Shanghai Pork Intestines: A Wine-Scented Clover Greens Specialty

When the richly braised pork intestines meet the fresh, wine-scented clover greens, deep brown and vibrant green create a stunning contrast on the plate. The rich aroma of soy sauce blends beautifully with the light fragrance of rice wine — this is Shanghai Pork Intestines with Clover, a dish that perfectly captures the creativity and balance of Benbang Cuisine. Pick up a piece of the glossy intestine with chopsticks, and the thick sauce drips slowly from its surface. As you take a bite, the soft, chewy pork and crisp, aromatic greens meet on your tongue — like hearing the gentle dialects of old Shanghai amid the grandeur of the Bund.

1. Origin and History

This dish was born in 1930s Shanghai and became a signature creation at local restaurants like Lao Zheng Xing. Clever Shanghai chefs paired everyday pork intestines with fresh spring clover greens. The combination reduces the fattiness of the meat while adding refreshing fragrance. It reflects the philosophy of “refined cooking of humble ingredients,” a hallmark of Shanghai cuisine.

2. Cultural Significance

In old Shanghai, this dish was often served at important banquets to show genuine hospitality. The pork intestines symbolize sincerity, while the greens represent freshness and renewal. Together, they mirror the Shanghainese spirit — practical yet elegant. The dish carries the inclusive and adaptable essence of Hai Pai culture and remains a nostalgic favorite in traditional Shanghai restaurants.

3. Key Ingredients

Use evenly thick sections of pork intestines, thoroughly cleaned with flour and vinegar to remove odor. The greens should be the tender three-leaf shoots of clover picked before the Qingming Festival. Add Shaoxing Huadiao wine, premium soy sauce, and rock sugar. The secret lies in caramelizing the sugar first — this gives the intestines their glossy red-brown color and deep flavor.

4. Cooking Process

Clean the pork intestines several times with flour and vinegar, then blanch and simmer slowly until tender. In another pan, caramelize rock sugar to a golden color, then add the intestines and braise until shiny and flavorful. Stir-fry the clover greens quickly and splash in Shaoxing wine. Finally, arrange the braised intestines neatly on top of the greens, letting the two components blend beautifully on the plate.

5. Flavor and Texture

The intestines are soft yet chewy, rich in savory depth. The greens are crisp and fresh, with the delicate aroma of Shaoxing wine. The first taste is sweet and savory, followed by a refreshing hint of wine, and finally a light, pleasant bitterness from the greens. Each bite unfolds layers of complex flavors, leaving a lasting impression.

6. How to Enjoy It

The most authentic way to eat this dish is to alternate between a piece of pork intestine and a bite of clover greens, enjoying how the two textures and flavors complement each other. Locals love to mix the rich sauce with a bowl of white rice — a perfect match. A warm cup of Shaoxing wine enhances the aroma and completes the experience.

7. Recommended Restaurants

You can try authentic Shanghai Pork Intestines with Clover at Lao Zheng Xing Restaurant (¥120–180 per person) or Shanghai Old Restaurant (¥150–200 per person). When ordering, ask for the intestines to be “well-braised” for the ideal tenderness. Spring is the best season to taste this dish, as the greens are at their freshest.

8. Travel Tips

In English, the dish is often called “Shanghai Pork Intestines with Clover.” If you’re not used to organ meats, you can request a smaller portion of intestines. Pair it with a cup of Longjing green tea to balance the rich flavors. Don’t waste the leftover sauce — locals love to use it for a simple bowl of plain noodles, known as Guang Mian, to finish the meal.

9. Easy Home Version

At home, you can use pre-cleaned pork intestines to simplify preparation and substitute spinach for clover greens. While it may not match the depth of a restaurant dish, with proper heat control and seasoning, you can still recreate much of its signature taste and aroma.

Come to Shanghai, a city forever young and full of stories, and let this classic dish take you on a flavorful journey through time. As the tender intestines melt in your mouth and the wine-scented greens dance on your tongue, you’ll understand why this creative pairing has become a timeless favorite. Under the glittering lights of the Bund, let Shanghai Pork Intestines with Clover tell you the most authentic story of Shanghai cuisine.