, and the aroma spreads throughout the kitchen with the smoky fragrance. The broth is also made from chicken bones, with the added richness of peanut oil and a touch of saltiness from the spices, all blending together to create a unique, rich flavor that is not at all overpowering.

The noodles themselves are a family secret of the restaurant. Every morning, Ms. Chau's family makes just enough noodles from pure rice flour to serve at the restaurant. Once the noodle sheets have cooled, they are brushed with a layer of peanut oil fried with onions, then evenly sliced into bundles. The noodles are soft, with just the right amount of chewiness, and are topped with a generous amount of broth to complement the chicken, along with a few crunchy roasted peanuts and some finely chopped scallions for both visual appeal and flavor enhancement.

Kỳ Lý's Quang noodles are served with only two types of fresh vegetables: thinly sliced banana blossom and fresh green bitter herbs, which must be sourced directly from the Hoi An vegetable village to ensure the authentic taste. The bitter herbs complement the sweet and rich flavor of the chicken, while the banana blossom adds a slight astringency, balancing the taste. On the table, there are always a few green chilies, fresh lime, and crispy rice crackers for diners to add according to their preference.

For over 25 years, Ky Ly Quang noodles have maintained their original recipe, not chasing trendy fads. In an era of commercialized cuisine , this perseverance proves that with dedication and flavor, a dish will find its place in people's hearts. Located at the intersection of National Highway 1 and the road leading to the center of Tam Ky, the restaurant has become a familiar stop for long-distance drivers, pilgrims, and business travelers.

Diners Nguyen Thu Thanh and her friend traveled nearly 70 kilometers from Hai Chau ward, Da Nang, to eat noodles. She recounted: “I used to eat Quang noodles in Ky Ly when I was a student. It’s been over a decade since I had the chance to return and visit Tu Chau noodle shop to relive those memories. The best part is that the noodles here still have the familiar, rich flavor, retaining the unique character of Quang Nam, which my companion kept praising.”

Perhaps, each bowl of noodles is not just a dish, but also a slice of memory, connected to the image of the peaceful and rustic Quang Nam province. It is this very quality that has helped the name Ky Ly Quang noodles endure for over two decades.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/my-quang-nga-ba-ky-ly-3301218.html