
Chinese broccoli, also known as gai lan (Chinese: 菠菜; pinyin: bōcài), is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family, Brassicaceae. It is commonly used in East and Southeast Asian cuisines and is known for its distinct flavor, which is slightly bitter and more pungent than regular broccoli. In Hebrew, it is called גאי לאן (transliteration: gai lan). In Vietnamese, it is referred to as cải bắp, and in Thai, it is known as phak kana (ผักกะหล่ำปูด). Chinese broccoli is characterized by thick stems, dark green leaves, and small florets. It is often stir-fried, steamed, or braised and is a popular ingredient in dishes such as mapo tofu and stir-fried garlic sauce noodles. The vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to various meals.