Story
The Ripple Effect of Dumplings
A personal connection to food - Chloe shares her and her family's relationship with dumplings.
Education
24 Flavors of Sichuan: Fish-Fragrant
Yuxiang is a defining flavour of Sichuan cuisine. Explore why "fish-fragrant" is not quite about fish, but about history and home-cooking turned into an entire flavour profile.
The Beginnings of Bao Shao
Photo: The Beginnings of Bao Shao
Wild Mushrooms from Yunnan
Photo: Wild mushrooms from Yunnan
Working Among the Soy Sauce Jars
In the soy sauce factory, workers move carefully among rows of fermentation jars. They watch the weather throughout the day.
Soybeans Fermenting in the Temperature-controlled Room
Steamed soybeans are first coated with flour, then sent into a temperature-controlled room to ferment naturally. As the process begins, a layer of Aspergillus oryzae grows across the beans, appearing as a soft green coating.
Ceramic Jars for Vinegar
Ceramic jars are used for vinegar fermentation in Sichuan. They are valued for their ability to maintain steady temperature and humidity, which leads to a smoother and more stable fermentation process.
Story
The Spirit of Rice: How an Ordinary Grain Becomes the Heart of a People
No ingredient is as simple in requirement, yet as generous in what it gives. Rice is not only a staple. It is family.
A Niang Niang sits in the doorway of her shop in Yaoba
A 嬢嬢 (niáng niang, meaning auntie) sits in the doorway of her shop in Yaoba Historic Town in Luzhou.
A Luzhou Chef at Work
In a Luzhou restaurant kitchen, a chef cooks over powerful flames that rise from the wok.
Morning in Modern Luzhou
A summer morning in Luzhou shows how the city blends old and new.
Soy Sauce Fermentation Jar
Inside the soy sauce fermentation jar, the white crystals on top are salt particles.
Places
Yunnan’s Sunlight, Wind, Mountains, and Nature-Led Cuisine
Introducing, Yunnan - one of China's best kept secrets (until recently).
Summer in Yaoba Historic Town
A summer day in Yaoba Historic Town in Luzhou, Sichuan. The heat is intense and the sky is clear. People
Luzhou, the River City
Luzhou sits along the Yangtze River, a landscape shaped by flowing water. This abundance of water makes centuries of soy
Winter Sausages in Sichuan
Winter in Sichuan is marked by the annual tradition of drying sausages. Families prepare minced pork, ribs, and fish with
Recipe
Fermented Long Beans with Minced Pork
Tangy fermented long beans, savory minced pork, gentle spice, and bright aromatics.
Recipe
Tea Eggs (Cháyè dàn / 茶叶蛋)
Learn to make stunning marbled tea eggs at home and enjoy alongside your favourite meals.