Where to buy cha lua chay near me?

Cha lua chay is a Vietnamese vegetarian ham named for its grey-white and smooth texture which resembles pork ham (cha lua). It's commonly made with tofu or gluten.

Yes, cha lua chay is vegan because it is typically made from tofu or gluten, not animal products.

Cha lua chay can be sliced and fried or grilled, or it can be used in a variety of dishes such as in pho, spring rolls or banh mi.

Yes, cha lua chay is a good source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. However, as with all foods, it should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Yes, cha lua chay should be kept refrigerated to maintain its freshness and quality.

Yes, you can freeze cha lua chay. It should be well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn and can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

While cha lua chay is not 'raw' in the traditional sense as it does not contain meats, it’s typically cooked before eating to add flavour and texture.

Cha lua chay is often served in slices, in soups, on sandwiches, or wrapped in leafy greens and dipped in a savoury sauce.

The main ingredient of cha lua chay is usually tofu or wheat gluten, which is seasoned to mimic the taste of traditional cha lua.

If the cha lua chay is made from tofu, it's gluten-free. However, if wheat gluten is used, it will not be gluten-free.

In Vietnamese, 'chay' means vegetarian. So, 'cha lua chay' translates to 'vegetarian ham.'

If you can’t find cha lua chay, you can use other types of vegan meat substitutes, although the flavour and texture may not be the same.

Sealed packages of cha lua chay can last in the refrigerator for about a week. Once opened, it should be consumed within a few days.

Cha lua chay can be defrosted overnight in the refrigerator or using the defrost function on your microwave.

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

One of the most popular dishes with cha lua chay is 'Banh mi chay', a vegetarian version of the classic Vietnamese sandwich.