The nostalgic Memories of Chongzhou People—"Three Wonders of Huaiyuan"

Known as the "Three Wonders of Huaiyuan" are tofu curtains, ye'erba and parfaits. Because they all require the addition of sweet Wenjing River water, they are unique to Huaiyuan Town, Chongzhou City.

"Three Wonders of Huaiyuan" Tofu Curtain [Photo via the Publicity Department of Chongzhou Municipal Party Committee]

The tofu curtain has a history spanning more than 500 years. This delicacy is made from soybeans. The shape of the filtered tofu curds made from soybeans resembles a curtain, so it is named "Tofu Curtain". The cooked tofu curtains have a delicate texture and a very unique flavor.

"Three Wonders of Huaiyuan" Ye'erba [Photo via the Publicity Department of Chongzhou Municipal Party Committee]

Ye'erba has a history of nearly a hundred years. Because the glutinous rice dumplings are wrapped in leaves, it is like a mother holding her son, so it is called "Ye'erba" (literally meaning leaf son cake). It is loved by diners because it does not stick to teeth, plates, or chopsticks, is moist and refreshing, and is suitable for all ages.

"Three Wonders of Huaiyuan" Parfait [Photo via the Publicity Department of Chongzhou Municipal Party Committee]

Parfait was created by Jiang Zhongyu, a chef in Huaiyuan Town during the Republic of China. This delicacy is made by soaking rice and grinding it into a slurry, mixing it with steamed glutinous rice, fermenting it in a vat, and then adding lard and sugar. The steamed parfait is sweet and delicious, fragrant but not greasy.

The "Three Wonders of Huaiyuan" each have their own characteristics, attracting diners from all over the world to come and taste them. As intangible cultural heritage, they are not only traditional delicacies that are popular among thousands of families, but also a strong nostalgic memory for Chongzhou people.