Introduction
Char Siu (叉燒) is a famous Cantonese-style barbecued pork, known for its sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The name “Char Siu” means “fork roast,” as the pork is traditionally roasted over an open flame after being skewered on long forks. It is coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze, giving it a beautiful red hue. In Hong Kong, Char Siu is a must-try dish and is often served with rice, noodles, or inside fluffy buns (Char Siu Bao).
Ingredients for Authentic Char Siu
For the Pork:
- 500g pork shoulder or pork belly
- 2 tbsp honey (for glazing)
For the Marinade:
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp honey or maltose
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)
Best Food Shops Selling Char Siu in Hong Kong
- Joy Hing Roasted Meat (再興燒臘飯店) – A legendary roast meat shop serving juicy and flavorful Char Siu.
- Yat Lok (一樂燒鵝) – A Michelin-starred eatery famous for its crispy roast goose and succulent Char Siu.
- Kam’s Roast Goose (甘牌燒鵝) – Offers premium Char Siu with a perfect caramelized crust.
- Sun Kwai Heung BBQ (新桂香燒臘) – Specializes in honey-glazed Char Siu with tender, smoky flavors.
- Tai Hing Roast (太興燒味) – A famous roast meat chain known for its balanced sweet and savory Char Siu.
Health Benefits & Drawbacks of Char Siu
Benefits
- High in protein – Helps with muscle building and energy.
- Rich in iron and B vitamins – Supports red blood cell production.
- Flavorful yet satisfying – A great comfort food option.
Drawbacks
- High in sugar and fat – Due to the caramelized glaze and fatty pork cuts.
- High in sodium – From the soy sauce and hoisin marinade.
- Processed ingredients – Some versions contain food coloring and preservatives.