Originated from a subgroup of the Han Chinese also referred to as the Hakka people, Hakka dishes are amongst some of the most beloved cuisines in Canada. The speciality of Hakka cuisine is in its texture arising from stewing, braising, and roasting meat. Interested to give it a try? Well, read till the end to find out the 8 best Hakka dishes you must try in Ontario.
8 Must-Try Hakka Cuisine in Ontario
- Salt Baked Chicken
A signature dish of the Hakka people, Salt Baked Chicken is a true delight for the taste buds. The chicken is meticulously prepared, coated with salt, stuffed with green onion and ginger, and then baked to perfection. The result is tender, succulent meat infused with savory flavors that will leave you craving for more. Everest Tandoori Kitchen restaurant makes the best salt baked chicken in the entire of Ontario. They offer authentic Nepali and Indian cuisines in 3 different locations in Ontario.
- Hakka Chicken Noodles
Among the most popular hakka dishes in Canada, Hakka Chicken Noodles takes the 2nd spot by a mile. It is a springy noodle dish with tender chicken and stir-fried vegetables. Whether served in a savory broth or stir-fried with fragrant spices, this dish is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.
- Hakka Stuffed Tofu
If you’re looking for a traditional Hakka dish with a burst of flavors in every scoop, look no further than Stuffed Tofu. This dish is a mixture of minced pork, mushrooms, and vegetables with firm tofu squares as its main ingredient.
- Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Greens
Moreover, if you’re the type that asks for ‘Extra Pork’, order Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Greens instead. This is a Hakka classic with pork belly boiled, fried, and then steamed with tangy preserved vegetables, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth dish that is simply irresistible.
- Yam Abacus
But if you’re not looking for a main dish but an appetizer, try Yam Abacus. It is a traditional Hakka snack made from tapioca flour and shaped like abacus beads. It is boiled and then stir-fried with minced pork for a flavorful twist. With each bite of this dish, you are treated with a perfect balance of chewiness and savory goodness.
- Ground Tea
Now if you’re looking to quench your thirst, ask the waiter for Ground Tea. Also known as Lei Cha, this Hakka tea is made from a blend of tea leaves, peanuts, ginger, sesame, rice, and green beans, ground into a powder and brewed into a refreshing drink with a vibrant green color.
- Poon Choi
Experience the ultimate feast with Poon Choi, a basin dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Layers of meat, seafood, and vegetables are stacked in a basin, creating a mouthwatering ensemble of flavors and textures that is sure to impress.
- Chop Suey
Chop Suey, a classic Hakka dish, is a colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables, meats, and savory sauces. With its crunchy texture and vibrant flavors, Chop Suey is a feast for the senses that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Why Try Hakka Cuisine in Canada?
The popularity of Hakka Cuisine in Canada is mostly due to the migration of the Hakka Chinese community from China to the ports in Calcutta and Madras, triggered by Mao Zedong’s and the 1st World War. They created their own little China Town in Tangrain East-Kolkata, and the legacy of the Indian version of Hakka noodles started from there. The Hakka cuisine that we see in Canada today is a mix of Chinese and Indian cuisine.
Today, there are dozens of Hakka restaurants in Toronto alone, serving anyone hungry for bold flavors of the Hakka cuisine.
Final Say
Well, have you decided which Hakka dish you’d like to try the next time you eat outdoors? Whether you’re a longtime fan of Hakka cuisine or looking to treat your tastebuds to something new, you can’t go wrong with choosing any of these above mentioned dishes. So why wait? Visit a Hakka restaurant near you and discover the rich flavors of Hakka cuisine right here in Ontario.
