Nanbai and Yaxi Liangfen (cold noodles)

Nanbai and Yaxi Liangfen

　　　　Liangfen is not exclusive to Nanbai Town and Yaxi Town, but can be found throughout the county — though those from Nanbai and Yaxi are considered the best. Its main ingredient is peas, and the primary seasonings are chili and garlic with ginger. The bright red oil chili is mixed with mashed garlic, chopped scallions, minced ginger, as well as other condiments such as soy sauce and vinegar, resulting in a numbing, spicy, salty, fragrant, tender, and delicious taste, making it a snack especially beloved by young men and women. Every spring and summer, hundreds of liangfen stalls are packed with men and women, leaving no empty seats. A poem praising Nanbai Liangfen goes: “Vaguely yellow-white like fine jade, translucent and exquisite, utterly charming. Cut into pieces and shredded, then seasoned with sauces and vinegar. Ginger and chili cleanse the fishy and enhance the flavor. Daily it welcomes guests in the market, and constantly comforts solitude in the shops. Only fearing deep autumn’s heavy frost and dew, when night falls, people disperse amid drizzling rain.”

(Zunyi)