Unique and famous dried straw-wrapped sausage in Binh Dinh

Cha tre wrapped in dry straw is a unique and delicious dish of Binh Dinh region.

Cha tre is a prominent specialty of Binh Dinh in particular and the Central region in general. Although it has a rather strange appearance, the flavor of this dish can make diners remember it forever. Cha tre straw of Binh Dinh people is made from pig ears, pig head, pork belly with spices such as sesame, rice husk, galangal, chili, garlic. In particular, the pork head is boiled and then chopped, the pork belly is fried and then marinated with spices such as pepper, galangal, sesame, seasoning powder, salt, rice husk and garlic. This method is completely different from Hue's cha tre when adding beef braised with fish sauce and sugar and a lot of ginger.

The main ingredients of Cha Tre are pig ears, pig head, and pork belly. Photo: Tre Tron Ba Be

Once the filling is done, everything will be wrapped in young guava leaves, surrounded by bundles of dry straw. In some places, people even use plastic bags to wrap before wrapping the straw. This wrapping step requires special care, effort and skill, because if the wrapping is too tight or loose, the dish can be spoiled or lose its delicious flavor. Place these sausage packages in a dry place, about 3 - 4 days to use.

Binh Dinh pork roll is wrapped in bundles of dry straw, creating a very unique look. Photo: Tre Tron Ba Be

When eating, diners just need to peel off the straw layer, then use chopsticks to fluff the meat, arrange it on a plate and enjoy. Cha Tre has both a salty and spicy taste on the tip of the tongue. It can be rolled with rice paper, added with some raw vegetables, pickles and dipped in fish sauce or chili sauce for an even more delicious taste. In Binh Dinh, Cha Tre is a traditional dish that is indispensable in the tray of offerings for holidays, Tet or weddings. There are many ways to enjoy Cha Tre, depending on the taste and personality of each person. However, in Binh Dinh, Cha Tre is often enjoyed with Bau Da wine - a specialty wine of this land. The spicy taste of the wine combined with the rich sour and spicy taste of Cha Tre will create an unforgettable explosive flavor.

Cha tre "makes diners remember" because of its special sour and spicy flavor. Photo: Tre Tron Ba Be

This March, when coming to Binh Dinh, visitors should not miss the opportunity to watch the UIM-ABP AQUABIKE Powerboat Race from March 22 to 24, 2024, with about 70 racers from 30 countries around the world participating in the competition. The UIM F1H2O International Powerboat Race will take place from March 29 to 31, 2024. This is the first time Vietnam has been named on the world map of Formula 1 powerboat racing, competing with teams from China, UAE, France, Finland, Norway, Portugal, etc. Throughout the series of events, there will be sideline activities with the goal of attracting tourists and foreign investment such as: The first Binh Dinh Traditional Boat Race and Stand-up Paddleboard Open in 2024 taking place from March 25 to 27; Binh Dinh Provincial Cross-Country Race in response to the Olympic Running Day for the Health of the People on the morning of March 28. Binh Dinh Food Festival takes place from March 22 to 24, with the highlight being the "Buffet of 77 quintessential Binh Dinh specialties" party, and the Michelin chef show on April 23. Cultural and artistic activities will take place in the evenings from March 23 to 31, such as: Amazing Binh Dinh Fest; street music performances; Binh Dinh boxing night; Street carnival; International music night with world-famous stars; Aquabike show...