It is not easy to find a champion authentic Hakka cuisine these days. When one thinks of Hakka dishes, Suan Pan Zi (Abacus Seed) will immediately come to one’s mind.
What exactly is Suan Pan Zi (算盘子)?
Suan Pan Zi is a traditional Hakka dish made with yam that is usually eaten during festivals like Chinese New Year as it symbolizes wealth. Think of it as a Chinese version of gnocchi.
Suan Pan Zi has a soft, chewy texture and usually stir fry with dried shrimps & ground meat.
I found one such place, Mei Zhen Hakka Delicacies stall at Shunfu Mart selling champion and power Suan Pan Zi.
It is not easy to find a good plate of Suan Pan Zi as the process of making it is too labourious. You will need to try and experience it for yourself to understand what I mean. The chilli together with condiments like spring onion and shallot gives the dish a oomph..
Other than Suan Pan Zi, there are other yam related menu items as well.
I enjoy their soon kueh too. Unlike the usual soon kueh, their soon kueh skin is made from yam dough. It tastes really different from the normal soon kueh you have had. The skin is more chewy and flavorful because of the yam dough. This is a must try if you are a soon kueh lover. I doubt you can find another similar stall having yam dough for the soon kueh skin.
Another one of my favourite item. I literally grew up eating glutinous rice from young especially homemade ones by my mother. Though I could not taste the typical savouriness of this dish, somehow it is still good especially with the associated condiments; crispy peanut, shallot, spring onions and bits of mustard green.
For Hakka delicacy lovers, do consider to head over and give it a try and share your thoughts thereafter. ☺