Bitter eggplant with chicken wrapped in banana leaves, you've been to Gia Lai many times but have you tried it yet?

The cuisine of the Jrai people - the largest ethnic minority in Gia Lai province - always bears a unique mark with rustic dishes but imbued with traditional culture.

Natural ingredients are mixed well to create bitter melon and chicken gizzards wrapped in banana leaves - Photo: VNA

Among them, bitter eggplant and chicken gizzards wrapped in banana leaves stand out as a symbol of creativity, connection with nature, and an indispensable dish in daily life and on holidays.

Having just made the dish of bitter eggplant and chicken gizzards wrapped in banana leaves, Mr. Ksor Khuc, Chuet 1 village, Thang Loi ward, Pleiku city, said:

To entertain guests or during holidays, Jrai cuisine often includes grilled chicken and bamboo rice. The chicken is cleaned and grilled, while the remaining chicken gizzards are processed into bitter eggplant and chicken gizzards wrapped in banana leaves.

Mr. Ksor Khuc, Chuet 1 village, Thang Loi ward, Pleiku city, Gia Lai, prepares bitter eggplant and chicken gizzards wrapped in banana leaves to treat guests - Photo: VNA

Bitter melon and chicken gizzards wrapped in banana leaves are made from all-natural ingredients. Clean the chicken gizzards, then mix well with bitter melon.

Bitter melon is the most popular fruit in Jrai meals, often grown in home gardens, processed into many dishes. Bitter melon is washed, chopped, rinsed with salt water to reduce the sap and prevent blackening.

Salt, chili, MSG, lemongrass, and shallots are mixed with chicken gizzards and bitter melon to create a rich flavor. All are wrapped in banana leaves that have been heated over a fire to soften them for easy wrapping, then grilled over hot coals to preserve the natural flavor.

Prepare ingredients to make bitter eggplant and chicken gizzards wrapped in banana leaves - Photo: VNA

"The Jrai people use fire stoves and charcoal to grill food not only to preserve the flavor of the food but also because it is convenient in daily life.

The kitchen is not only a place to prepare food, but also a center for family bonding, where members gather together and share everyday stories." - Mr. Khuc added.

The process of preparing the dish is also a part of showing the ingenuity and community spirit of the Jrai people. After the chicken gizzards, bitter melon and other ingredients are pre-processed, they are mixed well, seasoned with salt and chili according to taste.

Then add a little water to create steam when baking. This mixture is wrapped in leaves, tied tightly with dried banana strings or soft strings, then baked over hot coals.

The aroma of banana leaves mixed with the sweetness of chicken gizzards, the bitterness of eggplant, the spiciness of chili and the rich flavor of the Jrai's rustic ingredients make the dish attractive and unforgettable.

Bitter eggplant and chicken gizzards wrapped in banana leaves are grilled over hot coals to preserve the natural flavor - Photo: VNA

Not only a dish, bitter melon and chicken gizzard wrapped in banana leaves also have cultural significance to the Jrai people. The Jrai believe that dishes from nature not only nourish the body, but also connect people with the living environment.

The dish often appears during festivals, symbolizing solidarity and hospitality. Not only that, bitter eggplant and chicken gizzard wrapped in banana leaves is also a rustic dish in every Jrai family because it is easy to make, quick and from available ingredients.

The way this dish is made also shows a simple lifestyle, close to nature, is the most authentic reflection of the lifestyle and culture of the Jrai people.

Jrai cuisine in general and bitter eggplant and chicken gizzards wrapped in banana leaves in particular are not only a part of daily life, but also a valuable cultural asset, contributing to the diverse picture of Vietnamese cuisine.

Anyone who has the opportunity to come to Gia Lai, please try this dish once to feel the unique flavor and understand more about the people and culture here.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ca-dang-long-ga-dum-la-chuoi-di-gia-lai-nhieu-nhung-ban-da-thu-chua-20250130143020262.htm