The Ubiquitous Shrimp

By this point you will have noted the extensive use of shrimp in dim sum. This is no accident. To the Cantonese, the word for shrimp is “har,” which is also the word which is the sound of laughter. Shrimp is regarded as a most felicitous food and is used in an uncountable number of ways as a main ingredient, as an accompaniment, and often as a subtle flavoring. No banquet, perhaps no Cantonese meal, is regarded as whole until the shrimp appears in some form to be eaten.

This section is devoted to shrimp as a prime filling for dim sum. Using the basic Cantonese filling, truly a classic recipe, you will be able to illustrate the compatibility of shrimp with other foods. Also included is that favorite dim sum of many people, shrimp toast.