Zhongxiang Rice Tea

Last updated 2026-11-15 — 【Rice Tea】A unique local snack from Zhongxiang. It is meant to be eaten only in summer and is commonly known as "fried rice tea." The preparation involves dry-roasting the rice over low heat in a pan until it turns yellowish and slightly burnt, then washing it with water before boiling it. Once cooled, it is ready to eat. The broth has a light yellow color, a rich aroma, and a mildly sweet yet not overly so taste, with a slight astringency but not bitterness. It can serve as a substitute for rice while also functioning as a refreshing tea, making it an excellent choice for beating the summer heat. The hotter the weather, the more refreshing it becomes. If eaten the next day, it resembles plum juice—neither distinctly sour nor sweet, offering a uniquely pleasant flavor.