Xiangyuan Meat Broth Vegetarian Dumplings

Xiangyuan Meat Broth Vegetarian Dumplings

　　 "Meat Broth Vegetarian Dumplings," also called "Fishy Broth Vegetarian Dumplings," is a traditional snack from Xiangyuan County. It features a savory and aromatic meat broth and light, refreshing vegetarian dumplings, with meat slices that are rich but not greasy and vegetarian fillings that are subtle yet flavorful. Legend has it that during the Song Dynasty, a fortune-teller named Miao Guangyi helped Emperor Zhao Kuangyin unify the country. Unwilling to serve in court, he traveled far and wide across mountains and rivers. One day, while traveling through Xiangyuan, around noon, he saw in front of Xiantang Temple a vendor selling vegetarian dumplings and another selling sliced meat soup. The combination of meat and vegetarian options attracted numerous worshippers. He wanted to have a bowl of each, but didn’t have enough money, so he bought half a bowl of each and mixed them together. After eating, he was so impressed that he banged the table in praise. He opened his fortune-telling pouch, took out a brush and ink, and wrote a poem on the wall with his writing brush: "Four whites make the vegetarian dish, five flavors season the meaty broth, half a bowl of each fills the belly well, vegetarian dumplings paired with meaty soup invigorate the soul, their taste surpasses chicken in delight, I urge you to eat them often for long life and health." Only after he left did people realize it was the famous fortune-teller Miao Guangyi. From then on, "Meat Broth Vegetarian Dumplings" became widely renowned across Shangdang.