The name Hoi Jo is derived from Teochew (潮州话), which is a dialect spoken in Chaoshan (潮汕地区) in Guangdong province (广东省), Southern China.
The origins of Crab Jujube can be traced back to a period when Thai culinary traditions intertwined during the era of Chinese migration in 1853, during the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri, titled Rama V. Historically, it is thought that the dish likely originated from either Fujian or Guangdong provinces in Southern China, which were major sources of Chinese immigrants to Thailand, particularly Hokkien and Chaoshan.
As its reputation grew, owing to its flavorful and conveniently bite-sized nature, Hoi Jo gradually gained popularity as a sought-after street food item.
[7] Lastly, the twine from the rolls are removed, cut into bite-sized pieces, and deep fry them in hot oil until they achieve a golden brown and crispy.
The traditional recipe typically includes plums, cider vinegar, packed brown sugar, soy sauce, ground ginger, five-spice powder, and red pepper flakes, resulting in an aromatic blend of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
This variation introduces an extraordinary sweetness to the sauce, which contrasts with the dish's flavor profile, yet it harmonizes well with the appetizers favored by the local Thai population.
In China, the birthplace of Crab Jujube, the dish is known by two distinct names: "Hoi Jo," which is the appellation used by locals in Chaoshan, and "Pangxie" the term commonly employed by Mandarin-speaking Chinese nationwide.
The recipe incorporates elements traditional to Chinese cuisine, including sesame oil and isinglass—an extract derived from the dried swim bladders of fish—alongside indigenous components such as Sichuan pepper.
With the Canadian-Cantonese fusion style of cooking, Hoi Jo is savored alongside a Teochew sweet Chinese, akin to the plum sauce used in Thailand.
It is particularly prevalent in fast-food restaurants and enjoys immense popularity throughout the country, whether served in formal dining establishments or as a common street food option.