Alivongvong

Alivongvong
Alternative namesAlifengfeng
Region or stateTaiwan
Associated cuisineTaiwan
Main ingredientssticky rice, meat

Alivongvong, (Chinese: 阿里鳳鳳; pinyin: ālǐfèngfèng) is a traditional delicacy of the Amis people, one of Taiwanese indigenous peoples. This dish features a sticky rice dumpling filled with meat, carefully enclosed in a hand-crafted leaf basket. Typically, a combination of white and black sticky rice is used for the dumpling, and common fillings include pork, wild boar meat, fish, and mushrooms.[1] Alivongvong can be found at night markets in Taiwan and eateries that offer aboriginal culinary specialties, providing a taste of traditional Amis cuisine to a wider audience.[2]

Culinary method

The preparation of alivongvong involves using pandan leaves, chosen for their tenderness, which are stripped of thorns and edges. These leaves are then woven into small, free-standing baskets. The sticky rice, both white and black, is thoroughly washed and soaked overnight. The soaked rice is placed into the leaf baskets, filling them about two-thirds full.[3] The baskets are then steamed for about an hour, during which the pandan leaves impart their fragrance and flavour to the rice dumpling.[4]

Cultural significance

Alivongvong is often called the Amis lunchbox because of its convenient transportability, making it ideal for meals on the go. In the past, it was a common practice for Amis women to prepare these meals for their husbands who went hunting, highlighting the role of this dish in traditional Amis culture.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Alivongvong". Taste Atlas. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  2. ^ "The Bonds Between Island Nations — An Interview with Marshall Islands Ambassador Anjanette Kattil". New Southbound Policy Portal. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  3. ^ "原民粽子意義大不同 「阿里鳳鳳」等於愛心便當" (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Central News Agency. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  4. ^ "5 Hidangan Dumpling Khas Taiwan yang Paling Terkenal, Bikin Ketagihan!" (in Malay). IDN Times. 4 April 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Sustainable Food Wisdom —The Foraging Culture of the Amis People". Overseas Community Affairs Council. Retrieved 4 June 2024.