NetChai Chinese
港式咕咾鸡
gǎng shì gū lǎo jī
Hong kong sweet and sour chicken · trad. 港式咕咾雞

港式咕咾鸡 is a classic Cantonese dish, famous for its crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce, often served with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. It's a beloved dish in Hong Kong and Chinese restaurants worldwide.

When to use it

This is a common menu item in Chinese restaurants. While 咕咾鸡 (gūlǎo jī) or 糖醋鸡 (tángcù jī) are general terms for sweet and sour chicken, adding 港式 (gǎngshì, Hong Kong style) specifically refers to the Cantonese preparation, which is typically deep-fried and sauced.

How to pronounce it

Sounds like “gahng-SHIR goo-LAO jee.” The 港 (gǎng) is a falling tone, 式 (shì) is also falling. 咕 (gū) is a high flat tone, 咾 (lǎo) is a third tone, and 鸡 (jī) is a high flat tone.

Other ways to say it

  • 咕咾鸡gū lǎo jīsweet and sour chicken (general term, often implies Cantonese style)
  • 糖醋鸡táng cù jīsweet and sour chicken (more literal, "sugar vinegar chicken")
  • 咕咾肉gū lǎo ròusweet and sour pork (a very popular and related dish)

Examples

我想点一份港式咕咾鸡。
wǒ xiǎng diǎn yí fèn gǎng shì gū lǎo jī 。
I'd like to order a Hong Kong style sweet and sour chicken.
这家的港式咕咾鸡味道很正宗。
zhè jiā de gǎng shì gū lǎo jī wèi dào hěn zhèng zōng 。
The Hong Kong style sweet and sour chicken here tastes very authentic.
港式咕咾鸡通常会配菠萝和彩椒。
gǎng shì gū lǎo jī tōng cháng huì pèi bō luó hé cǎi jiāo 。
Hong Kong style sweet and sour chicken is usually served with pineapple and bell peppers.
Pro tip: The "咕咾" (gūlǎo) in 咕咾鸡 is believed to be a phonetic transliteration, possibly from "古老" (gǔlǎo, meaning ancient or old-fashioned), or mimicking the sound of frying. It specifically refers to the Cantonese style of sweet and sour cooking, distinct from other regional variations.

Related phrases

和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →