Naem or Nem Chua

“Naem” is a fermented sausage made from raw pork, pork fat, and often finely chopped pork skin, which develops a sour note through lactic acid fermentation. It is seasoned with garlic and sometimes chili and matures in banana leaves or plastic packaging. Naem is a popular ingredient in several Southeast Asian countries. In Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia it is simply called “Naem” ( แหนม , ແໜມ and ណែម respectively), while in Vietnam it is called “Neam Chua” or “Nem Chua”.

You are most likely to find Naem in well-stocked Asian supermarkets that also carry a wide range of products from Vietnam or Thailand.

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