Zhu Xue Gao! Challenging the Shocking Taiwanese Gourmet
Pig's Blood Cake (Zhu Xie Gao)
TaiwanTaipei, Linjiang Night Market
- Food Travel Log
- Encountering a deceptive yet delightful gourmet dish, I was confused by "zhu xie gao" (pig's blood cake). Made by steaming pig’s blood mixed with glutinous rice, it had a chewy texture. The peanut powder and cilantro demanded my brain to process the flavors. While it’s delicious once accustomed, the initial experience requires some courage. Don’t judge by first impressions; the second try is the real test.
- Taste Rating
- Price
- 35 New Taiwan Dollar
- Meal Date
- 5/6/2023
- Insights from the Gourmet AI
- Pig blood cake (Zhū xiě gāo) is a traditional Taiwanese snack, commonly found at night markets. This dish is made by mixing pig's blood with glutinous rice and then steaming it until solid. It is usually served with a topping of peanut powder and cilantro. Originally brought to Taiwan by immigrants from southern China, it has a long history and has become a distinctive representative of Taiwanese cuisine. Interestingly, pig blood cake was originally created as a way to enhance nutritional value during times of poverty. The key to cooking it lies in properly cooking the glutinous rice and thoroughly mixing it with the blood to achieve a flavorful and chewy texture. A tip for first-timers is to adjust the amount of peanut powder and cilantro to your liking for the best experience. When you first encounter pig blood cake, you might remember being overwhelmed by the new experience, akin to your brain going into information overload. Yet, by the second encounter, you find yourself enchanted by its taste, reflecting the endearing human quality of stumbling at first meetings but somehow excelling when it truly counts—a quality akin to a culinary connoisseur appreciating life.
Map: Discovery Location of This Food