‘Men men’ and the rich flavours of Quan Ba’s mountains and forests

BHG - ‘Men men’ (maize cake) is not only a familiar dish in the villages of the Mong ethnic people in Quan Ba District but it is also a testament to the diligence and creativity of the local community.

From corn grown on rocky mountain fields, through the skilful hands of Mong ethnic women, ‘men men’ is made via a meticulous process: grinding corn, sifting the flour, and steaming it in a wooden steamer.

This simple dish not only nourishes both physical health and spirit, but also strengthens community bonds and stands as a symbol of the mountainous region’s cultural identity.

In Quan Ba, as in other parts of Ha Giang, ‘men men’ is not only served in daily family meals but has also become an indispensable part of traditional festivals.

‘Men men’ making contests are held as part local festivals, where contestants showcase their culinary skills, promote gastronomic culture, and preserve traditional values.

Corn is the main ingredient for making ‘men men’. Corn cultivated on the rocky fields of the Mong people in Quan Ba.

The Mong people use traditional stone mortars to grind the corn, an important step in preparing the corn flour for the cake.

After grinding, the flour is carefully sifted to remove impurities for mixing.

To achieve the ideal stickiness and texture, the flour is mixed with water in the right proportions.

The steamer is placed over a wood fire so the heat from the charcoal cooks the corn flour, creating a fragrant and flavourful dish.

After the first steaming, ‘men men’ is loosened and steamed a second time. This process makes the dish sticky, smooth, and allows the corn flavour to fully develop, resulting in a delicious and nutritious meal.

The wood fire ensures even cooking, preserves the natural softness and aroma of the corn, and imparts a richer flavour than other cooking methods.

Once fully steamed, ‘men men’ is scooped out, soft, smooth, and fragrant. This final step prepares the dish for the meal, delivering the natural, robust taste of corn and reflects the meticulousness of Mong women.

‘Men men’ is often enjoyed with traditional dishes such as fermented beans, smoked meat, and bone broth.