2018/09/21

This workshop was a tour where a guide who has lived in Hong Kong for over 20 years was invited as the instructor, and while walking around the shops in the market, he explained popular vegetables in Hong Kong and how to cook them. Applications were received immediately after the announcement, and so many people applied that there was a waiting list.

The tour took place in a market close to North Point Station.

First, we will go to the fruit section to review the basics of street shopping, units of measurement, and quantifiers.
If the display says "HK$1 per bunch," it means HK$38 for 450g. Tell the staff the amount or quantity you want based on the weight and price of a bunch of grapes.

Next, we were shown to the tofu section. Most of the tofu in the market is made on the same day, so it's very fresh! There were many different types of tofu for sale, depending on their hardness. There were many questions here, such as how to buy it and what kind of dishes each type of tofu goes well with. We asked the staff in Cantonese each time, and some people said, "I'll give it a try."

In the vegetable section, we were given an explanation of the taste and cooking methods of vegetables that are unfamiliar in Japan. Although they are very similar, as we introduced in Vol. 28, there is a trick to easily distinguish between choi sum and gai lan. Since they have different tastes, there are many ways to cook them depending on your preference. The street market staff also joined in and introduced the vegetables in a fun way!

Finally, we went to the fish section. Everyone was surprised to see fish still swimming in the fish tank! Many people said they would like to try it after learning that even if they don't speak Cantonese, they can still fillet the fish if they order like this.

This workshop gave me the opportunity to see fresh ingredients and hear actual explanations, giving me the motivation to shop at the market in the future.