FIND OF THE WEEK: HONG SHAO ROU

[CITY WEEKEND: FIND OF THE WEEK]

Contemporary Chinese | Xiao Wang Fu

- All Bellied Out

Elegantly decorated with a dash of Chinese kitsch, Xiao Wang Fu has deservingly become a staple restaurant for incoming visitors and local residents alike. Serving Asian favorites like Beijing duck, sweet and sour mandarin fish and a myriad of other traditional staples - there is a noticeable home-style touch in most of the dishes found at this restaurant. We choose the beloved Hong Shao Rou (RMB32), a favorite of dictator Mao, sometimes also known as Lou Chee Yok in Cantonese

It's true the Chinese love their fat, and this dish boasts every ounce of it. A simple recipe that's relatively easy to make, our Hong Shao Rou order came piping hot with well-proportioned bite sized pieces enveloped in a thick hearty deep reddish black sauce, smelling of caramelized sugar and hint of spring onions. Although somewhat oiler than expected, the rich fattiness characteristics of this dish pairs best with steamed white rice or lightly sautéed green vegetables. Never has pork belly tasted so good. Definitely not vegetable lovers-friendly, this classic dish is a definite hit for dem' meat lovers looking for melt-in-your-mouth-protein-tastiness

XiXi Cheng

Find it: 2 Guanghualu Dongli,CBD/Guomao

光华路东里2号

Tel: 6591-3255, 6594-3602