Traditional Poon Choi
Traditional Poon Choi (Chinese New Year Basin Dish)
A treasured dish in both Hakka and Cantonese traditions, Poon Choi (or Pen Cai) is a magnificent layered feast traditionally served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This luxurious combination of premium ingredients arranged in distinct layers creates an unforgettable dining experience that's perfect for special occasions.
Overview
- Prep Time: Varies by ingredients chosen
- Cook Time: 1-2 hours
- Servings: 2-4 people (2 as main dish, 4 when served with rice)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Description
Poon Choi is a remarkable celebration of textures and flavours, featuring a carefully arranged selection of meat, seafood, and vegetables in a unique three-layer presentation. While various regional interpretations exist, this recipe maintains traditional elements while keeping preparation manageable for home cooks.
Historical Background
This dish traces its origins to a compelling tale of hospitality: when an emperor and his army sought refuge in a village, the locals pooled their finest ingredients to create a feast, serving it in wooden wash basins to accommodate the large group. Today, while some villages maintain the tradition of wooden basins (soaked before use to prevent leakage), the dish is commonly served in metal bowls, porcelain containers, or clay pots.
Layer Construction Guide
Bottom Layer (Choose minimum 3)
These ingredients absorb the rich flavours from above:
- White radish
- Hydrated fried pig skin
- Napa cabbage
- Hydrated fried tofu skin sticks
- Lotus roots
Middle Layer (Choose minimum 3)
These ingredients provide rich flavours and gravy:
- Hydrated dried squid
- Pork stewed in Chinese vinegar
- Taro
- Hydrated shiitake mushrooms or other mushroom varieties
Top Layer (Choose minimum 3)
Premium ingredients that create visual appeal:
- Steamed or grilled chicken
- Roasted or grilled pork
- Fried or grilled fish
- Fish balls
- Fish cakes
- Abalone
- Broccoli
- Bok choy
- Mushrooms
- Black moss
Key Components
Stewed Pork Belly
The cornerstone of this dish is the stewed pork belly, which requires approximately one hour of simmering. The meat becomes wonderfully tender while absorbing the complex flavours of Chinese vinegar and spices. As it cooks, the rendered fat creates a rich gravy that enhances the entire dish, particularly benefiting the absorbent ingredients in the bottom layer.
Preparation Notes
1. The majority of components require quick cooking methods like stir-frying or deep-frying
2. Top layer ingredients can be purchased pre-cooked (such as roasted pork or grilled chicken) to save time
3. Ensure all dried ingredients are properly hydrated before assembly
4. Layer ingredients carefully to allow flavours to meld properly
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a centre piece dish for special occasions, particularly during Lunar New Year celebrations. While delicious on its own, it can be extended to serve more people when accompanied by steamed white rice.
Though preparation requires effort and attention to detail, the resulting dish offers an exceptional dining experience that honours this time-tested tradition.