Bakkwa, or 肉干 (rougan), is a necessity when it comes to the lunar Chinese New Year celebration. The term Bakkwa is derived from the Hokkien word for dried meat (Bak means meat, Kwa means dried). If you are like me, CNY is not complete without this moreish snack. Thanks to the world of capitalism and market competitiveness, we are now blessed with different types of dried meat, from the traditional pork jerky to even ostrich now.
Have ever stopped chewing midway and wondered to yourself: why do we even have this during CNY? Fret not, sit back, relax and enjoy your piece of heavenly Bakkwa while I indulge you in a little titbit of the origin of this irresistible snack.
Where did it come from?
Just like its etymology, Bakkwa originated from the Fujian (or Hokkien as we know it) province of China. Back when poverty was strife and there were not much resources, pork (or meat in general) was a luxury that not many people could afford. Hence, it was kept for the lunar new year. These succulent barbecued meats were prepared quite similarly to today's, first sliced into thin strips and dipped in a sugar and spice marinade before being air-dried and cooked over a hotplate.
In the early 15th century, many Hokkien immigrants migrated to the Malay archipelago in search of better prospect. In this they brought along their delicacies, including Bakkwa. Over time, this snack was since adapted and altered to suit local tastes. Our local Bakkwa are usually grilled over charcoal to introduce its distinct smokiness. Our version is sweeter compared to the original.
There are 2 different varieties of meat in Malaysia - minced and sliced. The minced version contains more fat and is easier on the teeth as it is prepared by shaping minced meat into slices before grilling. Sliced on the other hand is much tougher as it is prepared by just slicing of pieces of meat from a block.
So, the next time you indulge in this marvel of a snack, do take some time to appreciate its origins and history. Wishing everyone who celebrates, a joyful and prosperous Chinese New Year.
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