Bui Dog Meat

Bui Dog Meat

　　Bui Dog Meat

　　Dogs are among the “six domestic animals” first domesticated by humans. Before the Han Dynasty, eating dog meat was relatively common throughout China. After the Han Dynasty, some regions gradually stopped consuming it. Nevertheless, most parts of Guizhou have retained the tradition of eating dog meat. Among these, “Bui Dog Meat” boasts a distinctive taste and is said to have a history of over 300 years. By the time of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty, the government was corrupt and incompetent, warfare was frequent, and living and production standards were very low. The people suffered from hunger and cold, poverty, disease, and malaria epidemics. When people fell ill, they lacked the means to prevent or treat their conditions. It was by chance that someone cooked and ate a family dog that had been killed by being struck on the head with a hoe—after removing the fur and cleaning the meat. This person’s malaria was cured, and their health recovered. When this story spread, others suffering from the same illness tried the same method and found it effective. At the same time, it was observed that eating dog meat could also increase body warmth and had the effects of dispelling wind and dampness, as well as invigorating energy and boosting vitality. From then on, dog meat became a local remedy and tonic.

　　Dog meat is a favorite food of the Buyi people and is also commonly served to guests. It is highly popular with tourists from both China and abroad. With the influence of Wuji Bui Ethnic Flavor Dog Meat Restaurant, many other dog meat restaurants with various names such as “Local Flavor,” “Zhenning Flavor,” “Liuma Flavor,” and “Country Style” emerged. These establishments formed a distinctive local ethnic-style dog meat street centered around Zhenba Road in Zhenning County. Bui Dog Meat is a unique delicacy meticulously refined from traditional cooking methods of local ethnic minorities, especially the Buyi people. In July 2003 and July 2005, it was successively awarded the titles of “Guizhou Famous Hot Pot” and “Guizhou Famous Dish.” It has been included in “China’s Qian Cuisine,” recorded in the “Chinese Famous Dishes Collection – Guizhou Volume” as well as the “Guizhou Province Culinary Encyclopedia.”

　　The uniqueness of “Bui Dog Meat” lies in: first, the selection of ingredients and cooking techniques (such as blanching, scraping, burning, boiling, and stewing), where apart from salt, no seasonings or additives (such as MSG or chicken essence) are used—making it purely natural food processing. Second, the dog meat is tender, the skin is golden yellow, the texture is crispy and fragrant, the broth is clear and not thick, and the taste is delicious and aromatic. Third, the dipping sauce is primarily made from locally produced small chili peppers (originally known as Huashan Small Chili Peppers), combined with other seasonings, resulting in a richly spicy and long-lasting aftertaste.

　　The nourishing philosophy of Bui Dog Meat aligns with the theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. It corresponds to the five flavors and the five elements: in spring, the flavor is associated with wood and can nourish the liver; in summer, with fire and the heart; in the summer-autumn period, with earth and the spleen; in autumn, with metal and the lungs; and in winter, with water and the kidneys. It is suitable for all seasons. It suits people of all ages and genders, offering not only therapeutic benefits but also preventive and conditioning effects, greatly promoting harmony between the human body and the natural balance of Yin and Yang.

　　The uniqueness of “Bui Dog Meat” lies in the processes of blanching, scraping, burning, boiling, the use of local specialty seasonings, and the fresh chili dipping sauce. It also lies in the endless variations of dog meat soup, stuffed dog intestines, dog paws, dog penis, and numerous other dog-based delicacies.