Zha Li Rou

One of the most cultured periods of Chinese history, and of Chinese cuisine, was that of the Southern Song Dynasty (1126-1279). The Imperial Court gave banquets with hundreds of dishes. Among them were delights such as hearty spareribs, marinated with honey, stewed and finally deep fried. Recreated and very much enjoyed by me in a Hangzhou restaurant, the dish offers a glimpse into the gastronomic delights of the Song court.