🥣 Why is "Wan Zai Ying" actually not made with wings? Let's uncover the truth!

✨ Preface: The hot taste of the street

Hello everyone~ I'm back again to talk about classic Hong Kong snacks! 😋 Walking down the streets of Hong Kong, especially near schools or at markets, you'll always see vendors simmering bowls of piping hot chicken fins in giant pots.
It looks like a bowl of soup, filled with shredded ingredients and thickened with starch. It's warming and filling. 🤤 But here's the question: why is it called "Wan Zai Chi" (a type of fish dish) when there's no shark fin in it (i.e., no actual shark fin)?

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🐟 Shark fin background and expensive substitutes

What is shark fin originally?

"Shark fin" is actually the fins of sharks. After being trimmed, dried and foamed, it is often used to make the high-end dish "shark fin soup".
In traditional banquet culture, shark fin represents status and luxury and is considered a high-end ingredient. 💰

Why don’t street food eaters use real wings?

1. Expensive and unaffordable 💸
   Shark fin is expensive and ordinary people cannot afford to enjoy it every day.
2. Making trouble 🥵
   Real shark fins require a long time to process, which is difficult for street vendors to handle.
3. Supply issues 🌊
   The source of shark fin is limited, so it is impossible for it to be widely available in street stalls.

Therefore, vendors came up with the idea of ​​using substitutes to imitate the taste and appearance of shark fin soup, so that everyone can "satisfy their craving" at an affordable price.

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🥢 The birth of bowl-shaped chicken wings

Origin of the name

Because this street version of shark fin soup is usually served in a small bowl, people call it "bowl shark fin soup." It has "fin" in the name, but it doesn't actually contain real shark fin; it's a pure imitation. 😂

Core Features

• Use starch to make a thick soup
• Add shredded ingredients to mimic the texture of shark fin
• Affordable price, affordable for everyone

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🍲 Common ingredients for bowl-shaped shark's fin

Although there is no fin, the bowl of fin still has a rich variety of ingredients:

• Vermicelli or glass noodles : cut into short pieces to mimic the texture of shark fin
• Shredded wood ear mushrooms : Increase chewiness
• Shredded Enoki Mushrooms : Smooth and tender like wings
• Shredded chicken or ham : Provides protein and flavor
• Egg drop soup: makes the soup base smoother
• Thicken the soup base🥄: Use cornstarch water to thicken it, then add seasoning (pepper, sesame oil, vinegar)

The result is a delicious soup that looks high-end but is actually affordable.

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🧾 Why is it still popular?

1. Affordable price💵
   You can enjoy a bowl of hot and spicy food for just a few dozen dollars, which is very cost-effective.
2. The taste is similar 😋
   Although there are no wings, the vermicelli and shredded wood ear mushrooms do have a somewhat "wing-like" feel.
3. Street culture 🏙️
   Bowl of Shark's Fin has long been one of Hong Kong's unique snacks. Many people have eaten it during their school days, bringing back many memories.
4. Environmental awareness 🌍
   As the voices for shark protection grow louder, people tend to support "finless" bowl shark fin, which is both delicious and environmentally friendly.

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🌏 Regional popularity and cultural significance

• Hong Kong 🇭🇰: Bowl of Shark's Fin is a signature street food, especially popular among students.
• Macau : Similar versions can also be found in night markets or food stalls.
• South China cities : Some places also follow suit and call it "Vegetarian Shark's Fin Soup".

This snack reflects the flexibility and innovation of Hong Kong people and showcases the wisdom of "popularizing luxury."

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💡 Editor's Summary

I think the reason why "Wan Zai Zhi" is so classic is not because it contains real shark fin, but because of the meaning behind it. 💭
It represents the creative spirit of Hong Kong's street culture: presenting the experience of expensive ingredients in the most affordable way so that everyone can enjoy it. 🥰
So, next time you take a sip of bowl of shark fin soup, think about it - this is not just a bowl of soup, but a collective taste memory of Hong Kong people.

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🎤 Let me tell you

👉 Do you think bowl-style chicken wings should maintain their "no-wings" appeal, or should they occasionally add some truly premium ingredients? Leave a comment and let us know! 📩