Sixi Kaofu
四喜烤麸 · Sìxǐ Kǎo Fū
🌶
📍 Common
Sixi Kaofu is a beloved Shanghainese cold dish that's always on the banquet table. Kaofu (baked gluten) is a spongy wheat gluten product that absorbs flavors like a sponge. It's simmered with wood ear mushrooms, dried daylily flowers, and peanuts in a soy sauce and sugar-based sauce until the gluten absorbs all the liquid. The result is a glossy, sweet-savory dish with a satisfying chew. 'Sixi' means 'four joys,' traditionally referencing four auspicious ingredients. It's served cold as an appetizer.
📖 History
Kaofu originated in Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and was adopted by Shanghainese home cooks. It's a must-have dish for family reunions and New Year celebrations.
🍝 Where to eat it:
Available at most Shanghainese restaurants and cold dish counters. Also found at traditional Shanghai bakeries and delis.
Available at most Shanghainese restaurants and cold dish counters. Also found at traditional Shanghai bakeries and delis.