Expert: Min-Fu Chien - 7/3/2004

Question
I am a cook in America. I have heard that chicken feet is eaten China. How is it prepared and served? What does it taste like? I would like to try it. None is served here in Northern Californa USA. Is there a special chicken that is bred for that dish? Did the recent bird flu remove many of the chicken used for that dish? What is chicken feet served with? Rice or vegtables? Is chicken feet considered a special dish for celabrations or can it be bought off the street from sidewalk venders. I lived in Korea for a year long ago and remember sidewalk cooking was very common and tasty. Cheap too. I miss that very much. Please respond. Larry  

Answer
Hi Larry,
Yes the chicken feet are served as dishes,especially in Canton province,including HK. Actually,it's not taht formal as a dish,it's more like what you mentioned about,the food stands on the sidewalk who sell it as ...snacks.

The ways chinese people prepare the chicken feet are mostly stewd or salad...yes,a bit jelly style....

The bird flu has been dimoished so far,so no problem for that.Frankly I like stewed chicken feet,especially when I watch some soap opera on TV or any entertaining programmes,hehe.