Shashi Zaotang Noodles

Shashi Zaotang Noodles

　　Zaotang Noodles are a famous traditional breakfast dish from Shashi, Hubei Province, with a history of over a hundred years.

　　As for the origin of Zaotang Noodles, the most credible account is that after Shashi opened as a port in 1895, a local noodle shop owner developed these oily, meaty, and flavorful noodles to cater to the dockworkers who performed strenuous labor and preferred rich meals. Since the dockworkers often came to eat the noodles early in the morning before starting their shifts, the dish earned the name "Zaotang" (which refers to the early shift).