Trang, a province in southern Thailand, is renowned for its captivating culinary scene, and among its many delectable offerings, Trang roasted pork stands out as a must-try dish for any visitor.
The preparation of this iconic dish begins with a large pile of firewood, piled into an old cement stove, used for decades from generation to generation. As the flames dance and transform the wood into glowing embers, a 70-kilogram pig, marinated overnight in a secret blend of Trang-style spices, awaits its moment to enter the fiery embrace. This marks a crucial stage in the creation of Trang’s culinary masterpiece.
The whole pig is placed into the stove, with aluminum foil wrapping its head, ears, tail, and edges to prevent the skin from burning.
Chaowalit Maneesing, who has been in the business of roasting pork for over 20 years, inheriting the craft from his father, reveals the secret to making the pork skin crispy and golden.
The key lies in the art of “skin pricking,” a technique performed just five minutes after the pig enters the oven. The skin is then meticulously coated with a mixture of pure honey and salt before being returned to the heat for another hour, during which the fire must be carefully monitored to maintain the perfect heat.
From dusk till dawn, the roasted pig is finally ready to be delivered to restaurants for everyone to enjoy. After a few finishing touches, if sold whole, this pig costs 12,000 baht. During festivals, customers order more than ten pigs. The heaviest pig ever roasted was 90 kilograms, priced at 15,000 baht.
The rhythmic chopping of pork echoes through the streets of Trang, a familiar sound to the locals. This sound is particularly prevalent around mealtimes, as Trang residents are known to indulge in up to nine meals a day and one of these meals often includes Trang roasted pork, particularly breakfast, where it is commonly paired with hot tea or coffee.
From its humble origins to its current status as a culinary icon, Trang roasted pork has transcended the realm of everyday food, gracing the tables of special occasions and establishing itself as a powerful gastronomic ambassador.
Its allure continues to draw visitors from far and wide, eager to experience the symphony of flavors that make Trang roasted pork a truly unforgettable culinary delight. (TNA)
