Pork Scratchings around the world

Today I will explore the different origins and adaptations of pork scratchings around the globe.

Here in the UK we refer to the fried pork rind as pork scratchings or pork crackling, most commonly, where as in other parts of the world this delicious treat is known as something entirely different, such as torresmos in Portugal.

Pork Scratchings around the world

United Kingdom - known as pork scratchings or pork crackling


USA & Vietnam - pork rind is the most common term for pork scratchings

Mexico - known as chicharron or cuerito, depending on region

Canada - known as scrunchions and oreilles de Christ which translated means Christ's ears (in the East province Quebec)

Philippines - known as chicharron and tsitsaron


Thailand - pork scratchings or should I better say khaep mu are sold in huge bags like these across the country

France - if you're in France and would like to try the equivalent of French scratchings, then ask for grattons

Portugal - torresmos and cuaratos are what the Portuguese refer to as scratchings

Spain - if you'd like to try some Spanish pork scratchings, then ask for cueritos or cortezas de cerdo

Belgium & Netherlands - fried pork rind is known as knabbelspek

Denmark - the pork crackling is called flaeskevaer

Other scratchings...

Gribenes are slightly different from traditionally fried pork rind as this Jewish snack is made from fried chicken skin. I can't comment to say whether it would be as good as the traditional pork scratchings, but I wouldn't mind giving them a go!