How to make Buddha's Delight

Why cooks start here

Buddha's Delight is cooked the way temple and New Year tables cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a chinese family cook actually puts it on the table.

Buddha's Delight, or Luóhàn zhāi, is a time-honored dish that graces temple tables and New Year feasts alike. This home-cooked version captures the essence of traditional Chinese family meals, where the salt is judged by hand and fat is used generously, creating a dish perfect for sharing. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to honor the customs of Buddhist cuisine, where simplicity meets depth. The dish offers a symphony of textures and flavors, with the tender napa cabbage, chewy tofu skin, and earthy wood ear mushrooms harmonizing under a savory soy sauce glaze. The subtle sweetness of lily buds adds an unexpected layer, inviting diners to savor a meal that is both humble and profound.