Xiashui Dog Meat

Xiashui Dog Meat

　　Xiashui Dog Meat

　　Xiashui Dog Meat is the second most popular dish after Xiashui Sour Soup Fish, and many passersby and friends enjoy coming to Xiashui to eat dog meat. The meat is tender and has a pure flavor. To be precise, Xiashui Dog Meat is called Xiashui Straw-Fired Dog Meat. It is precisely because of the straw-firing technique — the so-called “natural” method — that it differs in taste from those cooked with blowtorches or coal in other places. In addition, the people of Xiashui are quite particular when selecting dogs. They only choose local rural dogs — no pedigree or bred dogs — and generally only those weighing around ten-plus pounds, neither too old nor too young, which contributes to its unique flavor compared to elsewhere.

　　Xiashui Dog Meat is also known as Xiashui Straw-Fired Dog Meat. Due to the straw-firing technique — the so-called "natural" method — it differs in taste from those cooked with blowtorches or coal in other places. Moreover, the locals are choosy about the dogs used, selecting only native rural dogs and not bred ones, usually choosing those weighing around ten pounds — neither too old nor too young — which results in a distinct flavor.

　　Xiashui Dog Meat Hot Pot is considered a standout among the delicacies of southeastern Guizhou. The so-called hot pot, in simple terms, means cooking large chunks of meat in a big pot, drinking from big bowls, and enjoying a hearty feast. The dogs used are typically around ten pounds, local yellowish canines with tender meat and thin skin. After slaughtering, they are smoked with straw until the skin turns slightly yellow and becomes crispy. The meat is then cut into large pieces and placed in a big iron pot, with clear water (from the Qingjiang River) poured in. It is boiled over a hardwood fire at medium-high heat until more than half-cooked — the meat fragrant, the soup rich, the skin crispy, and the bones easy to pick off. Later, a small iron pot is placed on a charcoal stove, where the original broth from the big pot is ladled in. Dog meat essence (mint), long green onions, and coriander are added to make the broth. Once the broth boils, small pieces of dog meat are added. A premium dipping sauce (local facing-heaven chili peppers, green onions, ginger, dog meat essence, and coriander — the essence being essential) is served alongside, along with rice wine and seasonal fresh vegetables.

　　Nowadays, there are many dog meat restaurants in Xiashui, but to enjoy authentic dog meat hot pot, you’ll have to visit during market days (every Friday) or local festivals (such as the folk festival on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month). Also, make sure to choose renowned chefs, such as “Xie Liuba,” “Zhang Laosi,” and “Gu Laodong.”