Among the diverse and flavorful dishes of the Thai ethnic people in Vietnam’s Northwest highlands, nhua pho - a grilled, leaf-wrapped minced meat dish - stands out for its simple preparation yet rich, aromatic flavor.

The key to its deliciousness lies not in elaborate technique but in the careful selection of meat and seasoning tailored to each type of meat used.

Nhua pho reflects the culinary wisdom of the Thai people. For pork, they choose shoulder cuts with a balanced mix of lean and fat. For buffalo or beef, tenderloin is preferred, often blended with a small amount of pork belly to ensure the meat doesn’t dry out during grilling.

The seasoning mix is a fragrant blend of scallions, shallots, garlic, chili, lemongrass, ginger, herbs, and especially mac khen - a pepper-like spice unique to the Thai people that adds a distinctive aroma and subtle heat.

According to locals, mac khen is most flavorful when used fresh, but it can be dried for use throughout the year.

Once the minced meat is thoroughly mixed with the spices and left to marinate for about 15 minutes, it is wrapped in banana or dong leaves.

The meat is typically enclosed in two or three layers of leaves, shaped into a rectangle roughly the size of a square rice cake. In some areas of the Northwest, the meat is rolled into cylinders and secured with bamboo strips before grilling.

Visitors to Ang village in Dong Sang commune, Moc Chau district (Son La Province), or to any Thai community-based tourism site in the Northwest, often get the chance to join locals in preparing this signature dish over glowing embers.

Proper control of the charcoal fire is essential - the meat should cook evenly without scorching.

The wrapped meat must be kept at the right distance from the heat; if placed too close, the leaves will burn. When the outer leaves turn a deep golden hue, the meat is done.

The result is a savory and aromatic dish, best served hot. Its rich, juicy flavors are heightened when paired with xoi nep nuong - steamed upland sticky rice - creating a culinary harmony that embodies the essence of Northwest mountain cuisine.

PV