Tatsoi and Winter Bamboo Shoot Stir-Fry

Why people make this dish

Tatsoi (ta ke cai or tap-kot choi in Cantonese) is a distinctly Shanghai and Jiangnan vegetable — the genuine article, grown in the cool farmland south of the Yangtze, has a wonderfully silky, sweet texture after the first frost, virtually melting in the mouth. Shanghai-grown tatsoi, sourced from a specialty Chinese grocer, is well worth seeking out during winter for the best texture. Together with winter bamboo shoots — blanched to remove bitterness before slicing — this dish is a traditional New Year vegetable pairing in Shanghai households, and it is also a practical, fibre-rich everyday dish for anyone looking to keep their digestion regular. Both ingredients are high in dietary fibre, which supports intestinal motility and is associated with reducing the risk of constipation and colorectal problems.