Sweet and Sour Pork as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Sweet and Sour Pork is absolutely in that category. The aromatic and complex quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. Shaoxing wine does work that no substitute can replicate.

communal sharing at the table is culturally central. There's something about the a street stall in Chengdu context that reinforces the comfort effect. chrysanthemum tea alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.