Tre lá is a renowned traditional specialty from the Central region. It is made by combining head and ear meat of pigs (or pork belly) along with beef in specific proportions. The mixture is tightly wrapped in guava leaves (or polygonum leaves) and dong leaves (or banana leaves).
The wrapped tre lá is then further wrapped in straw, and sometimes even in plastic before being placed in a dry location for 3-4 days to age.
Preparation of tre lá
The ingredients and preparation methods used to make tre lá can vary depending on the regional preferences and customs.
For example, in Binh Dinh, the pork head is boiled and fried, then diced. The pork belly is marinated and mixed with spices like ground pepper, galangal, star anise, chicken powder, salt, sesame seeds, and garlic. In Hue, beef is simmered in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and ginger for added flavor.
2. Origin of tre lá
The specific origin of tre lá is not well-documented, but it has been a traditional dish in the Central region for a long time. It is often present on the tables of households during the Lunar New Year.
Furthermore, tre lá is also sold in roadside shops in the Central region and areas with a significant population from the Central region. Some brands have even popularized this specialty throughout the country and even internationally.
3. How to enjoy tre lá
The way tre lá is enjoyed may vary across different regions of the Central region but typically depends on personal preferences.
Some people enjoy tre lá as an appetizer with a touch of salty garlic or fresh garlic. Others have it with rice crackers, raw vegetables (cucumber, shredded green papaya, ripe banana, etc.), fermented vegetables, and garlic-chili sauce or chili paste.
Some people have a unique way of eating tre lá. They poke a hole in the tre without breaking it, add chili sauce, lime juice, roasted peanuts, and coriander, and mix it well before enjoying.
Furthermore, when enjoying tre lá in Binh Dinh, one must not miss out on the trea fish sauce in the Bầu Đá bottle, which adds a slightly spicy flavor and enhances the unique taste of Binh Dinh tre lá.
So, make sure to try tre lá when visiting Binh Dinh or other areas of the Central region to experience this delightful specialty!
Photos and recipes sourced from: thegioidisan.vn