Giò nây, a traditional dish - imbued with the quintessence of Northern cuisine

Giò Nây - A rustic specialty with a strong hometown flavor

Gio nay is not only a traditional dish but also a symbol of culinary culture of the people of Thai Binh. Nam Dinh. Hai Duong... From simple ingredients to meticulous preparation, this dish has a pure flavor, reminiscent of the Northern countryside.

1. Name and origin

Diverse names : Gio nay is also known by the names of gio lay , gio mat , gio cuon or gio thuc , depending on the way of calling each region.
Origin : A famous specialty of Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Hai Duong provinces, often appearing in Tet, wedding, and death anniversary trays.

2. Ingredients and preparation

Giò nay is made from rustic ingredients but requires skillful techniques:

Main ingredients : Lean pork shoulder, mixed with spices including pepper, salt, and ground galangal.
Wrapping step : The meat mixture is spread evenly on fresh banana leaves that have been heated until soft, rolled tightly into a cylindrical block about 30cm long, and tied with bamboo strips.
Boiled ham : Ham is boiled in boiling water for 4 hours, then drained, creating perfect adhesion.

3. Distinctive flavor

Giò nây has a soft texture , blending the sweetness of the meat, the richness of the fat and the strong aroma of banana leaves. When sliced, each piece of ham glistens with a layer of clear jelly-like fat, and is delicious served with pickled onions or hot rice.

4. Cultural significance

Symbol of abundance : A dish often appearing during Tet, expressing the wish for a prosperous new year.
Traditional profession : In Nguyen Xa village (Thai Binh), many families still preserve the secret of making gio nay through generations, considering this as their "ancestral profession".
Countryside gift : Giò nây is popular as a gift thanks to its unique flavor and handmade packaging.

5. Enjoy the right way of enjoying pork roll

Eat cold : Slice, dip with traditional fish sauce or chili sauce.
Combination : Served with banh chung, new rice sticky rice or sticky rice wine.
Storage : Fresh ham can be used for 5-7 days if kept in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Gio nay is not only a delicious dish but also a bridge between the present and the past, preserving the quintessence of Northern cuisine. Let's make this dish with "Vuon Cua Truong" to fully experience the taste of the countryside.