AHA LOCAL

Liuzhou Luosifen(Luo Shi Fen)

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Luosifen (Liuzhou Snail Rice Noodles) is famed for its “smelly yet addictive” contrast, representing the bold flavors of Liuzhou cuisine. Let me know if you’d like further refinements! 🍜

Price

30RMB

Location

English Address: No. 252, Lane 242, Jianzhong Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Chinese Address:上海市浦东新区建中路242弄252号

Characteristics

Features

Broth: Simmered with river snails and pork bones, offering a spicy, sour, and umami-rich flavor with a distinct fermented aroma.
Rice Noodles: Made from dried round rice noodles, known for their smooth, chewy, and springy texture.
Fermented Bamboo Shoots: The soul of the dish, providing its iconic pungent and sour fragrance.
Toppings: Typically includes tofu skin, wood ear mushrooms, peanuts, pickled long beans, and sometimes a fried or poached egg for added richness.
Spice Level: Customizable with chili oil, catering to varying preferences.

Preparation Method

Cook the Noodles: Boil dried rice noodles until tender, then rinse in cold water to enhance chewiness.
Prepare Toppings: Blanch wood ear mushrooms, tofu skin, and other toppings separately.
Assemble: Place noodles in a bowl, arrange toppings, and pour hot snail broth over them.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Snail Broth: Made by simmering river snails, pork bones, and spices (star anise, sand ginger, etc.) for hours.
Fermented Bamboo Shoots: Naturally fermented bamboo shoots, crucial for the dish’s signature tangy scent.
Dried Rice Noodles: Made from long-grain rice, resistant to overcooking.

Seasonings

Chili Oil: Adds heat and fragrance.
Pickled Vegetables: Sour bamboo shoots and pickled beans for tanginess.
Fermented Tofu (optional): Enhances depth of flavor in some recipes.

Lanzhou-Beef-Noodle(Lanzhou Niu Rou Mian)

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

In China, the amount of flour consumed by people in Henan in a year could fill a small lake. You can’t imagine the love that people from Henan have for wheat-based foods. For them, noodles are like sausages for Germans, pizza for Italians, and burgers for Americans.

De Yuan Pure Soup Beef Noodles meet the excellent standards for hand-pulled noodles: one clear (soup), two whites (radishes), three greens (cilantro and garlic sprouts), four reds (chili), and five yellows (bright yellow noodles). This dish features hand-pulled noodles made on-site, and I highly recommend trying the buckwheat noodles. The chili oil is fragrant without being too spicy, and the noodles are chewy. After finishing, you’ll feel a warm sensation in your stomach—this is the aha moment.

Biang Biang Noodles(You Po Mian)

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Biang Biang noodles, a signature dish from Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, are famous for their distinctive wide, belt-like shape and the unique process of pouring searing hot oil over the noodles. The name “Biang Biang” is an onomatopoeia that mimics the sound made when the dough is slapped against the counter during the noodle-making process. This local specialty has become an international ambassador for Shaanxi’s noodle culture.My hometown is Henan, a place where wheat-based dishes are the staple food. I absolutely love the hot oil-splashed noodles (Biang Biang noodles) from Xi’an, which typically comes with toppings like bean sprouts, tofu, and fresh greens. When the dish is just served and you start mixing it, you can smell the fragrant aroma of the chili oil, which makes your mouth water instantly. The vinegar seasoning gives the noodles a subtle sweet aftertaste, and the noodles themselves have a perfect chewy texture. To try the most authentic Xi’an noodles at Han Si Yao restaurant, my friend and I patiently waited for an hour. Just remember to visit during meal times to experience this delicious dish.

Xi'an Hot Noodle Skin(Re Mian Pi)

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

Xi’an Hot Noodle Skin is a traditional snack from Shaanxi province, known for its unique texture and rich flavors. This dish is typically prepared in a hot pot, featuring smooth and tender noodle skins paired with spicy seasonings that are mouthwatering.

Price

14RMB

Location

English Address: No. 860, Qiujiang Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai.
Chinese Address:上海市静安区虬江路860号

Characteristics

Features

Texture: Smooth and chewy.
Flavor: Spicy and savory, with a balanced tanginess.

Preparation Method

Hot noodle skin is typically cooked in a hot pot and placed in a bowl, then drizzled with seasonings (such as chili oil, vinegar, and soy sauce). Finally, it is topped with green onions and additional toppings, mixed well, and ready to enjoy.

About Me

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Who am I

My name is Luke Wang. I was born in a village in central China and have loved exploring since I was a child. As I grew up, I discovered my passion for travel, enjoying wandering around and seeing new places.

Why I cteated this website

I’ve been to many destinations, tasted various local snacks, and witnessed diverse landscapes. Most importantly, I often find my aha moments during my travels, which allow me to experience the joys of life. I have lived in Shanghai for 15 years and know some authentic local cuisines and cultural insights. I hope to share these with others to help them find their own aha moments while traveling.