Siraw

Siraw, (Chinese: 喜烙; Tongyong Pinyin: Sǐ làu) also spelled as Silaw^[1], is a traditional fermented or pickled pork dish of the Amis people, one of the Indigenous peoples of Taiwan. It is made primarily from pork and salt through a curing or fermentation process and has historically been used both as a preserved food and as a ceremonial dish during festivals and community gatherings.^[2]

Siraw is particularly associated with Amis communities in eastern Taiwan, including areas in Hualien County and Taitung County. Variations of the recipe exist among different Amis communities and families.

Siraw is traditionally made by curing pieces of pork with salt in a sealed container or jar. The meat is first coated with salt and left to rest for several days. After an initial curing period, the meat is removed, the blood and juices are squeezed out, and additional salt may be added before it is returned to the container.^[3]

In a commonly described method, the meat is cured for around one week before it is ready for cooking. The preserved meat must usually be cooked before consumption, often by adding it to soups or stews. Another, longer method involves repeated draining of the meat during curing and fermentation for several months, producing a stronger flavor.^[4]

Regional variations exist. A similar dish of the Atayal people is called Tmmyan.^[5] In parts of the Huadong Valley such as Chihshang, Guanshan, and Luye, cooked rice or glutinous rice may be added after the meat has fermented, promoting the growth of lactic acid bacteria and creating a slightly sour flavor. In some coastal communities, rice wine lees are used in the fermentation process.^[6]

Historically, siraw was not an everyday food because meat was relatively scarce. Instead, it was often prepared for special occasions such as Harvest Festivals or to serve important guests. In some Amis communities, a pig may be slaughtered at the beginning of a festival and a portion of the meat set aside to make siraw, which is later shared among participants at the end of the event. The preparation and sharing of siraw is associated with communal cooperation and food sharing, which are important aspects of Amis social life. The dish is often served alongside vegetables, glutinous rice, or other traditional foods.^[7]

In recent years, some producers and chefs have adapted siraw for modern culinary contexts. For example, farmers and food producers in eastern Taiwan have combined siraw with other ingredients or preparation styles, such as pairing thin slices of fermented pork with rice in dishes inspired by sushi.^[8] These adaptations aim to preserve traditional Amis food culture while introducing it to wider audiences.^[9]

• Amis people
• Indigenous peoples of Taiwan
• Fermented meat
• Taiwanese cuisine