Ningguo Baba

Ningguo Baba

　　Ningguo Baba is a specialty snack from Ningguo City, Xuancheng, Anhui Province. Known for being fragrant, soft, oily yet not greasy, it is beloved by locals and highly praised by visitors from out of town.

　　Just how appealing Ningguo Baba is can be heard from students and fellow townsmen living away from home: “I really miss the pickled vegetable baba baked on the kang, and those stuffed with meat filling or eggs and dried cowpeas.” Any Ningguo native who mentions Ningguo Baba will start salivating, especially when it comes to the Baba from West Street in Ningguo or that from Dahua Market.

　　Ningguo Baba is about the size of a plate, less than one centimeter thick. Though it looks unremarkable with its yellowish-black exterior, it has an irresistible charm that keeps people coming back for more. Common fillings include cowpeas, dried tofu, bamboo shoots, shredded radish, green onions, pickled vegetables, and, of course, the essential fresh pork and eggs.

　　Watching the vendor knead and stuff the dough in just one or two minutes, then roast it over the fire for about five minutes, as the baba slowly turns from pale white to golden brown in a sizzling pot of fragrant rapeseed oil—it’s truly a delight. Take a bite, and you’ll find it bubbling with hot oil. One word: delicious！