If you grew up in a Vietnamese household, chances are that thịt kho trứng (braised pork belly with eggs) is a dish that evokes a special place in your heart—and if you’re like me, it was not a childhood favorite because of how often I ate it, but now as an adult, it’s a dish that brings ultimate comfort and I can taste the memories. This Vietnamese braised pork belly recipe is comfort food at its finest: tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly simmered in a rich, savory-sweet caramelized sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel instantly at home, no matter where you are, and for good reason. The deep, umami flavors, paired with the soft, slow-cooked eggs, make every bite feel like a warm hug.
The smell of pork belly slowly braising in a mix of coconut water, fish sauce, and caramelized sugar would fill the kitchen, making its way through every corner of the house and announcing dinner time in the best possible way. Every family has its own twist on the recipe, but this one is my favorite—a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory with a deep, rich sauce that makes you want to scoop every last bit onto your bowl of rice. What makes it even better is that the longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, and by the end, you’re left with a dish that’s beyond words.
The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Pork belly—ideally the cut with the right amount of fat—is essential to getting that juicy, tender texture. The slow braising allows the fat to break down, infusing the meat with flavor and creating that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. The addition of eggs (which you can hard-boil and braise in the same pot) takes the dish to another level, allowing them to soak up all the rich, savory sauce and become little flavor bombs. My mom would use regular chicken eggs in this dish, but I’m a much bigger fan of quail eggs specifically canned quail eggs because it does not harden, so the yolk keeps its creamy consistency through braising.
What makes thịt kho so special is that it’s more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Vietnamese home cooking. It’s a dish that brings families together around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, extra servings of rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. There’s something magical about braising pork belly low and slow, allowing time for the sauce to deepen and thicken, making the meal feel like it was made with love and patience—just like the best childhood memories.
So, if you’re craving a dish that’s both nostalgic and comforting, this Vietnamese braised pork belly is your answer. It’s the perfect dish for sharing with loved ones, or simply for indulging in a moment of personal comfort. Every bite is a reminder of the love and care that goes into making a meal from the heart, and it’s one that I’m excited to pass on to the next generation, just as it was passed down to me. Whether you’re making it for the first time or bringing back a family tradition, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household too.
