Shrimp toast

Shrimp toast, also known as prawn toast, is a cherished Chinese dim sum dish that boasts both delectable taste and simplicity in its preparation. Picture small triangles of bread, covered with a savory mixture of minced shrimp and crunchy water chestnuts, then either baked or deep-fried to achieve a crispy golden perfection after being brushed with egg. This dish is a favored appetizer in both Australian and American Chinese cuisine.

In the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland, there's even a popular variation of this dish where sesame seeds are sprinkled on top before cooking. This addition provides an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

This delightful treat has a history spanning over a century, tracing its origins to Guangzhou (Canton) in China's Guangdong Province. In Cantonese, the dish is called "Hatosi" with "Ha" meaning shrimp and "Tosi" derived from the English word "toast." Through foreign trade, shrimp toast found its way to countries like Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.

In Japan, shrimp toast was introduced during the Meiji period through Nagasaki. It evolved into a delightful blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisines, known locally as Shippoku cuisine. In Japanese, it is called "Hatoshi" a term borrowed from Cantonese. If you ever visit Nagasaki's Chinatown, you'll find numerous Chinese restaurants still serving this dish, with some even offering a pork variant for a unique twist.