Wuxi San Feng Qiao's Pork Ribs

 

(Voiceover)

00:02 There is a very famous brand called San Feng Qiao in Wuxi city, Jiangsu Province. It's famous for the special, unique taste of its ribs.  

 

00:18 A lot of local people and travelers from all over the country come to San Feng Qiao to buy the delicious ribs.

 

00:33 Pork Ribs are a very popular food in China and the world.

 

(Interview)

Cao Genlin - Head Chef at Wuxi San Feng Qiao Meat Store

03:39 "There are some physical demands when braising spareribs. You need to be tall and strong enough for the heavy manual work. Putting the spareribs into the big pot, stir-frying them, taking them out, and so on. It is not for someone of average build."

 

(Voiceover)

01:20 Cao Genlin is the 6th successor of the unique skill of making San Feng Qiao ribs. He has a strong body because he makes ribs every day.

 

(Interview)

Cao Genlin - Head Chef at Wuxi San Feng Qiao Meat Store

01:30 "Many people envy me for having a healthy body. And I tell them they should try braising spareribs. In a few years the fat will probably fall off, and they'll start getting muscular."

 

01:42 "What's this?"

 

01:43 "Sugar."

 

01:48 "I'm pretty strong. You can feel if you like."

 

01:53 "Wow, muscles!"

 

01:56 Skill and strength are both important in making ribs.

 

02:05 "I've been working in San Feng Qiao since 1979. Back then the door and the fence around the shop were old and traditional. Initially, I couldn't get used to it. The working space was dirty and greasy. I was thinking about quitting. But my parents didn't let me."

 

02:48 "Braise them for a while on a lower flame. Just lower the flame and braise them for a bit."

 

02:58 "I wanted to quit. I even took some time off to look for other jobs. At the time, I was young, only 17 or 18 years old. I didn't think this job was promising. But eventually I held on and now I've worked here for dozens of years."

 

03:16 "Okay, one hour gone. It's time to take them out."

 

03:25 "Now I'm unwilling to leave. Although it's a tough job, I've gotten used to it and I don't want to leave now."

 

(Voiceover)

03:41 San Feng Qiao's ribs are hugely tasteful. Their color is red. The bones are soft. The aroma is rich. The sweet and salty taste of the sauce represents the food culture of Wuxi area.