Eating in China
Generated illustration of crispy shallow-fried pork large intestine with a separate sweet-sour dip.

Hong Kong crispy pork intestine

煎豬大腸Jiān zhū dàcháng

Pork large intestine braised with cassia, star anise, ginger, salt and chicken seasoning, glazed with maltose and white rice vinegar, then shallow-fried and cut into pieces. This version has a separate sweet-sour dip.

Heat
Region
Hong Kong
Type
Dishes
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Use chopsticks to take one piece, dip lightly if desired and take a small bite to check the heat. Chew the springy layers carefully.

A useful check

Contains pork offal and chicken seasoning. Ask about the seasoning and sauce ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

How it may vary

The dip combines ketchup, sugar, cornstarch and white vinegar. Other preparations and sauces differ; this is not rice-filled sausage.

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.

The dip combines ketchup, sugar, cornstarch and white vinegar. Other preparations and sauces differ; this is not rice-filled sausage.

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Rich, savory and aromatic, with a sweet-sour dipping sauce.

Chili heat
Texture
Crisp outer skin with tender, chewy layers inside.
How it’s made
The intestine is cleaned, nested, pre-cooked in seasoned liquid, glazed, dried and shallow-fried.

The dip combines ketchup, sugar, cornstarch and white vinegar. Other preparations and sauces differ; this is not rice-filled sausage.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Explore regional food

Associated with Hong Kong.

About this regional connection

Hong Kong: Hong Kong cookery author; selected half-shallow-fried crisp preparation.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有煎豬大腸吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

A crisp finish after braising

This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.

Pre-cooking softens the intestine; drying and a final fry give the outside its crisp texture. Hong Kong versions may be served as a small dish or snack.

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