Tré – A unique delicacy on the table of Bình Định

Buzz

Just a piece of tré paired with a bottle of famous Bầu Đá wine, and the drinking session becomes lively until late into the night.

If a stranger travels on National Highway 1A, passing through Bình Định province, they will be surprised by the small 'broomsticks' hanging in roadside shops. Those 'broomsticks' are 'Tré' – a specialty dish of many central provinces, especially Bình Định.

The ingredients for making the famous tré are all familiar local ingredients: pig's ear meat, pig's head meat, pork belly, along with sesame, roasted rice powder, galangal, chili, young guava leaves, and garlic.

The pork is blanched in boiling water and then soaked in cold water to make it crispy and not sticky, sliced quickly with a knife, then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the meat with sliced galangal, thinly sliced garlic, and crushed rice powder.

Next is the wrapping process, a very meticulous and important step to make a delicious tré cake. Spread banana leaves, clean young guava leaves, flatly on top and evenly spread the mixture of tré just enough on top, and roll it tightly, firmly by hand. Then, the tré is covered with a thick layer of new rice straw on the outside, tightly tied at both ends with a strip. Thanks to this elaborate wrapping method, the Bình Định tré can be stored for many days.

Tré is naturally fermented, and after 2 to 3 days, it will ripen on its own, with the spices evenly permeating to create the characteristic flavor of the dish.

When eating, people peel off the tré, use chopsticks to mix the pieces of meat together, then arrange them on a plate. This dish can be rolled with rice paper and raw vegetables (aromatic herbs, cucumber, bitter banana...), pickled vegetables (papaya, carrot sliced, pickled radish...) dipped in chili garlic fish sauce or chili sauce.

Tré is often served as an appetizer at parties. When eating Bình Định tré, your taste and auditory senses will be awakened by the salty, sweet, fatty, sour, spicy, astringent taste, and the earthy aroma of straw.

During Tet holidays, this is an indispensable dish in every Vo family, on the ancestral altar, and in the daily drinking parties of the local people.

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Source: Mytour Travel Guide - According to VNExpress

MytourApril 28, 2017

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Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are commonly used to make Bình Định's Tré dish?

Bình Định's Tré dish is made with local ingredients like pig's ear, head meat, pork belly, sesame, roasted rice powder, galangal, chili, young guava leaves, and garlic. These elements contribute to its unique flavor.

How is the wrapping process of Tré important for its flavor?

The wrapping process is crucial as it ensures the Tré can be stored for days. It involves spreading the mixture on banana and young guava leaves, then tightly rolling it, allowing natural fermentation and flavor development.

Can you explain how to serve Bình Định's Tré dish properly?

To serve Bình Định's Tré, peel off the wrapping, mix the meat pieces with chopsticks, and arrange them on a plate. It can be enjoyed rolled in rice paper with fresh vegetables and dipped in chili garlic sauce.

Why is Tré considered a traditional dish during Tet holidays?

Tré is a traditional dish during Tet holidays as it is a staple in every Vo family's ancestral altar. Its unique flavors make it a popular choice for gatherings and drinking parties, adding to its cultural significance.