Char Siu

叉烧 Also: Chinese BBQ Pork, Barbecue Pork, Cha Siu
Gluten: Likely contains restriction
Soy: Likely contains restriction
Sesame: Likely contains restriction

Cantonese-style roasted pork marinated in a sweet-savory glaze of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, and Shaoxing wine.

Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.

Your dietary restrictions

The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.

Full allergen breakdown

Ingredients

  • pork shoulder or loin
  • hoisin sauce
  • soy sauce (Soy)
  • honey
  • five-spice powder
  • Shaoxing wine
  • red food coloring

Hidden Ingredients

These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.

  • hoisin sauce (soy + wheat + sesame)
  • Shaoxing wine (wheat)
  • soy sauce (wheat + soy)

Allergen Breakdown

Dairy-Free

Likely OK

No dairy in char siu.

Gluten-Free

Likely contains restriction

Hoisin, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine all contain wheat.

Peanut-Free

Check with staff

Some hoisin sauce recipes contain peanut paste. Verify.

Tree Nut-Free

Likely OK

Tree nuts are not in char siu.

Shellfish-Free

Likely OK

No shellfish in char siu.

Egg-Free

Likely OK

No eggs in char siu.

Fish-Free

Likely OK

No fish in char siu.

Soy-Free

Likely contains restriction

Hoisin and soy sauce are soy-based marinades.

Sesame-Free

Likely contains restriction

Hoisin sauce contains sesame oil.

Vegetarian

Likely contains restriction

Contains pork.

Key risk: Char siu's marinade contains multiple wheat-containing ingredients: hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce. It is also soy-dense. Despite being a simple pork dish, it is not safe for gluten-sensitive or soy-sensitive diners.

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Important: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.