Zhejiang Dong Po Pork (dōng pō ròu) 東坡肉

Dong po Pork is part of the Zhejiang Cuisine. Pork is clearly a meat of choice in China. This pork belly recipe should pretty much sum up the reason why. There was a man named Su Dongpo, he was an artist, writer and politician. He was exiled to the Huangzhou area for criticizing the Emperor. This dish is named after him, as one day when he was playing chess, he forgot his pork belly was left braising on the stove. When he returned home he tried what was left in the pot and to his surprise, it was tender and even more delicious than the original red cooked, pork belly recipe. This is a serious ‘melt in your mouth’, incredible dish. Every now and again, I almost thought I was eating candy. I loved it! I also would like to give a special shout out to our dear friend Dr. Steven Tidwell, who brought his camera for a day of Chinese food fun. This was his delectable shot. Thanks Steve!