From street stalls to world markets
In summer, freshly harvested rice is steamed or turned into rice jelly and festive cakes, served with wine, eggs, pork and tofu for a family feast known as "eating the new".
Even everyday farmhouse dishes carry symbolic meaning — leeks are said to nourish the hair, tofu to sharpen the brain, snails to improve the eyes, bamboo shoots to build leg strength, and rice cakes to boost energy.
Luo also points out that Shaxian snacks reflect Hakka culture and their agrarian traditions, and the methods used for fermenting food by the Central Plains migrants. As a historical trading hub, Shaxian was influenced by the food traditions of traveling merchants, which enriched its culinary landscape.
Today, Luo says, the widespread popularity of Shaxian snacks reflects the people's openness and inclusiveness, as well as their hardworking spirit, daring to strive and succeed.
