Fermented pork roll (nem chua) – an unique appetizer not to be missed in Vietnam

Contents

Fermented pork roll is a very popular dish in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese fermented pork roll entices the taste buds with its blend of sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and spiciness. This exotic meat roll showcases the distinct regional flavors of Vietnamese foods. From nem chua Thanh Hoa to nem chua Yen Mac, each variant bears the name of its origin, creating a rich tapestry of local character. Explore the authenticity and fame of these seven must-try Nem Chua varieties across Vietnam in this article below! 

1. A glance at nem chua – Vietnamese fermented pork roll

Nem chua, the Vietnamese fermented pork roll, offers a compelling journey through the diverse culinary landscape of Vietnam. While its origins remain unknown, this delectable dish showcases the ingenuity of Vietnamese gastronomy. 

Each region adds its own distinctive touch to nem chua, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors. However, the most noticeable feature of fermented pork roll is its signature sour taste, which is why it is named “nem chua” (“chua” meaning sour in Vietnamese). 

Nem chua Thanh Hoa is famous for its delicious aroma, thanks to a secret local nem chua recipe (Source: Collected)

1.1. Nem chua ingredients

The heart of Vietnamese fermented pork roll, nem chua, lies in its core ingredients—minced pork, sliced pigskin, and seasonings encompassing salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic. 

The enchantment unfolds as this well-balanced mixture is skillfully encased in fragrant, fresh leaves. While banana leaves are the traditional choice, variations arise with the occasional use of guava leaves or fig leaves, each imparting unique subtleties to the dish.

1.2. How to make fermented pork roll?

The art of making fermented pork rolls involves a meticulous process where pork from the thigh is minced or ground and blended with a symphony of seasonings such as salt, pepper, sugar, and garlic. 

The mixture is then wrapped in a delicate layer of intestines, often adorned with guava leaves, fig leaves, or banana leaves, and left to ferment for 3-5 days. The result is a succulent pork roll, ready to be savored as is or grilled over an open flame.

Delicious nem chua has a pale pink color and an enticing sweet and sour taste (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more about Vietnamese salad for the best 15 recipes for authentic Vietnamese flavors! 

1.3. What is nem chua served with?

Looking to enhance the taste of your fermented pork rolls? Here is how to eat nem chua like a Vietnamese.

The most effortless way to savor Vietnamese fermented pork rolls is to simply indulge in it straight after it’s fully cooked. Just dip it in chili sauce and enjoy it alongside a cold beer for elevated eating.

The second way to enjoy nem chua is to cook them on a charcoal grill until they get a slight char. Grilled nem chua boasts the addition of an enticing, smoky aroma, making it a fantastic match with fresh herbs or thinly sliced cucumbers.

Lastly, try the sweet grilled nem chua, which undergoes a more intricate preparation. Firstly, you marinate the fermented pork roll with sweet and sour spices such as sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, shallots, garlic, etc., for about 20 minutes. Afterward, you can either grill it over medium heat or deep-fry it. The finished product will have a rich flavor and an inviting aroma.

2. Traditional types of nem chua in Vietnam

Traditional types of fermented pork rolls in Vietnam showcase a rich tapestry of flavors, with regional variations like Thanh Hoa, Binh Dinh, Giao Thuy, and more.

2.1. Nem chua Thanh Hoa – Thanh Hoa Province

Thanh Hoa’s fermented pork roll is not only famous in Northern Vietnam but also a renowned dish throughout the country. Nem Chua Thanh Hoa distinguishes itself with the use of “đinh lăng” leaves for wrapping. The vivid green leaves tightly enfolded the tempting pink nem, creating a visually stunning and harmonious contrast.

This renowned type of nem chua has a subtly fragrant and tangy aroma, complemented by the peppery kick of black pepper and herbal notes from “đinh lăng” leaves. The earthy notes of the leaves balance the meat’s richness, akin to the experience of enjoying pork ear nem with fig or guava leaves.

Thanh Hoa’s fermented pork roll boasts an appealing color and a distinctive flavor (Source: Collected)

2.2. Nem chua Cho Huyen – Binh Dinh Province

Binh Dinh’s celebrated nem chua, hailing from Central Vietnam, stands out with a unique texture—appearing soft and smooth yet delivering a delightful crunch upon tasting. Despite sharing common nem chua ingredients, Binh Dinh’s fermented pork roll boasts an unmistakable flavor profile. 

An essential characteristic of Binh Dinh’s nem chua is its ingredient ratio, primarily featuring lean pork with pigskin playing a supporting role. The finely ground and carefully processed meat is skillfully wrapped in guava leaves.

Following the fermentation process, the enticing pink nem chua releases an alluring aroma, combining meaty richness, natural tanginess, and the peculiar scent of guava leaves. This specialty serves as a delightful side dish at dinner gatherings or as a sports or movie-watching snack.

>>> Find more Vietnamese street food with authentic Vietnamese flavors!

2.3. Nem chua Lai Vung – Dong Thap Province

Heading into South Vietnam, Dong Thap is known for its enduring specialty, nem Lai Vung. Crafting pork rolls in Lai Vung is an art, a meticulous process that involves intricate preparation, precise wrapping, and the closely guarded secrets passed down through each family’s nem-making tradition.

Nem Lai Vung is encased in local “vong” leaves or “chum ruot” leaves. Peeling away the outer leaf layers unveils a medley of scents, featuring garlic, chili, and the essence of nem intertwining in the air, tantalizing the senses. The pink fermented pork roll, with its harmonious fusion of sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy notes, delivers an extra layer of satisfaction.

Lai Vung fermented pork roll is a renowned specialty in Dong Thap province (Source: Collected)

3. Other variations of Vietnamese fermented pork roll

3.1. Hanoi-style fried fermented pork roll (nem chua ran)

In Hanoi, there’s this fantastic dish called Hanoi-style fried fermented pork roll. The magic of this dish unfolds during the fermentation process, followed by freezing and deep-frying in hot oil to create the ideal texture with just the right amount of crispiness on the exterior and tenderness on the inside.

What sets Hanoi’s version apart is the careful timing during fermentation, avoiding pungent sourness. These fried fermented pork rolls are often served with chili sauce, chopped cucumber, or green mangoes. It is a satisfying treat, whether you’re having it solo or on a Hanoi street food tour with friends, accompanied by a cup of refreshing lemon iced tea.

3.2. Nem Phung – Hanoi

The essential ingredients for crafting nem Phung include lean meat, pork skin, plain rice, and glutinous rice. However, the careful selection and intricate preparation process transform these essential elements into the exquisite nem Phung.

Diverging from the fermented pork roll of Thanh Hoa, nem Phung features blanched meat cooked in boiling water, mixed with roasted rice powder, and delicately wrapped in fig leaves or banana leaves.

When enjoying, you can use a fig leaf to cover the meat inside, then dip the roll in chili sauce or sweet and sour fish sauce. The harmonious blend of meat sweetness, the aroma of roasted rice, and the crunchy leaf texture create a delightful culinary experience, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Hanoi.

The dish nem Phung is typically served with fig leaves (Source: Collected)

>>> Explore Vietnam food tourism and enrich your Vietnam discovery with delicious dishes! 

3.3. Nem chua Yen Mac – Ninh Binh Province

Nem chua Yen Mac is a specialty of Ninh Binh, created by Pham Thi Thu, the daughter of high-ranking official Pham Thuan Duat, drawing inspiration from the royal fermented pork roll of the Nguyen dynasty in Hue. Yen Mac’s fermented pork roll has a gentle sour taste with a tender filling that does not solidify like Thanh Hoa’s version. 

The best way to enjoy nem chua Yen Mac is with various leaves like sung leaves, banana leaves, and đinh lăng leaves. Together, they create a uniquely harmonious flavor deeply rooted in the taste of the homeland.

3.4. Nem nam Giao Thuy – Nam Dinh Province

“Nem nắm” from Giao Thuy distinguishes itself with a unique flavor, meticulously crafted through strict procedures that emphasize the absence of machines to highlight the skillful handicraft. Hence, using hand-sliced pork is crucial. The pork is carefully washed in tempered water, as extreme temperatures are believed to affect the meat’s quality.

Additionally, Sa Chau fish sauce, a renowned traditional fish sauce from Nam Dinh, is frequently served alongside nem nam Giao Thuy. The salty taste of the fish sauce complements the sweet flavor of pork, the nutty aroma of roasted rice powder, and the mild spiciness of garlic. All these elements combine to create a delightful culinary experience.

Furthermore, ingredients like garlic, chili, fig leaves, and “đinh lăng” leaves are served as complementaries, enhancing nem nam’s deliciousness. The rich meat, the chewiness of pork skin, the herbal taste from the leaves, and the spiciness of chillies come together to create a harmoniously balanced dish.

“Nem nắm” requires high-quality ingredients and cooking skills (Source: Collected)

4. Where to eat nem chua in Vietnam?

Nem chua, a customary present and a widely enjoyed economical dish in Vietnam, is readily available across a spectrum of venues. Whether it’s a humble street-side snack stall, lively local beer taverns, or an upscale restaurant, fermented pork roll is omnipresent—integral to everyday Vietnamese meals and special occasions during festivals and holidays. 

Beyond nem chua, Vietnam offers many delightful dishes for eager Vietnam travel enthusiasts. Visitors should dive into the culinary treasures of renowned cities such as Hanoi, steeped in history and diverse street food; Hoi An, a captivating ancient town celebrated for its traditional delicacies; Nha Trang, a coastal paradise presenting fresh seafood delights; and Phu Quoc, an island retreat featuring a fusion of local and international flavors. Begin a flavorful expedition and experience all the exquisite tastes that Vietnam has to offer.

While on your culinary exploration of Vietnam, make sure to include a dose of entertainment and leisure at VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, or VinWonders Phu Quoc. These extraordinary destinations cater to visitors of all ages, providing various amusements. Whether traveling with family or friends, these venues guarantee limitless enjoyment, adding an unforgettable dimension to your Vietnam vacation.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An offers a spectacular mix of entertainment and enchanting experiences

>>> Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for a memorable journey in Vietnam!

Vietnam’s diverse nem chua varieties, each infused with the unique essence of its region, offer a delightful journey through flavors. From the tangy notes of nem chua Thanh Hoa to the sweet aroma of nem chua Yen Mac, fermented pork rolls showcase the rich culinary scene of Vietnam. So, if you find yourself in this beautiful S-shaped country, don’t miss the chance to indulge in this delectable treat.