Blood Cake (豬血糕), also known as Zhu Xie Gao in Mandarin, is a distinctive Taiwanese street food that combines pork blood with sticky rice to create a unique, dense cake that's typically served on a stick. This savory delicacy is characterized by its deep reddish-brown color, chewy texture, and is often coated with a layer of ground peanuts, adding both flavor and visual appeal.

The origins of Blood Cake can be traced back to traditional Chinese cuisine's philosophy of utilizing every part of the animal. In Taiwan, it evolved into a popular street food, particularly in night markets, where vendors developed the now-iconic presentation of serving it on bamboo skewers. The dish represents the resourcefulness of Taiwanese cuisine and its ability to transform humble ingredients into beloved street foods.

The preparation of Blood Cake involves a careful process of cooking sticky rice until it reaches the perfect consistency, then mixing it with fresh pork blood. This mixture is steamed until it sets into a firm cake, which is then cut into rectangular pieces. Before serving, the pieces are typically steamed again to heat them through, then coated with a generous dusting of peanut powder. Many vendors also offer additional toppings and condiments such as soy sauce, garlic, cilantro, and chili sauce, allowing customers to customize their experience.

While the traditional recipe remains popular, some modern vendors have introduced variations in the preparation method or serving style. Some might offer different sauces or seasonings, while others might experiment with the rice-to-blood ratio to achieve different textures. However, the classic version with peanut powder remains the most widely recognized and beloved.

In Taiwan, Blood Cake is predominantly enjoyed as a street food, particularly in night markets where it's served hot and fresh. It's especially popular during cooler weather, though it's available year-round. The dish is often enjoyed as a snack or light meal, and its portable nature makes it perfect for eating while exploring the bustling night markets.

From a health perspective, Blood Cake is actually quite nutritious in certain aspects. Pork blood is rich in iron, protein, and vitamin B12, while sticky rice provides carbohydrates for energy. However, those with peanut allergies should be cautious due to the peanut powder coating. The dish is also relatively high in sodium, especially when served with soy sauce. Additionally, due to its ingredients and preparation method, it's important to ensure it's consumed from reputable vendors who maintain proper food safety standards. Those who are squeamish about blood-based foods might want to try a small portion first to test their tolerance.