Definition

Noun: * Pig's head paste: A traditional Vietnamese cold cut or meatloaf made from finely minced or ground meat from a pig's head (including parts like the ears, tongue, and skin), seasoned, wrapped tightly, and boiled until firm. It is a type of giò (Vietnamese sausage/meatloaf) specifically made from head meat.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Mẹ tôi mua nửa cân giò thủ để ăn với bánh mì. (My mother bought half a kilogram of pig's head paste to eat with bread.)
  • Giò thủ có vị giòn sần sật do có da heo. (Pig's head paste has a crunchy texture due to the pork skin.)
  • Trong mâm cỗ ngày Tết thường có đĩa giò thủ. (The Lunar New Year feast tray often includes a plate of pig's head paste.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is a compound noun specific to Vietnamese cuisine. It is typically used in culinary contexts, discussions about food, or when shopping at markets/delis.
• It is often served sliced as a cold appetizer or side dish, commonly with pickled vegetables, herbs, and or sticky rice.

Variants and Related Words

• Giò: A general term for Vietnamese boiled sausage or meatloaf, often made from pork (giò lụa), chicken (giò gà), or other meats.
• Thủ: (Noun) Head, specifically of an animal. In this compound, it specifies the part of the pig used.
• Giò xào: A type of that is stir-fried or contains pre-cooked ingredients. is a specific kind of .

Synonyms

• Head cheese (English): This is the closest common equivalent in English, referring to a similar cold cut made from chopped or jellied meat from an animal's head.
• Brawn (British English): Another term for head cheese.
• Souse: A variant often pickled or made with vinegar.

Related Phrases / Compound Terms

• Giò thủ chay: Vegetarian/Vegan pig's head paste (made from plant-based ingredients).
• Làm giò thủ: To make pig's head paste.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms directly using the term "giò thủ". It is primarily a culinary term.

1. Pig's head paste