At the table
Hold the folded bun together and bite through bun and filling. Remove any paper underneath first; use a plate to catch loose peanut powder and filling.
Contains pork, wheat, milk, peanuts, soy and sesame. The pork uses cooking rice wine; the pickled greens may be spicy.
请问酸菜辣吗？可以不加香菜吗？ — Are the pickled greens spicy? Could you leave out the coriander?
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
This version uses a milk-enriched steamed bun, braised pork belly, sweet peanut powder, coriander and pickled greens fried with lard and a little chili. Bun recipes, pork cuts and seasonings vary.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savory pork with peanut and pickled greens.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Soft folded bun and tender pork.
- How it’s made
- Steam the bun; fill with pork.
This version uses a milk-enriched steamed bun, braised pork belly, sweet peanut powder, coriander and pickled greens fried with lard and a little chili. Bun recipes, pork cuts and seasonings vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Taiwan.
About this regional connection
Taiwan: A Taiwanese specialty.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有刈包吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Why it is called tiger bites pig
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
The folded bun resembles a mouth holding pork, giving gua bao its nickname 虎咬猪, tiger bites pig. In Taiwan it is a familiar snack-stall food: soft bread, rich pork, tangy greens and sweet peanut powder are eaten together.