Hujiao bing

Hujiao bing (also known as Pepper bun or Taiwanese pepper bun) is a popular street food item in Taiwan, particularly in the city of Taipei. It is a type of baked bun that is filled with marinated meat and a generous amount of black pepper. The bun is then baked in a tandoor-like oven, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.

History

The origins of Hujiao bing are believed to be from the Fujian Province in China. It was brought to Taiwan by immigrants and quickly became a popular street food item. The bun is traditionally eaten during the winter months, but it can now be found year-round in night markets and street stalls across Taiwan.

Preparation

The dough for Hujiao bing is made from a mixture of flour, water, yeast, and a small amount of sugar. The filling typically consists of marinated pork, beef, or lamb, mixed with a large amount of freshly ground black pepper and green onions. The filled buns are then baked in a tandoor-like oven, which gives them a distinctive crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.

Variations

While the traditional Hujiao bing is filled with meat and black pepper, there are now many variations of this popular snack. Some versions include additional ingredients such as cheese, mushrooms, or even seafood. There are also vegetarian versions available, which are typically filled with tofu or vegetables.

Cultural significance

Hujiao bing is not just a popular snack in Taiwan, but it also holds cultural significance. It is often eaten during the Lunar New Year celebrations as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. The round shape of the bun is said to symbolize unity and completeness, while the spicy black pepper is believed to ward off evil spirits.

See also

• Taiwanese cuisine
• Street food
• Baozi