Rice Balls (Dufu Rice Balls)

Rice Balls (Dufu Rice Balls)

　　In his later years, Du Fu lived in Shashi (then under the jurisdiction of Jiangling) for a period. During his hard times in Shashi, he had his family grind broken rice into rice paste. They would cook the paste and then squeeze it through a sieve into cold water to form rice balls. These boiled rice balls, seasoned with various condiments, were sold at a roadside stall by the river. Known for their honesty, Du Fu’s family made the rice balls both delicious and affordable, satisfying hunger and cravings. As a result, they earned high praise from boat owners, shopkeepers, and passing merchants. They came to be known as “Dufu’s Rice Balls,” also called “Du Fu’s Rice Balls,” though over time the name was mistakenly changed to “Tofu Rice Balls.” “Dufu’s Rice Balls” have been passed down to this day, becoming a famous snack in Shashi and a nostalgic taste of home for those who have left the city.