When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the satisfying warmth of Fu Kwa Fun (bitter gourd noodles with minced pork). In my case, I customize this classic hawker noodle dish to align with my keto lifestyle. I ask the seller to skip the noodles and load my bowl with minced pork, a perfectly poached egg, crispy pork lard, and a generous helping of thinly sliced bitter gourd, all in a steaming hot pork broth. So yummy! I omit the innards though, as I’m no fan of them.
This dish is more than just a meal—it’s a nourishing, heartwarming bowl of goodness that ticks all the boxes for taste and health. Just don’t lap up all the soup, which can be quite salty and sometimes added with MSG.
What makes this dish so irresistible to me is its incredible nutritional value:
Bitter Gourd: This often-overlooked fruity vegetable is a treasure trove of vitamins and antioxidants. Known for its ability to lower blood sugar, bitter gourd is also a natural blood purifier that supports overall health.
Minced Pork and Egg: Rich in protein and iron, these ingredients are essential for energy, and muscle repair and great for building red blood cells. Eat more of these if you’re anemic.
Pork Lard: Surprisingly, pork lard isn’t the villain it’s often made out to be. In fact, a 2018 BBC report ranked pork fat among the top 10 most nutritious foods, alongside superfoods like chia seeds and almonds. While I’m not ready to call it a daily dietary staple or accept its superfood status, I love its rich flavor and occasional indulgence in moderation.
What I love most about this dish is how it warms both the heart and the tummy. The bitterness of the gourd is balanced perfectly by the savory broth, tender pork, and the richness of the egg and lard. Each spoonful feels like a comforting hug, especially on a cool day.
I must admit, there was a period when I avoided Fu Kwa Fun. My genetic predisposition to high cholesterol made me wary of indulgent dishes and red meat, but since starting statin medication, I’ve allowed myself to savor it again. Moderation, of course, remains key.
Whether you’re a fan of bitter gourd or not, this dish might just win you over with its comforting warmth, delicious porky flavor, and undeniable goodness.
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