Shaoshan, Hunan — Mao Zedong's birthplace; the dish became synonymous with his name and is served in restaurants across China
Mao shi hong shao rou: the version of red-braised pork favoured by Mao Zedong, made in Shaoshan style (Hunan). Heavier chili and more assertive than Shanghai version; uses local Hunan red chili for heat; rock sugar for sweetness. The dish is deliberately bold — Mao's fondness for it is documented and it became a national icon.
Bold, sweet-spicy, deeply caramelised pork — more assertive than Jiangnan versions; red chili heat
{"More chili than Shanghai version — Hunan flavour profile is hot and assertive","Rock sugar for the caramel base and lacquered glaze","Long braise (2+ hours) to render fat and convert collagen","Hunan doubanjiang can substitute or add to standard doubanjiang"}
{"The Shaoshan restaurant near Mao's birthplace serves this dish with taro and tofu skin as accompaniments","Fermented doubanjiang depth is optional but adds authentic Hunan character","Serve with a mountain of steamed white rice — the sauce is the reward"}
{"Using Shanghai-style restrained flavouring — Mao's version should be bolder","Insufficient braising time — pork should be melt-in-mouth tender","White sugar instead of rock sugar"}
Land of Fish and Rice — Fuchsia Dunlop