Hakka Pen Cai (客家盆菜)

Imagine transforming the humble contents of your kitchen into a culinary marvel — a pot brimming with layers upon layers of delectable delights. Enter the realm of Pen Cai, where simplicity meets sophistication.

At first glance, Pen Cai may seem like a straightforward dish. Its surface is adorned with an array of ingredients meticulously arranged to form eight tantalizing layers. Yet, beneath this unassuming exterior lies a world of culinary craftsmanship.

From earthy mushrooms to succulent braised pork belly and delicate bean curd skin, each component of Pen Cai is carefully curated to tantalize the taste buds. But here's the twist — every layer is not just a mere ingredient; it's a dish unto itself, painstakingly prepared with a medley of seasonings and cooked to perfection.

As you delve deeper into the pot, you'll uncover a treasure trove of culinary delights and new dimensions of taste. From the rich umami of braised pork belly to the delicate crunch of bean curd skin, every bite is a celebration of the diverse tastes and textures that make up the tapestry of Pen Cai.

Pen Cai Origins

There are various stories about the origins of Pen Cai. According to one story, a general and his army troop retreated to a place known as Dong Guan (currently Shenzhen) in China. To provide food for the soldiers, the habitants made up of Hakka people gathered the food they could find in their kitchens and put them together into a wooden basin. This became known as the Pen Cai. 

Pen Cai is also believed to symbolize prosperity and abundance. It is a common Chinese New Year dish prepared to share with families. 

Simple but Tedious Dish

There are 8 dishes in the Pen Cai, each cooked with a different seasoning and cooking technique. Traditionally, the dish is meant to be consumed layer by layer, starting from the top layer. Hence, the order of placing the food for each layer has to be carefully placed, such that the lower layers consist of food that can be cooked and kept longer. 

Hakka food is a cuisine that has been shaped for generations. Hakka Imperial Kitchen aspires to spread the warmth and flavours of the Hakka people through our interpretations of Hakka cuisine and share stories that you may not know about. 

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Through the sharing of recipes, cultural stories and provision of core Hakka condiments such as rice wine, Hakka Imperial Kitchen strives to help preserve and promote Hakka food and culture. 

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