Special hangover remedy made from animal small intestine juice

In the mountainous district of Con Cuong, in addition to the familiar dishes known to many people such as: grilled chicken, soup, cool fish, grilled meat... we cannot fail to mention the Thai people's nam pia dish.

Pia is used to make porridge, a hangover remedy that many people love. Photo: Bao Han

In Thai families, this dish is quite popular and is used during holidays, important family events to entertain friends and guests. The name nam pia in Thai translation, "nam" means soup, "pia" is the fluid (young feces) located between the stomach and large intestine.

Mr. Vi Van Hung, Nua village, Yen Khe commune said: This dish is not always eaten, today the family has an important event so we slaughtered goat to make nam pia dish to treat distinguished guests. To make this dish is also very elaborate, meticulous and requires many spices.

Feces is the fluid (soft feces) located between the stomach and large intestine of animals. Photo: Bao Han

Thai people only take pia from animals that eat grass and young deer such as buffalo, cows, goats and the way to take pia is also elaborate and skillful. Accordingly, pia is taken out as soon as the intestines are taken out of the animal's stomach and carefully preserved to avoid flies. The small intestine must be tied tightly at both ends to separate it from the large intestine and stomach, the purpose is to keep the emulsion in the small intestine from being mixed.

Thai people mainly use Pia to stir-fry with offal and cook porridge. Photo: Bao Han

According to Thai people, the fluid in the small intestine is the most quintessential part when food has been metabolized and is ready to be absorbed into the bloodstream to nourish the body. Therefore, nam pia is also considered a nutritious dish of the people here.

Pia can be processed into many different dishes such as: porridge, stir-fry, and meat.

Accordingly, the broth of nam pia is animal bones simmered for many hours, until it reaches the right sweetness and fat, then the cook pours all the meat, cartilage and internal organs into the pot. The small intestine will be cut into short pieces, mixed with herbs, mac khen powder, coriander, garlic, chili... all chopped and boiled, until it becomes a thick, shimmering mixture.

Stir-fried Pia with offal is a favorite dish of Thai people. Photo: Bao Han

If you enjoy nam pia for the first time, many people will certainly feel uncomfortable, because this dish is not eye-catching and has a strong smell of animal organs. However, if you feel carefully, this dish has a very unique and attractive flavor. In which, the bitter, characteristic aroma of wild vegetables, the fatty taste of organs, the sweet taste of bones mixed with the spicy taste of mac khen seeds will make you unforgettable.

During meals, you can dip beef or goat in nam pia or eat this dish with rice and herbs.

Not only known as a delicious dish, nam pia also has many uses, many people use it to sober up very well.