Emperor's Rice Tofu

Emperor's Rice Tofu

　　Langzhong’s Laoguan Ancient Town boasts a history of 1,500 years. Nestled in a picturesque landscape of lush mountains and clear waters, its people are hardworking and down-to-earth. The region is renowned for its premium Fengguo rice. Named after the ancient Fengguo County (located in today’s Laoguan mountainous area), this rice thrives in an exceptionally favorable ecosystem. Renowned for its plump grains, appealing color, and delightful taste, it was served as a tribute to imperial courts throughout various dynasties. After the liberation, it was exported to Europe, America, and Southeast Asia. In recent years, it has earned numerous accolades including the "Gold Award" at the Western China Expo, recognition as a "Well-Known Brand of Nanchong," the title of "People’s Trusted Food," and certification as Sichuan Province’s "Pollution-Free Agricultural Product."

　　Emperor's Rice Tofu is primarily made from high-quality Fengguo rice. For thousands of years, it has been a festive delicacy that the people of Langzhong serve to family and friends during holidays and celebrations. It earned the name “Emperor's Rice Tofu” because Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was particularly fond of it. Known for its refined production, eco-friendly process, delicious taste, affordability, and health benefits, it has been passed down through generations as a traditional local specialty of Langzhong.

　　During the Han Dynasty, there was a prime minister named Qiao Long, a native of Fengguo County (now Laoguan Town in Langzhong). He was highly favored by Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che. Fengguo County, with its beautiful scenery and pristine natural environment, produced rice with large, plump grains, excellent color, and a delightful taste. As a tribute rice for the Han imperial court, it became known as Fengguo rice. Qiao Long advised the emperor to summon the renowned astronomer Luo Xiahong to the capital to revise the calendar. Eventually, Emperor Wu adopted Luo’s theory of the celestial sphere and implemented the Taichu Calendar, establishing the Spring Festival culture that has continued for over two thousand years. During the first Spring Festival under Han rule, Qiao Long presented to Emperor Wu a handmade, sticky, and fragrant rice tofu made from Fengguo rice. The emperor was greatly pleased and spoke highly of it. The news quickly spread back to Qiao Long’s hometown, where the locals began calling this rice tofu “Emperor's Rice Tofu,” a name that has endured to this day. Since then, during festivals and celebrations, the people of Fengguo have served Emperor's Rice Tofu as a premium dish to honor their relatives and friends. Also known as “Fenghuang Rice Bean Blessing” (奉皇“米豆福”), it carries connotations of happiness and good fortune, becoming an integral part of the Spring Festival culture.