Just a FEW people were out on this cold a blustery day enjoying the 47th Hong Kong Brands and Product Expo.
“Ren Shan Ren Hai” is an old Chinese expression that literally means, “People Mountain, People Sea.” and let me tell you this day is a good example of this expression. The mobs of people all congregate around the vendors handing out free food samples and then it just becomes one consolidated wedge of people with all of the excitement of the delicious smells from the food that transcending the masses. This is not an experience for the faint of heart.
Dried Abalone
If you love free food sample and do not suffer from people phobia, this expo runs through this weekend in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay up until January 7th, 2012. Now don’t you worry one little bit if abalone is not your thing, I have a fantastic little recipe coming your way too.
Asian eggplant with garlic oyster Sauce
There are isles and isles of brands selling all your traditional Chinese condiments and everything you need to make your Cantonese dishes. Lets see we have your assorted dry marine products…
Assorted dried marine products
Bird nests, marinated duck tongues, 1000 year old eggs
Mystery sausages, and all of the other necessities to make your Chinese brews.
Mystery Sausage Products
However, I do love a good spicy XO sauce, check out my recipe for Pan Fried Noodles with Spicy XO Sauce http://bamskitchen.com/2012/09/25/pan-fried-beef-noodles-with-spicy-xo-sauce/
XO Sauce
In addition, ginger candy is a nice to warm you on a cold day.
Chinese Ginger Candy
Now it is time to get away from the masses and chaos and enjoy what we love the best around the holiday seasons in Hong Kong, eating homemade Chinese dishes. This dish is very special to me as it was recreated and re-engineered by my dear friend Lynn.
Lynn and I have visited the Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao restaurant on many occasions as we are on a mission to recreate their delicious eggplant with oyster garlic sauce appetizer. I know this is not a teenager friendly dish but sometimes moms need their special day of glory as well.
Eggplant with garlic oyster sauce is a delicious and light appetizer that really brings out the sweetness of the Asian eggplants and the savory of the sauce. This appetizer is a breeze to make. From kitchen to dining room table it takes less than 15 minutes. (In addition, if you have happen to working with 9 fingers or less from a mandolin incident, this recipe is perfectly easy.) Eggplant with garlic oyster sauce can be served warm or at room temperature which make it an awesome choice for a gathering.
Have you ever worked with an Asian eggplant? As you know eggplant does not keep its brilliant purple color when it is stir fried but turns brown due to the oxidation and the heat. We tried baking the egg-plant but it still oxidized. So finally, during our last visit to this restaurant we finally asked the cook about his special secret for keeping the eggplant its brilliant purple. The special secret is done with a hot and quick flash fry. This dish is so light and delicate.
Re-Engineered Crystal Jade Asian Eggplant with Garlic Oyster Sauce
Serves 4-6 adults as an appetizer
- 1 Asian eggplant (skinny eggplant)
- oil for frying
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- fresh Chinese chili peppers and spring onions, minced
Step 1: Cut eggplant into one inch slices.
Step 2: Fry the eggplant in hot oil for about one minute and set on plate with a tea towel to drain.
Step 3: Mix the oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced chili pepper together.
Step 4: Spoon a little bit of the garlic sauce onto the top of each of the fried eggplant slices.
Step 5: Garnish with fresh spring onions and enjoy.
Danny @ 1227 Foster
January 4, 2013 at 11:25 pm
What a great Expo – so much to explore and try! The egg plant dish sounds so easy and tasty since everything tastes better fried
Happy New Year!
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 9:26 am
Hello Danny, it was a great EXPO and today is the last day. I am thinking about heading back today as I could not see everything on my first visit due to crowd control issues. Wishing you a very happy 2013! Take care, BAM
sybaritica
January 4, 2013 at 11:50 pm
I could spend hours and hours at that Expo
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 9:31 am
You would have loved it! Everything you need for your Chinese recipes. Take care, BAM
bakeaffairs
January 5, 2013 at 12:02 am
This Expo look like a great adventure!
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 9:36 am
I never really thought about it that way but yes it is. I think sometimes when you live someplace instead of just visiting you start to take things for granted. I should continue to live life like I am always on a holiday in Hong Kong, it makes life more fun. Take care, BAM
Jeno @ Week Nite Meals
January 5, 2013 at 12:15 am
Don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of tasting this dish, thank you for recreating the recipe Bam!
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 9:38 am
I am so glad we finally broke down and asked the chef his little secrets for making this dish. It is simple but quite tasty. Take Care, BAM
bentodays
January 5, 2013 at 12:28 am
Looks delicious and simple enough, shall try this, Thanks for sharing!
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 9:50 am
Super simple. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
Norma Chang
January 5, 2013 at 12:37 am
How I would love to get my hands on some of those Dried Abalone. I know they are pricey, did you find out how much it was selling for?
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 9:15 am
Norma, I am sorry I did not catch a price for you but I am sure it was good as all the expo vendors were having sales. Can you get fresh or canned abalone in the States?
Norma Chang
January 6, 2013 at 8:43 am
We can get canned abalone in the States but the brand I like is very pricey, haven’t bought it in years not sure how much it cost now. Next time I go to NYC I should remember to check it out.
Dawn
January 5, 2013 at 1:17 am
Wow, I would love to go to that Expo – even though I hate crowds, I would deal with it for the free samples!
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 9:12 am
Hi Dawn, it is like a super intense day at Costcos with free samples. Take Care, BAM
Sibella at bakingwithsibella.com
January 5, 2013 at 1:41 am
Mmmm that eggplant looks so delicious! I love reading your posts about things that happen in that part of the world! Keep writing!
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 9:01 am
Thank you Sibella. As we are nearing the Chinese New Year I thought I would take this opportunity to celebrate the place, food and culture of where I live, Hong Kong, China. More stories from 6000 miles away coming your way. Take care, BAM
gwynnem
January 5, 2013 at 2:39 am
I love eggplant and the wonders on Hong Kong. Thanks for taking me back down memory lane. Wish I could push my way through this expo, too!
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 8:57 am
Pushing through is really the best term here. However you have to be careful of the persistent little grandmas with their carts as they can be ruthless around your achilles tendons…as they are on the mad dash towards the free food samples… LOL
cecilia
January 5, 2013 at 3:45 am
What beautiful food and all these great shots.. how are you Bam?!! c
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 8:41 am
Hi there Cecilia, welcome back! All is well but I am still down to 9 fingers for a bit. Take care, BAM
cecilia
January 5, 2013 at 9:43 am
I will take care.. around sharp knives! You didn’t chop your whole finger Off did you in which case my attempt at humour is dreadfully out of line.. c
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 9:12 am
Your humor is well appreciated. No I did not take the whole digit off but essentially took off the whole tip of my index finger. I like to do things big!
tableofcolors
January 5, 2013 at 4:47 am
Such an interesting post! Your eggplant appetizer is absolutely beautiful! And I definitely agree Mom’s need their “day of glory” occassionally!
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 8:39 am
Every once in a while we need to be good to ourselves. If mama is not happy then nobody is happy! Take care, BAM
Fae's Twist & Tango
January 5, 2013 at 4:52 am
Wow! If I see eggplants on a menu, I have to have it. The photo with abalone… “People Mountain, People Sea.” abalone mountain, abalone sea!
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 8:38 am
You know when I was a little kid I did not like eggplant at all. I think it was the whole texture thing. However, now I just adore all dishes with this lovely vegetable. Take care, BAM
yummychunklet
January 5, 2013 at 6:14 am
Your eggplant looks wonderfully purple and delicious!
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 8:27 am
I just love eggplant and of course my boys do not but every once in a while I make things just for me.
Kathleen Richardson
January 5, 2013 at 8:45 am
I loved looking over your shoulder at the Expo, BAM.
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 10:32 am
Thanks Kathleen! Maybe it would be best if one went to the food expo and sat on someones shoulders while walking around, just so you can get a birds eye view and scout out all the free samples… Take care, BAM
zestybeandog
January 5, 2013 at 8:56 am
Looks superb! I don’t know if we could handle it, we aren’t for big crowd or lines!!! Happy New Year!
Bam's Kitchen
January 5, 2013 at 10:30 am
Hong Kong is one big crowd and que at all times. Do you know we have over 8 million people living on this little island? You might not want to choose Asia as a holiday destination so instead you can just view my pictures. Happy New Years to you Jen!
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 9:18 am
Jen, maybe if you ever come to Hong Kong we could take you out for the nature hikes instead. Believe it or not people always think of HK with all the city life but almost 80 percent green so maybe we could visit that part instead. Take care, BAM
Eha
January 5, 2013 at 10:04 am
Oh my, have been scrolling up and down for the last five minutes wishing I had a transport genie to order around! Love that expo!! Surely the dried abalone was not given away as a ‘sample’!! Just had lunch and almost used up my lone eggplant: now I know why I had a beef strifry instead! Shall try this tomorrow even tho’ my eggplant kind’of comes from the wrong family!! Absolutely the one ‘sus’ product was that of the ‘mystery sausage’ jar: hmm: wonder exactly what went into that
!
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 9:11 am
Hello Eha, you most certainly could substitute a western eggplant for an Asian eggplant. This would be equally delicious just bigger pieces thats all. So maybe you could cut eggplant in half or quarters so they are more bite sized. I have learned one very very important lesson living in Asia. Don’t ever eat the Asian sausages! You know all the things you would never eat off an animal parts? This is exactly the products that they grind up and put in their sausages. Need I say more… Take care, BAM
ChgoJohn
January 5, 2013 at 2:48 pm
How I would love to visit that Expo with you, BAM! I wouldn’t go it alone because I’d have no idea of what I was looking at or for. I’d put you to work as my guide, though, and you would reveal its mysteries to me. First, we get our own cart …
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 9:03 am
You are welcome to tag along anytime you wish. First step is we have to get you a proper grandma cart to haul all of your food! I remember when I first moved here I was just scared of all the items. I would just look away and shutter as some things are a bit scary. However knowing what they are, and how to use them really takes away the fear factor. Trust me, there are still some things I would not touch with a ten foot pole. I know what they are and refuse to eat them and would make sure you stay clear away from them with your grandma cart. Take care, BAM
Tandy
January 5, 2013 at 9:00 pm
I don’t do crowds very well but I do think that with these ingredients on offer I would brave them!
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 8:54 am
I am right along with you in regards to crowds. I brave them out of necessity, but I prefer the countryside. Great news for you, you can everything you need in your local grocery store. If you cannot get Asian skinny eggplants you can substitute a standard eggplant. Take care, BAM
petit4chocolatier
January 5, 2013 at 9:55 pm
Bam, I want to go to the expo!! The Jade Asian Eggplant looks incredible!!
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 8:48 am
Maybe you can sit on top of my shoulders so that you can see at the expo. Wishing you a happy weekend. Take care, BAM
petit4chocolatier
January 6, 2013 at 9:18 am
Have a great weekend too
dianeskitchentable
January 6, 2013 at 2:17 am
That Expo would be amazing to go to but I think within a few minutes off ‘too many people’ I’d be cowering & whimpering in a corner. I was really trying to figure out what that abalone was before scrolling down to see the answer but you got me on that one. Did you end up buying any ‘mystery’ stuff?
Now that eggplant does look great & look how beautifully you presented it! The photo is a work of art as well as the eggplant.
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 8:34 am
Diane, crowds are just part of the life here in Hong Kong. I live in a city with 8 million other people. It is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Mong Kok one of the areas within HK, was the top in the world. Really this photo is no different than many of the photo shots of just a normal day in the streets of central or the shopping district of Causeway bay. I know this thought would make most people shutter. As a result, I get out into nature alot and hike and get away from the people as I am a country girl in my heart. I bought lots of mystery stuff… as now it is no longer a mystery for me and there were lots of bargains. I bought about a years worth supply of spicy XO sauce, ginger candies, some dried Chinese herbs so that I can makes broths and soups, and of course tried lots of samples along the way. Take care, BAM
dianeskitchentable
January 7, 2013 at 3:59 am
I can easily see why you go for the great escape. It sounds like such an interesting & exciting city and what an experience for you boys. I’m chuckling because we love going into Boston which is more like a small town but believe it or not, we’re just 45 minutes outside of the city & our population is all the way up to 1,400 (that might include those resting in the cemetery I’m not sure).
You surely do love that XO sauce!
Karen
January 6, 2013 at 4:29 am
My husband could not attend the expo with the crowds…even if they paid him. One thing I do know though is that he would live this dish. Good news, he can pretend he is visiting when I make him this tasty dish.
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 8:24 am
I know the crowds of Hong Kong can be overwhelming. Your hubby will love this dish. It is so easy and with very minimal effort quite tasty. I have it listed as an appetizer but it also is a very good side vegetable to any Chinese dish. Take care, BAM
john@kitchenriffs
January 6, 2013 at 7:38 am
Looks like a great food festival! I love things like that. And I really like the recipe you’re sharing – I need more eggplant recipes. Great flavorings. Interesting that flash frying preserves the color. I wonder if it acts like blanching does for green beans or other things? Something to experiment with. Good stuff – thanks.
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 8:06 am
Hello John, I think I need to experiment more with other veggies to see if this concept works like blanching. I am not really fond of fried foods. I prefer my foods baked but this version is not greasy at all and leaves a vibrant color to the eggplant and because we eat with our eyes first, this is a very good thing. Take care, BAM
rsmacaalay
January 6, 2013 at 3:12 pm
Hey I never been there and heard of this when I was there, did you when did this started? does this happen every year?
I love you recipe today and will make this soon, looking for lots of vegetable inspirations recently.
Bam's Kitchen
January 6, 2013 at 5:47 pm
I guess it is an annual event and this is the 47th one in Victoria park. Actually my youngest teenager is performing Kung fu tonight as a part of the closing ceremonies for the event. I have my camera packed and ready. Take care, BAM
Conor Bofin
January 6, 2013 at 11:03 pm
Lovely stuff BAM, You have captured the expo so well. Lovely looking eggplant.
Best,
Conor
Bam's Kitchen
January 7, 2013 at 7:22 am
The most difficult part of gathering any photos is that I am so short and the people are just everywhere, especially where the free food is. It was a relief to come home and spend some time alone in my kitchen without 8 million of my closest friends all crammed in around me. I guess that is why I love the sanctuary of Bam’s Kitchen. Take care, BAM
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
January 7, 2013 at 1:33 am
Oh how I wish I could visit that expo Bam…
Sure I would not know half the stuff there but I will still enjoy the experience to the max
Thank you for the glimpse into this beautiful event
Bam's Kitchen
January 7, 2013 at 7:17 am
Come on over Sawson and I can give you a personal tour. Last night was the last night for this huge event and I was back there again not for the food, but my youngest teenager was performing Kung Fu in the closing ceremonies. I think it was even busier last night, if you can believe it. Take care, BAM
Sawsan@ Chef in disguise
January 7, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Thank you Bam for the offer , maybe someday
You must have been a proud mum, watching your son perform infront of such a huge croud
Bam's Kitchen
January 7, 2013 at 3:52 pm
Anytime and Thank you Sawson. He did a great job-the Kung Fu Kid!
Hannah (BitterSweet)
January 7, 2013 at 10:21 am
Wow, those crowds are seriously intimidating! Not sure if I’d be able to manage the chaos, but it looks like there would be enough foods and exciting products at the expo to make it worth the struggle. So glad you could be there and share your experiences with us!
Bam's Kitchen
January 7, 2013 at 4:03 pm
Crowds in Hong Kong are a little overwhelming and I must say that on most days when I see people heading in one direction I go the other way but as you know I love food so I could not resist. Local vendors seemed very amused that I was there as these foods products are all very local fare. However, they were even more amused that I was looking for something very particular that I was going to be using in Bam’s Kitchen. They loved it!
Natalie
January 7, 2013 at 10:35 am
Wow great photos and some really good eats!
Bam's Kitchen
January 7, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Thank you Natalie for stopping by. Take care, BAM
Kate Johnson
January 7, 2013 at 7:27 pm
Nice Post .!!
theglobalgarnishgeek
January 7, 2013 at 11:46 pm
Great photos. Wish I could be there!
Geni - Sweet and Crumby
January 8, 2013 at 2:58 am
I wish I could be there! What a tasty and amazing event.
tijuana (po' man meals)
January 8, 2013 at 11:42 am
awesome photos! great capture of that amazing expo. it looks very exciting. your eggplant appetizer looks delish, too!
Bam's Kitchen
January 8, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Thanks so much for stopping by. I found your web site the other day while looking for something to do with my frozen chicken breasts and just love your little space on the blogisphere. Great budget food ideas and so delicious. Looking forward to keeping in touch. Take Care, BAM
jothetartqueen
January 8, 2013 at 1:13 pm
What an event! the crowd looks a little intimidating but if I was in Hong Kong, I would brave the crowds for a little taste of this and that..
Bam's Kitchen
January 8, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Hello Jo, I know you love a good market and this one was very unique because it was only Hong Kong Brands. “When your in Rome….” I think if you cook with local ingredients your food is always better and you can really expand your culinary techniques. Have a super day. BAM
Nami | Just One Cookbookn
January 8, 2013 at 2:21 pm
It’ll be a hard decision for me. I’d love to go to this kind of food related event but I hate crowds (and who would believe I’m from crowded city in Japan). It was fun reading this post as I was there. My husband will buy tons of those dried abalone.
Bam's Kitchen
January 8, 2013 at 3:34 pm
There is nothing like an experience in Shibuya- eki train station during rush hour traffic to make you feel like a sardine. Hong Kong is pretty much the same. Usually when all the crowds are going in one direction, I usually go the other but you know I am a foodie so I could not resist this Expo. Take Care, BAM
Christine (@cookingcrusade)
January 8, 2013 at 8:02 pm
These look delicious! I love Asian eggplants
Bam's Kitchen
January 9, 2013 at 5:01 pm
Thanks Christine for stopping by. I also prefer Asian eggplants as they have less seeds and a different texture compared to the Western eggplants. Have a super day. BAM
mysfkitchen
January 9, 2013 at 8:27 am
Wow it looks packed! But what wonderful, interesting foods!
Bam's Kitchen
January 9, 2013 at 5:05 pm
Packed just like a can of sardines. However, there were some good deals on the last day of the expo. Take care, BAM
wok with ray
January 10, 2013 at 1:46 pm
Happy New Year, Bam!! Those eggplants look delicious especially using Asian eggplants.
Bam's Kitchen
January 10, 2013 at 10:17 pm
Happy New Year to you too Ray! Asian eggplants are my favorite. I like them better as they have less seeds and a better texture than the Western eggplants. In addition they are just a perfect bite for an appetizer. Take care, BAM
peachkins
January 10, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Happy New Year Bam!! That Ginger candy looks interesting!
Bam's Kitchen
January 10, 2013 at 10:14 pm
Thank you and a very happy new year to you too! This ginger candy is particularly very good and chewy. 2 at the most is all you can try at a time as it is very warming. Take Care, BAM
Hannah (BitterSweet)
January 28, 2013 at 10:27 am
Oh what torture! Chinese eggplant used to be a favorite of mine, but now it makes my throat and stomach burn horribly. I can’t believe I’m intolerant to such a delicious vegetable. Perhaps I’ll have to try your technique with zucchini now… I can’t do without those flavors altogether!
Bam's Kitchen
January 28, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Hello Hannah! Staying away from foods that cause you heartburn is a good thing. Substituting zucchini is a great solution and if the frying part is the issue then bake instead. It really is the sauce that makes the whole dish and any vegetable you put that sauce on, I know you will love it. Take care, BAM