I'm always wondering how my tastes have changed over time. And what better way to check than to try something that I've found... ummm..... "undelicious" (is there such a word?). So on one of our trips back to the "old neighborhood" I decided to try a dish I found somewhat "undelicious" back in 2006.
Yes, it was time to return to Hong Kong Fishball House and retaste a dish that I thought was appropriately named; the Fried Pork Rectum. Yes, I know it really is just Deep Fried Pork Intestine which it seems that I've been consuming quite often recently.
Hong Kong Fishball House looks just about the same, same greasy patio furniture, the potted palm looks much taller, and of course prices have gone up. The Fried Pork Rectum has gone up 50 cents to $2.75. I also noticed that the Fried Pork Rectum sign has developed a thicker layer of grease over it.
The Missus placed the order, and while I waited for my rectum (ok, this one is too easy, so I won't add anything to it), She took a stroll.
After a few minutes, my rectum was ready. As before, it was placed in a styrofoam container. While waiting for the Missus, I opened the container and took a whiff!
First off, it didn't smell quite as dank as I recalled. When picking up a piece, I noticed that this was pretty greasy. I popped the sliced piece of intestine into my mouth. I quickly noticed how bland it tasted. The fried slices of intestine needed more salt. The initial mild sweetness was still present, but this was lacking the earthy tones that I've become used to. On the good side, the unpleasant film that often coats your mouth after eating fried intestine was missing. No nasty sour aftertaste as well.
In the end, this was pretty anti-climatic. But it was a nice little study in how my tastes and preferences are constantly changing.
Hong Kong Fishball House
18414 Colima Rd
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
So tell me, how have your tastes changed over the last two years?
Postscript: The redone HK2 Food District has opened. A post is forthcoming......
BLahahaa I want me some fried rectum too so vulgar yet appetizing if only done right.
Posted by: nhbilly | Saturday, 15 August 2009 at 09:55 PM
Hi Billy - I don't know why they don't call it "Deep Fried Pork Intestine".
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 15 August 2009 at 10:29 PM
Nice to know that the market has opened up again! It looked so sad on our last visit as the Hong Kong market was closed.
The "rectum" looks interesting to me. Never have tried it before! It looks to me a bit like bread somehow with the dark exterior and the light colored interior.
Posted by: Eat. Travel. Eat! | Saturday, 15 August 2009 at 11:35 PM
I love Deep Fried Pork Whateveryouwannacallems!
I've only found them in one place here in London - a Vietnamese restaurant - but I guess that's because it's hidden in the native-language sections of menus :)
Posted by: meemalee | Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 02:26 AM
Hi ETE - I'll try to do that post soon. It's just deep dried pork intestines.... You can get it at many places. I think Sam Woo usually has this on their menu. It's just the unfortunate description that I think is funny.....
Hi meemalee - I hope all is well. I'm sure that intestine is served in many places, but it is hard if you can't read the menus!
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 08:07 AM
either way it doesn't sound very appetizing... even battered and fried doesn't do it for me.
Posted by: foodhoe | Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 09:36 AM
Revisiting one of my favorite of your old posts, you are the brave one, Kirk! :-)
Posted by: howie | Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 02:11 PM
Hi FH - It's really not that bad....though it can be if not prepared correctly!
Hi Howie - LOL! I'm glad you remembered...... can you believe that was over three years ago?
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 03:52 PM
leave something to the imagination, Kirk.
Posted by: RONW | Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 04:39 PM
Well. In the past few years, my tastes have changed in that fried intestine sounds kind of yummy right now.
But. I won't be blogging about it. I'm the lady in this group.
Posted by: Cathy | Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 07:24 PM
wow...you ARE brave!
Posted by: kat | Sunday, 16 August 2009 at 08:53 PM
Now RONW - I know there's much more left in your imagination than I could ever offer!
Hi Cathy - Why not? Like they say, "no guts, no glory????"
Hi Kat - Not really brave at all.....folks really love this as a snack.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 17 August 2009 at 07:42 AM
mmmm... nothing like a good fried rectum. ;) makes me miss taiwan!
Posted by: Judy @ TinkerWithFood | Monday, 17 August 2009 at 11:52 PM
Kirk.. I think you are brave for eating at the HK Fish Ball House.
With the influence you have, such as with the Vien Dong markets... can you get HK Plaza to better manage the place so the plaza is not so gross and dirty? the sidewalks are so filthy there!
and I'm anxious about HK2!
Posted by: Andy (美國土子) | Tuesday, 18 August 2009 at 03:02 AM
LOL Judy..... he-he-he-he....
Hi Andy - Influence, me??? I think those sidewalks are pretty hopeless. At least Hong Kong Fish Ball House has a 'B' instead of a 'C' rating now! ;o)
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 18 August 2009 at 07:44 AM