Braised Pig Trotters
红烧猪蹄 · Hóngshāo Zhū Tí
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📍 Common
Braised Pig Trotters are a beloved Changsha snack and drinking food. The trotters are cleaned, chopped, and slowly braised in a mixture of dark soy sauce, rock sugar, star anise, cinnamon, and dried chilies for hours. The long cooking breaks down the collagen, turning the skin into a sticky, gelatinous, and deeply flavorful delicacy. The meat becomes so tender it falls off the bone. It's served hot, often with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and fresh chilies.
📖 History
Pig trotter braising has a long history in Hunan, where nose-to-tail eating is traditional. Changsha's version is spicier than other regions, reflecting local taste preferences.
🍝 Where to eat it:
Street stalls near Donggua Mountain (冬瓜山) are famous for late-night trotter snacks. Most Hunan restaurants also serve them.
Street stalls near Donggua Mountain (冬瓜山) are famous for late-night trotter snacks. Most Hunan restaurants also serve them.