For the Moc Chau locals, Nam Pia is considered a delicacy and the perfect dish for cold days. Let’s delve into this unique dish and explore its origins, preparation, and how it’s enjoyed.
1 What is Nam Pia?
What is Nam Pia?
Nam Pia is a traditional dish of the Thai ethnic group in Vietnam. The term “nam” in Thai means “water,” while “pia” refers to the semi-solid substance found in the small intestine of animals such as buffalo, cattle, or goats.
It is essentially digestive fluid or “chyle,” which is the partially digested food from the animal’s intestine. In Chinese, this dish is called “Ngau Sat Piet” (牛撒撇), where “ngau” means “cow” or “ox,” and “sat piet” is the transliteration of the dish’s name in Thai.
Nam Pia is prepared similarly to pork offal dishes. The fluid is extracted and seasoned to taste. Additionally, various organs from herbivorous animals, such as intestines, heart, liver, lungs, and other offal, are added and simmered until tender.
The Production and Processing of Nam Pia
The Production and Processing of Nam Pia
The production process for Nam Pia places great emphasis on the quality of the ingredients. Cattle used for this dish, known as “ngau sat phien,” are fed a diet of fresh grass and traditional Chinese medicine ingredients for an extended period before being slaughtered and processed.
The valuable herbal extracts are formed during the digestion process in the stomach and small intestine of these cattle, thanks to the combination of grass and traditional medicine ingredients.
Although it may be an acquired taste for some, Nam Pia is known for its beneficial effects on the stomach, cooling properties, and positive impact on digestion.
Ingredients of Nam Pia
How to Enjoy Nam Pia
Nam Pia’s ingredients include cow offal such as congealed blood, tail, meat, silver skin, intestines, liver, cartilage, and lungs. A crucial component is the fluid from the small intestine, known as “pia.”
During preparation, the cook selects the most flavorful section of the small intestine, removes the pia, and seasons it with various spices to create the dish.
2 How to Enjoy Nam Pia
How to Enjoy Nam Pia
Nam Pia is made from ingredients that may be off-putting to some. However, these ingredients offer numerous health benefits and are easily digestible, even for those with weak stomachs or digestive issues. While it may be an acquired taste, those who develop a liking for it often find it addictive.
Nam Pia is typically served in bowls or plates and enjoyed while hot. It is commonly accompanied by bitter vegetables and leaves. At first taste, the dish may seem challenging due to the combination of pia and bitter leaves, but it leaves a sweet and fatty aftertaste.
This concludes our exploration of Nam Pia, a unique delicacy from the Moc Chau region. We hope you found this information enlightening and that it inspires you to embark on new culinary adventures.
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