Chow Sang Sang: 5 Authentic Recipes Revealed
Chow Sang Sang isn't just known for its jewelry; it's also famous for its culinary traditions. These dishes aren't found in its stores but are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Hong Kong, where Chow Sang Sang was born. Here, we reveal five authentic recipes straight from the heart of Hong Kong's kitchen, ensuring you can experience the culture through taste.
Hong Kong Style Egg Tarts
These custard tarts are a staple dessert in Hong Kong. Here’s how you can make them at home:
Ingredients:
- 175g all-purpose flour
- 100g butter
- 50ml cold water
- 4 large eggs
- 240ml milk
- 100g sugar
Instructions:
- Mix flour and butter until you get a crumbly texture. Add cold water gradually to form the dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Whisk eggs, sugar, and milk for the custard filling.
- Roll out dough, line tart molds, and fill with custard mixture.
- Bake at 200°C for 25 minutes or until the custard sets and turns golden brown.
📝 Note: Make sure to use cold water to keep the dough from becoming too sticky.
Soy Sauce Braised Chicken
This dish embodies the essence of Hong Kong with its savory flavors:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 star anises
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 slices ginger
- 1 spring onion, chopped
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken with soy sauces for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil, add garlic, ginger, star anises, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until aromatic.
- Add marinated chicken, stir-fry until it changes color.
- Add marinating sauce, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with spring onions before serving.
📝 Note: Dark soy sauce gives a deeper color, but if you want a lighter taste, adjust with light soy sauce.
Mango Pomelo Sago
A refreshing dessert with a unique twist:
Ingredients:
- 3 fresh mangoes, diced
- 1 pomelo, peeled and broken into small segments
- 100g sago pearls
- 1 can coconut milk
- 100g rock sugar
Instructions:
- Boil sago pearls until translucent, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Melt rock sugar in hot water to create syrup.
- Mix sago with half of the mangoes, pomelo, and the syrup. Chill.
- Serve in bowls, topped with coconut milk and the remaining mangoes.
Hong Kong Milk Tea
A beverage that defines Hong Kong’s casual dining scene:
Ingredients:
- 4 black tea bags
- 500ml water
- 250ml evaporated milk
- Sugar, to taste
Instructions:
- Boil water, add tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes.
- Add evaporated milk and sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Strain through a fine mesh to get a smooth consistency.
📝 Note: The traditional method involves straining multiple times to achieve the unique silkiness of Hong Kong milk tea.
Chinese Donuts (Youtiao)
This recipe is a labor of love:
Ingredients:
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 2g baking powder
- 6g salt
- 150ml water
- 2g baking soda
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- Oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water to form dough. Let rest for 30 minutes.
- Add baking soda to vinegar, then incorporate into dough. Knead until smooth.
- Divide into pairs, stretching each to form logs. Twist them together.
- Fry in hot oil at 180°C until golden brown.
With these recipes, you can bring a bit of Hong Kong's flavors to your table. From the sweet indulgence of egg tarts to the savory complexity of braised chicken, each dish has its own story, capturing the essence of Hong Kong's culinary scene. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef, these dishes offer a delightful journey through taste and tradition.
Can I substitute ingredients in these traditional recipes?
+Yes, you can substitute certain ingredients, but keep in mind that traditional taste might vary. For example, if you don’t have access to pomelo, you might use grapefruit, but the flavor profile will change.
How can I ensure my Hong Kong Milk Tea is smooth?
+The key is in the straining. Use a very fine mesh or cheesecloth to strain the tea multiple times, creating a silky texture known as ‘silk stocking milk tea’.
Is there a vegetarian version of Soy Sauce Braised Chicken?
+You can replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms. Marinate them in the soy sauce mixture, and follow the same cooking steps. The flavors will still be there, though the texture will differ.
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
+Some recipes can be prepared ahead. For instance, you can make the dough for Youtiao and let it rest in the fridge. Egg tarts are best served fresh, but you can prepare the custard ahead and bake them before serving.