
CHINA
Hakka Cuisine: Hearty, Rustic, and Full of Tradition 客家菜:丰盛、淳朴、饱含传统
Hakka cuisine, originating from the Hakka people who migrated across southern China, is known for its hearty, rustic flavors and comforting dishes.
客家菜起源于在中国南方迁徙的客家人,以丰盛、质朴的风味和令人安慰的菜肴而闻名。
The cuisine reflects the resourceful lifestyle of the Hakka community, making use of preserved ingredients, slow cooking, and strong seasonings to create deeply satisfying meals.
这种菜肴反映了客家人的勤俭生活方式,常用腌制食材、慢火烹饪和浓郁调味来制作饱腹而满足的餐食。
Unlike the lightness of Teochew food or the delicacy of Cantonese dishes, Hakka cuisine is bold, rich, and rooted in tradition.
不同于潮州菜的清淡或粤菜的精致,客家菜更为浓郁厚实,扎根于传统。





Signature Dishes of Hakka Cuisine
客家菜的招牌菜
1. Hakka Stuffed Tofu (Yong Tau Foo) 客家酿豆腐
This dish is a hallmark of Hakka cuisine, symbolizing the community’s ingenuity.
这道菜是客家菜的代表,象征着客家人的巧思。
Tofu pieces are filled with minced pork or fish paste, then braised or fried to create a savory and satisfying dish.
豆腐块里填入猪肉末或鱼浆,再炖或煎炸,制成咸香可口的菜肴。
The texture of the tofu contrasts with the filling, creating a rich mouthfeel.
豆腐的软嫩与馅料的紧实形成鲜明对比,带来丰富的口感。
2. Braised Pork with Preserved Mustard Greens (Mei Cai Kou Rou) 梅菜扣肉
This iconic dish combines pork belly with preserved mustard greens (mei cai), creating layers of flavor.
这道标志性菜肴将五花肉与梅干菜结合,形成层次丰富的风味。
The pork is first fried, then braised slowly with the preserved vegetables, resulting in tender, melt-in-the-mouth meat.
五花肉先炸后慢炖,与梅干菜一同烹制,肉质软烂入口即化。
It is rich, savory, and deeply aromatic, embodying the heartiness of Hakka food.
味道浓郁、咸香扑鼻,充分体现了客家菜的丰盛本色。
3. Salt-Baked Chicken 盐焗鸡
Salt-baked chicken is another well-loved Hakka specialty.
盐焗鸡是另一道广受欢迎的客家特色菜。
The chicken is marinated with spices, wrapped in parchment or lotus leaves, and then baked in coarse salt.
整鸡用香料腌制后,用纸或荷叶包裹,再埋入粗盐中烤制。
This method locks in juices while infusing the meat with a rich, savory aroma.
这种做法既能锁住汁水,又能让肉质带有浓郁的香气。
4. Preserved Vegetables and Stews 腌制蔬菜与炖菜
Preservation is a defining feature of Hakka cuisine.
腌制是客家菜的一大特色。
Pickled vegetables, salted fish, and dried meats are staples, often used in soups and stews.
腌菜、咸鱼和腊肉是主食材,常用于汤和炖菜。
These ingredients provided sustenance for Hakka people during migrations and tough times, and they remain central to the cuisine today.
这些食材在客家人迁徙和艰难岁月中提供了口粮,如今依然是菜肴的核心。
Cooking Techniques and Philosophy
烹饪技法与理念
Hakka cooking emphasizes braising, stewing, and preserving.
客家菜强调炖、煨和腌制。
Dishes are hearty and filling, often prepared in large portions to feed big families.
菜肴丰盛饱腹,通常以大分量烹制,适合大家庭共享。
The cuisine reflects resilience and practicality, using every part of an ingredient and maximizing flavor through long, slow cooking.
这种饮食体现了坚韧和实用精神,善用食材的每个部分,通过长时间慢炖发挥极致风味。


The Global Influence of Cantonese Cuisine
粤菜的全球影响
As Hakka people migrated overseas, they brought their cuisine to Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and beyond.
随着客家人移居海外,他们将菜肴带到了东南亚、台湾及其他地区。
Hakka dishes such as stuffed tofu, salt-baked chicken, and braised pork are now enjoyed in communities around the world.
如今,酿豆腐、盐焗鸡和梅菜扣肉等客家菜在全球各地的社区都能品尝到。
The cuisine is often described as “home-style,” preserving the warmth and heritage of family cooking.
这种菜肴常被称为“家常菜”,保留了家庭烹饪的温暖与传统。
Hakka cuisine is a reflection of the community’s resilience, resourcefulness, and love for hearty, comforting food.
客家菜反映了客家人的坚韧、勤俭,以及对丰盛温暖食物的热爱。
Its emphasis on preserved ingredients, slow cooking, and bold flavors makes it one of the most distinctive branches of Chinese cuisine.
它强调腌制食材、慢火烹饪与浓郁风味,使其成为中餐中最独特的分支之一。
From village homes in Guangdong to bustling cities abroad, Hakka food continues to nourish both body and spirit.
从广东的村庄到海外繁华都市,客家菜始终滋养着人们的身体与心灵。

Known for its fresh ingredients and delicate flavors, Cantonese cuisine is a cornerstone of the Great Bay Area’s culinary identity. Signature dishes include dim sum, roasted meats, and seafood.

Teochew cuisine is celebrated for its light and healthy dishes, often featuring seafood and fresh vegetables. Its unique flavors are achieved through steaming and poaching techniques.

Hakka cuisine is characterized by its hearty and robust flavors, with an emphasis on preserved ingredients and slow-cooked dishes. It offers a comforting taste of tradition.