Description
Japanese juice stands often bulk up drinks with syrup, water, and ice. In China, the 'Xi Gua Zhi' served in summer stalls and restaurants uses NOTHING but massive chunks of watermelon flesh thrown into a blender. It relies entirely on the melon's own water content, creating an ultimate '100% pure' fresh juice.
Restaurants serving Xi Gua Zhi (Fresh Watermelon Juice)
Researching
We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Well-chilled watermelon flesh
- (A tiny splash of syrup if needed)
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe & Differences]
- (Ultimate Simplicity) JP juice stands blend with ice. China strictly forbids ice in the blender because it dilutes the flavor.
- Peel a massive, well-chilled watermelon (seedless preferred) and chop the flesh into huge blocks.
- Pack a blender to the absolute brim with ONLY the watermelon flesh.
- Blend violently. The watermelon's own moisture creates a bright red, smooth juice.
- Add a tiny splash of syrup ONLY if the melon lacks sweetness, but it relies purely on natural sweetness.
- (Serving Style) When eating Hot Pot or Spicy Crawfish, this bright red juice is poured to the brim in a massive glass beer pitcher and slammed directly into the center of the table.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Pure watermelon sweetness and overwhelming refreshing feel
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Can be made perfectly by blending Japanese watermelon)
Pairing
Spicy Crawfish / Skewers
Trivia
[Trivia] China is the world's largest watermelon consumer. In summer, trucks piled high with melons appear on every street. Armed with this Xi Gua Zhi, you can survive any brutal Chinese summer heat or violently spicy dish. It is the ultimate partner.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Poured into small glasses and chugged 'like water' between bites of greasy or extremely spicy food. The salty/spicy Chinese food paired with the sweet, cooling melon creates an infinite loop of appetite.
Allergen
None