In this article we will do a local food showdown, comparing the nutritional value of Char Siew Rice, Chicken Rice and Duck Rice, and conclude on the healthiest option.
Char Siew Pork Rice
“Char siew” means “fork burn or roast”, named after the traditional method of cooking long seasoned strips of pork on a fork over fire. Char siew pork rice is served with slices of char siew, sliced cucumber, white rice and covered in a sweet gravy or dark soy sauce. Generally you can choose steamed white rice or the oily chicken rice.
Chicken Rice
The chicken is cooked by boiling the entire chicken in a pork and chicken bone stock. The rice is very oily as it involves a chicken stock specially created to flavor the rice. Served with sliced cucumber, sometimes steamed Chinese vegetables, and always a mixture of chili sauce with garlic and ginger.
Duck Rice
Prepared in much the same way as the chicken rice, except, generally the duck is prepared either roasted or braised in thick gravy. The rice is still flavorful and oily.
And the winner is…
(photo: KayOne73)
Char siew rice has the lowest calories and fat!
By guest contributor Natalie Black, an accredited Exercise Physiologist
