Gua bao

Gua bao (also known as Taiwanese hamburger) is a type of traditional Taiwanese cuisine that consists of a steamed bun (bao) filled with braised pork belly and other ingredients. The dish is popular in Taiwan and has gained international recognition in recent years.

History

The origins of gua bao can be traced back to Fujian Province, China, where similar buns known as hu yao ju were made. These buns were brought to Taiwan by Fujian immigrants, where they evolved into the gua bao known today. The dish became popular in Taiwan in the 19th century and is now considered a staple of Taiwanese street food.

Preparation

Gua bao is made by steaming a flat, circular piece of dough until it puffs up into a light, fluffy bun. The bun is then sliced open and filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, coriander, and ground peanuts. The pork belly is typically braised in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and spices until it is tender and flavorful.

Variations

While the traditional gua bao is filled with pork belly, there are many variations of the dish. Some versions use different types of meat, such as beef or chicken, while others are vegetarian or vegan and use tofu or mushrooms instead of meat. There are also variations in the toppings, with some versions using different types of pickles or adding additional ingredients like crushed peanuts or hot sauce.

In popular culture

Gua bao has gained international recognition in recent years, with many restaurants around the world offering their own versions of the dish. The dish has been featured in various food and travel shows, further increasing its popularity.

See also

• Taiwanese cuisine
• Baozi
• Street food

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