Tea-Smoked Duck - Z & Y Restaurant, Chinatown - San Francisco

The Classic & Contemporary Taste of Tea Smoked Duck

One of the most popular dishes served at Z & Y Restaurant is a true Chinese classic: Tea Smoked Duck. This presentation of duck is a signature of Sichuan cuisine. The subtle aroma of smoke and the crispy, fragrant duck meat is nicely complemented by supplementary hot and sour ingredients.

The Origins of the Tea Smoking Process

Smoking foods is a process with a long and storied history in China. Originally, the Chinese primarily smoked food as a means of preserving it for later consumption. Over time, the taste of smoked foods came into fashion and the technique was further refined for culinary purposes.

Traditionally, tea smoked duck involves smoking a marinated duck over twigs and tea leaves harvested from the Camphor plant. The Camphor is a is a species of evergreen tree native to China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.

Most recipes call for a four-step cooking process for this prestigious dish, beginning with marinating followed by roasting, then smoking and finally frying. Due to the complex nature of the preparation process, it is most often served at banquets or in Sichuan restaurants rather than at home.

tea smoke duck at Z & Y in San Francisco

Check out what our customers have to say about Chef Han’s classic take on this popular dish at Z & Y Restaurant:

Rave Reviews of Z & Y’s Tea Smoked Duck

“It’s the tea smoked duck that brought me back to ZY for the fourth visit. Succulent meat lies beneath light and crispy skin.”

Jacqueline Liu (Google Reviews)

“Always packed and always a wait, but with good reason. This place is one of the restaurants I would recommend to anyone visiting from out of town (or even locals, for that matter). I have eaten the seafood clay pot, tea smoked duck, and Hong Kong style pan fried noodle and they didn’t disappoint. I have a feeling anything you order in this place will always be a treat!”

Charles Dexter Lim (Google Reviews)

“Wow, the pork ear was spectacular. Also loved the cabbage, scallion pancake, mapo tofu, and cold noodles. The tea-smoked duck made me mad that I don’t love closer to this spot! We waited for a while for a seat, but were well-rewarded. Outstanding”

Brook Shelley (Google Reviews)

“I ordered the spicy fish soup and the tea smoked duck, and I am very VERY Pleased with the quality and taste of the food. Everything was great and the prices were reasonable.”

Lourdes M. (Yelp Reviews)

A Contemporary Twist with Caviar

tea smoked duck with caviar

 

Knowing that many customers may want a more contemporary twist on this classic dish, Z & Y Restaurant now offers a one-of-a-kind tea smoked duck caviar. Delight your taste buds as the sweet and briny taste of caviar blends with the crispy, savory, and smoked flavors of the duck.

Call our restaurant for reservations or reserve online with Open Table @ https://www.zandyrestaurant.com/reservations/

 



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