Thit kho tau (Caramelized Pork and Eggs) has become one of the indispensable dishes in the Lunar New Year meals of people in the Mekong Delta in particular and the Southern region in general. It seems to have become a tradition that as Tet approaches, Southerners prepare thit kho tau for the holiday as an essential part of the celebration.

Today, this appetizing dish is also present in the daily meals of Vietnamese people. To understand more about this dish, let’s briefly look at how pork is braised in different regions to see the unique characteristics of Southern-style thit kho tau. In the chilly North, it is called “thit dong” (jellied pork), cooked without coconut water or boiled eggs. However, in the sunny South, it is cooked with coconut water for a rich and savory flavor. Additionally, the pork pieces are cut into large squares, three times the size of regular braised pork.

Hearing the name “thit kho tau,” many might think it originated from China. However, according to many elderly Southerners, the word “tau” here, in the local dialect of the “lower region,” means “mild” or “lightly seasoned,” similar to the Cai Tau Thuong and Cai Tau Ha rivers, which are two brackish water rivers. Therefore, thit kho tau is not a Chinese style of braised pork, but simply a lightly braised pork dish. There are several other theories regarding the origin of this dish, but it remains unclear which one is the most accurate.

The tender meat features the deep red of the lean meat, the translucence of the fat, the soft brown of the simmered skin, and the shimmering golden hue of the caramelized sugar sauce. This is combined with the richness of Siamese coconut water and the saltiness of fish sauce balanced by sugar, occasionally accented by a hint of soy sauce, and dotted with boiled duck eggs where the savory broth has seeped through from the yolk to the white. All of these elements create the wonderful flavor of thit kho tau. It can be said that thit kho tau has now become a frequent dish in the meals of many Vietnamese people nationwide due to its irresistible appeal. The preparation is not too difficult; you can certainly try making it to bring a warm meal to your family after a tiring workday. Thit kho tau is an undeniable delicacy and seems to have become an integral part of Southern culinary culture when compared to other regions across the country.

Hopefully, this will be your top choice whenever you cook for your family in the evenings. Thit kho tau is a perfectly flavorful dish that is hard to refuse.

According to Vnexpress