A comforting and flavorful dish, clay pot rice is a Hong Kong favorite, often enjoyed during colder months. The rice is cooked in a traditional clay pot, allowing the grains to absorb the rich flavors of ingredients such as cured meats, sausage, chicken, or vegetables. The crispy rice at the bottom of the pot adds a delightful texture, making each bite a combination of soft and crispy, savory and aromatic. It's a dish that reflects the warming, hearty nature of Hong Kong's culinary traditions.
There are many options around California to try clay pot rice, but here are a few spots that specialize in it:
1. Nature Pagoda: Located in the San Gabriel Valley area, which is known for its exceptional Cantonese cuisine, Nature Pagoda is a great place to try authentic clay pot rice. The restaurant serves a variety of toppings, from traditional Chinese sausage to flavorful marinated meats, all cooked to perfection in a sizzling clay pot. The San Gabriel Valley is home to many excellent Chinese restaurants, making it a great destination for those craving authentic Cantonese flavors.
2. Convoy Street/District in San Diego: Known as the Convoy Asian Cultural District, this area is a hub for some of the best Asian food in Southern California, including Cantonese cuisine. Restaurants like Eastern Dynasty specialize in Hong Kong-style dishes, including delicious clay pot rice. If you're in San Diego and looking for an authentic Cantonese food experience, Convoy is the place to go, offering a variety of restaurants that serve high-quality, comforting clay pot rice.
Dim sum is a beloved Cantonese tradition in Hong Kong, offering a variety of small, bite-sized dishes that are perfect for sharing. From dumplings and buns to spring rolls and tarts, dim sum is a feast for the senses. The dishes are often served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or brunch, dim sum brings people together to savor delicious flavors and enjoy lively conversation.
Here are some great places in California to enjoy dim sum:
1. On Convoy Street in San Diego:
Jasmine Seafood Restaurant & Express: This is the perfect place to get the classic dim sum experience with the traditional rolling carts that stop by your table. You can choose from a wide variety of dim sum dishes as they come, making it a fun and interactive dining experience. The quality is consistent, and it's a great place to go with family and friends.
Emerald Chinese Cuisine: Unlike Jasmine, this restaurant operates on a made-to-order basis, where you order from a menu, and the food is brought to your table. Their dim sum is delicious, and one of my favorite items here is the Baked Char Siu Bao. The combination of the honey-brushed top, the hot and fluffy bun, and the savory barbecue pork filling is absolutely unbeatable!
2. Chinatown in Los Angeles:
Won Kok Restaurant: Chinatown in LA has countless dim sum spots, but one standout is Won Kok Restaurant. They offer quality dim sum at very affordable prices, making it a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly yet delicious experience. Whether you're craving shumai, hargow, or lo bak go, this spot delivers a satisfying and authentic taste of Hong Kong-style dim sum.
Roast duck is a classic Hong Kong dish, known for its crispy, flavorful skin and tender meat. Often served with a sweet soy-based sauce, it's a dish that pairs well with rice. Char siu, or BBQ pork, is another popular dish, with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavor. Both dishes highlight Hong Kong's mastery of roasting and braising techniques, offering a balance of sweetness and umami that satisfies any craving.
Now, here are some spots in California to find this amazing dish:
1. Any place that displays their roast ducks in the front window: A telltale sign of a good Cantonese barbecue restaurant is when they proudly showcase whole roasted ducks hanging in the window. This is a great way to spot authentic spots, especially in areas like Chinatown in LA or San Francisco. If you see this, chances are they serve high-quality roast duck!
2. Sam Woo: A classic and well-loved Cantonese barbecue chain with multiple locations in California. Sam Woo has been a go-to spot since my childhood, offering consistently good roast meats. Their dishes are flavorful, perfectly cooked, and served with rice or noodles, making it a great place for an authentic and satisfying meal.