TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Pizza Hut Taiwan introduced a limited-edition pizza featuring coriander and Taiwanese traditional rougeng on Tuesday (Sept. 24).
The pizza is available nationwide until Oct. 7. A limited 5,000 pizzas are available.
The pizza's chewy San Francisco-style crust is topped with tender and juicy rougeng (肉羹), crispy garlic, and a special rougeng sauce that authentically reflects the flavors of Yilan. The fresh coriander provides a vibrant, herbaceous touch, contrasting the rich flavors of the meat and cheese.
Rougeng, a thick meatball broth, is a classic dish in Taiwan. It is said that rougeng was often enjoyed by laborers alongside luroufan after a long day of work, according to New Immigrants in Taiwan.
The combination kept the cold out and provided warmth for the body. Over time, rougeng became a popular and easily accessible snack across Taiwan.
Although rougeng can be found throughout the nation, the eastern and western regions have developed their own unique flavors and textures. Yilan is known for its garlic-flavored rougeng, made with pork shoulder.
The pork is marinated in a secret seasoning blend before being coated in a mixture of potato starch and fish paste. It is then blanched in boiling water.
The flavorful broth is made by simmering the blanching liquid with garlic, bamboo shoots, and other vegetables. The soup is finished with a touch of black vinegar and crispy fried garlic before serving.
The pizza is priced at NT$399 (US$12.6) for a single order, and a take-out buy-one-get-one-free deal costs NT$780. For an extra NT$39, customers can add even more coriander to their pizzas.
