On the morning of January 20, 2022, snakehead fish rice porridge (cháo bột cá lóc), a “humble yet legendary” specialty from Quảng Trị Province, officially arrived in Valencia, a major city in Spain. The dish was prepared, packaged, and exported directly by Cà Mèn Restaurant, founded by young entrepreneur Nguyễn Đức Nhật Thuận.
Stretching along Vietnam’s central coast, Quảng Trị is a small province whose land still bears unforgettable scars of war. The people of Quảng Trị are known for their endurance, resilience, and hard work. Today’s younger generation carries forward that spirit—cherishing sacrifice, perseverance, and strength—while striving to share the cultural beauty of their homeland with the world.
Cà Mèn has become a beloved brand for the people of Quảng Trị. To many others, it is also a name that evokes fond, heartfelt memories.
The founder, Nguyễn Đức Nhật Thuận (born in 1991), gave up many opportunities to pursue his passion, which he considers his life’s mission. For over five years, his restaurant Cà Mèn, located at 27B Hoa Sứ, Phú Nhuận District, Ho Chi Minh City, has carried the slogan “Bringing Quảng Trị into the City.” It has become a culinary destination for Quảng Trị natives living in Saigon.
Originally serving only bánh ướt (steamed rice rolls), Cà Mèn gradually expanded its menu to include chicken, duck, and Central Vietnamese condiments such as củ nén (wild garlic) and fish sauce. Among its offerings, the most beloved dish has always been cháo bột cá lóc (snakehead fish rice porridge), a specialty from Hải Lăng, Quảng Trị.
All ingredients are transported directly from Quảng Trị by air or bus, preserving the authentic spiciness and bold flavors of Central Vietnam.
And finally, Thuận’s long-cherished dream—“Bringing Hải Lăng – Quảng Trị’s Snakehead Fish Rice Porridge to the World under the Cà Mèn brand”—has come true.
On January 20, 2022, the dish officially reached Valencia, Spain.
Packaged Snakehead Fish Rice Porridge – Delicious, Convenient, Authentic
Cà Mèn’s packaged snakehead fish rice porridge comes in a neat, elegant set that is both convenient and flavorful. In just 5 minutes, diners can enjoy a steaming hot bowl filled with:
– The sweet umami of the broth
– The savory, well-seasoned fish
– The chewy-soft rice noodles
– The fragrant wild garlic (lá ném)
– The spicy kick of chili and pepper
According to Thuận, each export set includes five key components: rice noodles, snakehead fish, concentrated broth, wild garlic leaves, and seasoning. The number five carries deep cultural meaning in Vietnam, symbolizing “Ngũ Phúc” (Wealth – Honor – Longevity – Health – Peace) and representing vitality, prosperity, and hope.
“The packaged rice porridge is hot, flavorful, elegant, compact, and convenient—yet it always stays true to one core mission: DELICIOUS,” Thuận emphasized.
This milestone marks a new chapter in his journey to “bring Quảng Trị into the city”—and now, beyond Vietnam’s borders.
A Journey Strengthened by Community Support
Thuận often recalls how Cà Mèn was blessed to receive unwavering love, trust, and support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City.
In July 2021, when the city was locked down, Cà Mèn’s team stayed at the restaurant and cooked daily meals of love (cơm yêu thương). At first, they provided food for struggling households nearby. Later, when resources became scarce, they began preparing meals for field hospitals. Though Cà Mèn never called for donations, benefactors came forward with contributions of rice, vegetables, fish, and financial aid.
As a result, the Cà Mèn team successfully cooked and delivered about 700 meals per day for 3 consecutive months—supporting the underprivileged, frontline doctors, and COVID-19 patients.
Every morning at 4 a.m., the six-member kitchen team began preparing fresh ingredients. By 8 a.m., hot, fragrant Quảng Trị rice and side dishes were carefully packed and transported to hospitals and quarantine zones.
“When cooking these loving meals, we focus on every single portion. Staying home is easy, but doctors and nurses are fighting hard every day—they need delicious, nutritious food to stay strong,” Thuận shared.
Thanks to these meaningful acts, Cà Mèn received recognition from the Ho Chi Minh City Fatherland Front Committee and heartfelt appreciation from many.
With the success of its packaged snakehead fish rice porridge now reaching Spain, Cà Mèn has set a new milestone—continuing its mission to share the authentic flavors and resilient spirit of Quảng Trị with the world.
