Gio nay, a traditional dish - imbued with the quintessence of Northern cuisine

Gio nay is not only a traditional dish but also a symbol of culinary culture. It has a pure flavor, reminiscent of the Northern countryside.

Gio Nay - A rustic specialty with rich 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 Fat , Gio Cuon or Gio Thuc , depending on the way of calling of each region.
• Origin : A famous specialty of Thai Binh, Nam Dinh , and Hai Duong provinces, it often appears on Tet trays, weddings, and death anniversaries.

2. Ingredients and preparation

Gio 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 over a fire until soft, rolled tightly into a cylinder about 30cm long, and tied with bamboo strips.
• Boiled ham : Ham is boiled in boiling water for 4 hours, then drained to create perfect adhesion.

3. Distinctive flavor

Gio nay has a soft texture , a blend of 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 : This dish often appears during Tet holiday, expressing wishes 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 their "ancestral profession".
• Countryside gift : Giò nây is popular as a gift thanks to its unique flavor and handmade packaging.

5. Enjoy the real taste of 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 refrigerated.

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.