Food is where the heart is

The mixed HK O'Man pig knuckle.HK O'Man restaurant's signature dishes include the plain rice with lard, the mixed HK O'Man pig knuckle and poon choi, or basin cuisine, served in large wooden, porcelain or metal basins.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Black garlic has become very popular among foodies for its health benefits and distinct flavor in recent years, and Chinese people also believe knuckles are good for health, due to their rich content of collagen and calcium.

The mixed HK O'Man pig knuckle served as an entree consists of knuckles cooked in two ways－some are deep-fried, the others are boiled and brined in salty soup flavored by myriad traditional Chinese herbs and flavorings, such as soy sauce, star anise, cumin, pepper and cinnamon.

Sided with two dressings－chili powder and flavored soy sauce－that are placed in two small round plates, knuckles of each flavor are presented together on each side of a plate to resemble a tai chi pattern.

The deep-fried knuckles are hot, having a golden and crispy surface and tender inside, and are deliciously meaty. The brined knuckles are cold and savory, with mixed flavors from the seasonings.