At the table
Small bones remain inside the softened skin and tendons. Separate the bones carefully as you eat.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Chilli and aromatic spices vary. Here the name refers to the Cantonese dim sum preparation, rather than pickled chicken feet.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savoury, slightly sweet sauce; chilli may add heat.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Puffed skin and soft tendons around small bones.
- How it’s made
- Fry, soak and braise the feet; sauce them and, in some preparations, finish by steaming.
Chilli and aromatic spices vary. Here the name refers to the Cantonese dim sum preparation, rather than pickled chicken feet.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Guangdong.
About this regional connection
Guangdong: Guangdong/Cantonese association, not an exclusive origin claim.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有凤爪吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
“Phoenix claws” at morning tea
On a Cantonese dim sum menu, “phoenix claws” means chicken feet. In Shunde, they sit alongside dishes such as shrimp dumplings and siu mai at morning tea: a pot of tea, small plates and time to talk. You eat the softened skin and tendons, leaving the small bones behind.
