Pig Brain (Naohua)

What is naohua?

Nǎohuā (脑花) is pig brain cooked as a dish.[2] In Chinese cooking, brain is a delicacy in Chongqing and Sichuan cuisine, often cooked in spicy hot pot or barbecued.[1] In southern China, pig brain is also made into soup.[1]

Where in China is it eaten?

Sichuan and Chongqing are the heartland.[1][2]

How it is made and eaten

Grilled (kǎo nǎohuā):

1. Remove the blood streaks, which takes away much of the fishy smell.[2]
2. Split the brain in two and lay it in a small foil tray.[2]
3. Pour over sauce and red chili oil and cook it over the fire until it bubbles.[2]
4. Top with small chilies and coriander.[2]
5. Eat it with a spoon, not chopsticks, taking some sauce with each mouthful.[2]

In hot pot:

1. Hold the brain in a small ladle in the boiling beef-tallow broth. Do not let go, or you will lose it.[2]
2. Lift it out when cooked, then dip it back in the oil for more flavour.[2]

Other versions include braised brain (lǔ nǎohuā), brain with noodles, and breaded deep-fried brain.[2]

What does it taste like?

The Paper describes hot-pot brain as so tender you barely need your teeth, and braised brain as having a texture close to braised tofu.[2] VICE's writer described the small amount of brain in a rabbit head as smooth and pâté-like.[3]

History and culture

Writing for The Paper, the author jokes that nobody ate brain until it met the people of Sichuan and Chongqing, and calls pig brain a "hidden menu" item in Chongqing hot pot.[2] The article cites a late-Qing or early-Republic poem about Chengdu's love of red chili oil.[2]

Where to try it in China

Chongqing hot pot restaurants and Sichuan or Chongqing barbecue stalls.[1][2]

How to order it

Brain is nǎohuā (脑花). Grilled is kǎo nǎohuā (烤脑花).[2]

How much does it cost?

We have not verified a price, so we are not quoting one.

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FAQ

What is naohua?

Naohua is pig brain, a delicacy in Sichuan and Chongqing that is grilled in foil or cooked in hot pot.

What does pig brain taste like?

Very soft and creamy. One writer compares braised brain to braised tofu.

How do you cook pig brain in hot pot?

Hold it in a ladle in the boiling broth until it is cooked through. Do not let go of it.

Is pig brain healthy?

It is very high in cholesterol, so it is best eaten rarely.

Has Aqiang Eats China filmed it?

Not yet, so there is no video on this page.