zaa3 coi3榨菜
Jyutpingzaa3 coi3
Yaleja choi
Definition
Sichuan preserved mustard tuber; a type of pickled vegetable made from mustard greens.
colloquialfooddim sum
How it's used
Often associated with simple comfort food, this ingredient is a staple in local noodle shops and congee stalls. It provides a distinct crunch and a salty, umami kick that balances out milder dishes. While it is technically a preserved vegetable, it is rarely eaten on its own and almost always serves as a condiment or a topping.
Measure word
gau6嚿gauhExamples
This plate of shredded pork with preserved mustard tuber noodles is delicious.
Is there any preserved mustard tuber left at your home?
Related words
Common phrases
shredded pork with preserved mustard tuber
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse it with other types of pickled vegetables like 酸菜 or 雪菜, but those have different textures and flavor profiles. Remember that it is specifically the mustard tuber, which is firmer and usually sold in vacuum-sealed packets.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
