Cantonese Walnut Shrimp (He Tao Xia) — Honey Walnut Glaze
Hong Kong origin; popularised in Chinese-American restaurants
He tao xia (核桃虾) originated in Hong Kong in the 1980s and became the signature dish of Chinese-American restaurant culture. Prawns are velveted and deep-fried, then tossed in a creamy sweet mayonnaise sauce, served alongside honey-candied walnuts. The dish bridges Cantonese technique (velveting, deep-frying) with Western mayo. Its simplicity belies the precision required.