In the heart of Hunan Province, where fiery chilies and bold flavours usually steal the spotlight, there exists a dish of quiet, luminous elegance. Known as Crystal Sugar Lotus Seeds (冰糖湘莲), this translucent, sweet dessert is the sole representative of the sweet course in the legendary “Eight Great Bowls of Hunan Cuisine”. It is…
In the bustling streets of Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, few snacks are as beloved – or as elusive – as the tangyou baba (糖油粑粑). This humble golden disc of fried glutinous rice, glistening with caramelised sugar, has been a cornerstone of local street food for centuries. But among the countless stalls and…
If there is one Chinese snack that surprises and captivates foreigners the most, it must be stinky tofu. Infamously pungent in smell yet incredibly savory in taste, this unique treat boasts over 300 years of history and a fascinating origin story full of serendipity. In traditional Chinese culinary circles, it is elegantly named”Green Square”…
During the reign of Ming Emperor Wanli, Zhang Huadong of Zouping County, Shandong Province, was a court official. He had accepted an order from the emperor to offer sacrifices on sacred Mount Hengshan, which was situated in southern Hunan Province. On his way south, he was crossing Jiangsu and Anhui provinces.