char siu
Char siu is a popular style of Cantonese barbecued pork, characterized by its distinct red outer glaze and sweet, savory flavor profile. The meat—typically pork shoulder or belly—is marinated in a mixture of honey, five-spice powder, fermented bean curd, soy sauce, and hoisin, then roasted until tender and slightly charred at the edges. You will most commonly encounter this in Chinese cuisine, served thinly sliced over rice, inside steamed buns (char siu bao), or as a topping for noodle soups. It is a staple of dim sum and is considered a quintessential "comfort food" in Cantonese culture.
In conversation
Ordering lunch
I'll have the char siu over rice, please.
I'll have the char siu over rice, please.
Do you want extra sauce on that?
Do you want extra sauce on that?
Char siu is often served with a savory-sweet glaze drizzled on top.
Discussing dinner
Are we getting dim sum? I really want some char siu bao.
Are we getting dim sum? I really want some char siu bao.
Definitely, those fluffy pork buns are the best.
Definitely, those fluffy pork buns are the best.
'Bao' refers to the steamed bun, making 'char siu bao' a specific dish name.
Examples
I love the smell of fresh char siu.
I love the smell of fresh char siu.
The chef marinated the pork overnight to make the perfect char siu.
The chef marinated the pork overnight to make the perfect char siu.
Char siu is a cornerstone of Cantonese roast meat culture, requiring precise temperature control to achieve its signature glaze.
Char siu is a cornerstone of Cantonese roast meat culture, requiring precise temperature control to achieve its signature glaze.
