Recently, a video showcasing a "long se dieuf" (a type of pig intestine) that measures tens of meters in length and weighs 5.8 kg has gone viral on social media, sparking significant interest. This particular intestine was sourced from a sow weighing over 100 kg, and the term "long se dieuf" quickly climbed to become one of the top three most searched keywords on Google. On TikTok, numerous mukbang videos featuring this dish have garnered over a million views and thousands of comments, creating a buzz around this unusual culinary item.
MC Anh Tho, a well-known television host, shared her experience trying "long se dieuf" in a video posted in March 2024, titled "Eating Long Se Dieuf Feels Like Eating a Car Tire." Despite her enthusiasm for trying different types of intestines, Anh Tho expressed disappointment after purchasing the dish for approximately 1.6 million VND. She described the texture as extremely tough and unyielding, stating, "The long se dieuf is incredibly chewy; it doesn’t cut easily and is hard to chew, completely different from the enticing videos online." After her initial attempt, she even requested that the dish be boiled again in hopes of improving its tenderness, but to her dismay, it remained just as tough.
As the keyword "long se dieuf" gained traction online, Anh Tho’s mukbang video attracted nearly 4 million views, with many viewers expressing concern for her health after consuming the dish. In response to the growing interest, Anh Tho clarified that the video was filmed a year prior and expressed surprise at its resurgence in popularity. She noted that she enjoys eating various types of offal but decided after her experience that she would not try "long se dieuf" again. "Not only is it tough and expensive, but it’s also not prepared properly. I’ve made the decision to avoid it altogether," she stated firmly.
In addition to Anh Tho, other food bloggers have also ventured to try "long se dieuf". TikToker Tina Thao Thi reviewed the dish in April 2024, stating that it differs significantly from regular intestines, describing it as "very crunchy and delicious." He noted the unique texture and flavor, which he found appealing despite the higher price point. His video has since accumulated 4.8 million views, with many viewers curious about his health following the consumption.
Hoang Anh Panda, another popular TikToker, also shared his experience with "long se dieuf" in August 2024. He purchased a smaller portion for 350,000 VND and remarked, "It’s crunchy and tasty, not overly tough or smelly like intestines can be." Meanwhile, TikToker Nga Sumo showcased her experience at a restaurant in Hanoi, where she sampled "long se dieuf" along with other dishes like spring rolls and steamed brains. Her video also attracted significant attention, sparking discussions about the dish's health implications.
In Cau Giay district, Hanoi, a local food establishment claimed to offer a remarkable 40-meter-long "long se dieuf," further fueling the dish's popularity. However, this surge in interest has prompted scrutiny over the authenticity and health implications of consuming such a rare delicacy. On May 7, 2025, Mr. Nguyen Quang Trung, Deputy Head of the Sub-Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, announced that the case is under investigation by the People's Committee of Cau Giay district, in collaboration with other agencies to ensure proper oversight.
Despite the dish's rising fame, the Ho Chi Minh City food safety sector has pointed out that there is currently no official scientific explanation for the biological mechanisms behind the formation of "long se dieuf." Two primary hypotheses have emerged: one suggests that these intestines are more common in free-range pigs that consume natural foods, leading to thicker intestines with adaptive folds. The other hypothesis posits that the phenomenon may result from intestinal mucosal damage, possibly due to disease, resulting in abnormal regeneration.
As discussions continue about the dish's rarity and health implications, the public is advised to exercise caution when purchasing "long se dieuf" to avoid low-quality or counterfeit products. The dish's unique characteristics have made it a sought-after item among food enthusiasts, yet its high price and potential health risks have also sparked debates about its place in modern culinary practices.
MC Anh Tho, born in 1985, is a familiar face on Vietnamese television, having hosted numerous programs like "Hãy nghe tôi hát" and "Ai đúng ai sai." Known for her sweet voice and charming presence, she has garnered a loyal fanbase and is often referred to as the most famous MC in the Mekong Delta region. Despite her love for offal, Anh Tho maintains a cautious approach to her dietary choices, emphasizing the importance of thorough cooking due to health concerns associated with consuming innards.
The recent trend surrounding "long se dieuf" serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of food culture, where social media plays a pivotal role in shaping public interest and culinary exploration. As more individuals share their experiences online, the dish continues to captivate audiences, prompting both curiosity and caution.
