Wanjiang Dragon Boat Rice

Wanjiang Dragon Boat Rice

　　  Wanjiang Dragon Boat Rice

　　  Dragon Boat Rice is a common dish in Dongguan’s water towns, originating from dragon boat races. Wanjiang Dragon Boat Rice is one of the more representative versions. Every year during the Dragon Boat Festival, these water towns hold dragon boat races. The rowers need to eat on the boat, but because the boat rocks, it's inconvenient to pick up food. As a result, they mix the rice and dishes together—giving rise to the Dragon Boat Rice we know today. On the other hand, the rowers need to eat heartily to have the strength to paddle, so local specialties such as dried shrimp and fish balls are essential ingredients in the Dragon Boat Rice. Other ingredients vary by location, often including eggs, roast goose, salted pork, green beans, and shiitake mushrooms—basically, anything that tastes good is fair game.

　　  Dragon Boat Rice is arguably the most “macho” dish you can eat. The serving bowl is about seven or eight times the size of a regular rice bowl, and it’s said that people in Dongguan use eating Dragon Boat Rice to describe someone as manly. Hearing that alone gives you a surge of boldness when you take a bite.