The culinary essence of the Hmong people.

In the windswept rocky plateau, where Hmong villages are nestled amidst the clouds, men men is not just a dish but also the soul of the village, a simple harmony between people and nature, and a cultural symbol deeply rooted in the Hmong ethnic identity.

Women in the mountainous region of Tuyen Quang province harvest and hang up corn after the season. (Photo by PV)

Mèn mén is made entirely by hand from corn kernels, the staple food of the high mountain slopes, steep land, and harsh climate where rice cannot be grown. After harvesting, the corn is dried, the kernels are separated, and then ground into flour using a stone mortar. The Hmong people still maintain the custom of using human strength to pound and grind the flour, partly to preserve tradition and partly to maintain the unique flavor that machines cannot replace. After grinding, the corn flour is moistened and then steamed twice in a wooden steamer – a process that requires meticulousness and experience.

Mèn mén has a simple yet unique flavor, with its rich aroma of corn and a light, chewy texture. Mèn mén is closely linked to the daily life, beliefs, and traditions of the Hmong people. It's a dish offered to ancestors on important holidays, a rice ball carried by those venturing into the forest, and a gift mothers wrap in banana leaves for their children to take to the market. Through each layer of fluffy mèn mén, one finds countless memories, beliefs, and the hard work of Hmong women who "breathe life" into each family meal.

Today, as the lives of people in the rocky plateau region are gradually developing, men men (corn porridge) remains a dish of identity and origin for the people of the rocky plateau. With its simplicity and rustic charm, men men not only sustains generations on the rocky plateau but also contributes to the unique culinary culture of the highland ethnic groups.

Lighthouse

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/am-thuc/202508/tinh-hoa-am-thuc-cua-dong-bao-mong-3af1047/