mai5 cou3米醋

Jyutpingmai5 cou3

Yalemáih chou

Definition

Rice vinegar; a type of vinegar brewed from rice.

colloquialfood

How it's used

Rice vinegar is a staple in Cantonese kitchens, often used to cut through the richness of fatty meats or to balance out soy sauce in dipping liquids. Unlike the darker, more pungent Chinkiang vinegar, this version is milder and clearer, making it the preferred choice for light stir fries or steamed fish. It is rarely used as a standalone condiment and almost always paired with other seasonings.

Measure word

zeon1樽jēun

Examples

le1呢dip6碟sung3餸lok6落siu2少siu2少mai5米cou3醋wui2會hou2好sik6食di1啲。

Adding a little rice vinegar to this dish will make it taste better.

nei5你uk1屋kei2企zung6仲jau5有mou5冇mai5米cou3醋aa4呀？

Do you still have any rice vinegar at home?

Common phrases

lok6落mai5米cou3醋

to add rice vinegar

jat1一zeon1樽mai5米cou3醋

a bottle of rice vinegar

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with white distilled vinegar, which is much sharper and often used for cleaning rather than cooking. Using the wrong type can ruin the flavor profile of a delicate Cantonese dish.