Eight Treasure Duck

Babao Duck is one of Shanghai's grandest dishes. A whole duck is carefully deboned — leaving the skin intact — then stuffed with a mixture of glutinous rice, ham, mushrooms, chestnuts, lotus seeds, bamboo shoots, dried shrimp, and scallops (eight 'treasures'). It's then braised or steamed until the duck is meltingly tender and the stuffing has absorbed all the flavors. Served whole at the table, it's carved and each serving reveals the colorful stuffing inside.

📖 History

This dish originated in the imperial kitchens of the Qing Dynasty and was adopted by Shanghai's top restaurants in the early 20th century. It's traditionally served at banquets and celebrations.