Dion and Kim, a couple from Australia, have been traveling across Southeast Asia since late 2022 after quitting their jobs and selling their belongings to pursue a passion for global exploration. Their current stop is Vietnam, where they have been indulging in culinary experiences from the south to the north.

In a recent YouTube video, the couple shared their visit to Thanh Hoa City, where they dined at a popular local restaurant specializing in regional nem (fermented pork dishes) such as nem chua, nem nuong, nem cuon, and nem nui. The restaurant, located on Le Huu Lap Street, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Guided by a fellow diner’s recommendations, the couple ordered a selection of dishes, including nem chua (fermented pork rolls), nem cuon (fresh pork rolls), nem nuong (grilled fermented pork), cha tom chien (fried shrimp patties), and cha phong (fried pork rolls).

Each dish offered unique flavors, with nem chua delivering a tangy taste from fermented pork and nem cuon providing a refreshing crunch. However, nem nuong quickly became their standout favorite.

“Honestly, nem nuong didn’t look appealing at first, but its salty, slightly fatty taste was incredibly satisfying,” Kim said. Dion added, “I didn’t expect much, but the flavor truly surprised me. It’s a must-try dish here.”

Local producer Hoang Dinh De from Tho Xuan District explained the traditional process of making nem nuong, a staple in Thanh Hoa’s rustic cuisine. Key ingredients include fresh pork, roasted rice powder, seasoning, and aromatic leaves like guava or Dinh Lang leaves.

Freshly slaughtered pork, ideally warm and from tender cuts, is essential. The meat is seasoned without washing, to prevent moisture from spoiling the fermentation. Wrapped in banana leaves, the nem is grilled over charcoal, achieving a signature smoky flavor and charred banana leaf aroma.

According to De, the perfect nem nuong should balance tanginess, spice, and the fragrant blend of garlic, rice powder, and banana leaves, while retaining its juicy texture from careful grilling.