Who knew that a humble dish borne from a culture of resourcefulness would grow to become such a gourmet delight today? We’re talking, of course, about the braised pork trotter. Also known as pig’s feet, braised pork trotter is an exquisite dish that features pork stewed for long hours in an essential braising sauce – a concoction of light or dark soy sauce with a mix of other condiments. The result is tender pork trotters that don’t just fall off the bone, but also deliver that irresistible umami flavour.
So how did this dish come about, and why is it such a hit amongst foodies? Read on to find out.
Rich in history and flavour
The origin of pork trotters being used as food dates back to ancient China. Springing off from the Chinese belief that to respect the animal is to eat its whole, pork trotters became an invaluable source of nutrition, owing also to the fact that meat back then was hard to come by.
With time, its status grew. The modest pork trotter became a culinary staple and even came to be regarded by Chinese physicians for its purported medicinal properties, believing that they promote joint health and nourished the body. Eventually, innovation elevated the dish to even earn a place on emperors’ banquet tables, and to our restaurants in modern times.
Food for good
So what’s the reason behind the craze for this dish? One word: collagen. Well, to explain it better, here are two words: healthy fats. With the slow cooking of braised pork trotters, collagen is rendered out, and these fats help promote healthy skin and relieve joint pain. It is also a good source of protein, which can help build and repair muscle. In Chinese culture, it is also believed to be a ‘warming’ food that aids postpartum recovery and promotes lactation for breastfeeding mothers.
Em-”braising” diversity
Braised pork trotters are good to eat even on their own. But why do that, when you can pair it up to elevate your dining experience even further?
One great way to enjoy the sauce is to eat it with rice. And, to make the meal more complete, consider adding in sides like tau kee and tau pok. These absorbent tofu products will also soak up the sauce nicely. Now, if you’re really hungry, why not up the protein intake and get a bowl of herbal bak kut teh? The herbal and flavourful taste of the herbal bak kut teh broth can be an exquisite complement to the umami-richness of the braised pork trotter.
We’re not done! If you’re really in the pork trotter mood, go ahead and pair your braised pork trotter with a vinegar pork trotter. Its tangy quality can be a perfect foil to the braised pork trotter’s piquant flavour notes.
Trot on down to Feng Xiang for a gourmet adventure!
Have we made you crave for a good bowl of braised pork trotters already? You can tuck into one at Feng Xiang! Lovingly stewed to meat-off-the-bone perfection, our take on the braised pork trotter will leave you wanting for more. While you’re there, give our signature dishes a try! There’s the herbal-icious herbal bak kut teh Singapore that just shouts comfort food, and the wokhei goodness of our fried porridge, with six variations to choose from. Visit us at our outlets today:
-
Fernvale Hawker Centre & CC (nearest MRT station: Sengkang)
-
Food Republic @ BreadTalk iHQ (nearest MRT station: Tai Seng)
-
Food Republic @ VivoCity (nearest MRT station: HarbourFront)
-
Food Republic @ Parkway Parade (nearest MRT station: Dakota)
-
Kopitiam @ AMK Hub (nearest MRT station: Ang Mo Kio)
-
Kopitiam @ Northpoint City (nearest MRT station: Yishun)
-
Lau Pa Sat (nearest MRT station: Downtown)