Cengong Rice Tofu

Cengong Rice Tofu

　　Cengong Rice Tofu is a specialty dish from Longtian Town, Cengong County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. Rice tofu is a well-known local delicacy in Cengong, prized for its pleasant texture and rich flavor. It helps quench thirst, aids digestion, and stimulates the appetite, making it very popular among locals and visitors alike—who always find themselves craving it after trying it.

　　Rice tofu is made by soaking rice (mainly glutinous rice) in limewater, then thoroughly rinsing it with clean water. The rice is then ground into a paste using a stone mill or slurry machine, poured into an iron pot, and slowly cooked over a low flame until it solidifies into a dough-like consistency. The mixture is then spread out and cooled in a ceramic basin. It is typically served cold, but during the cold winter months, it can be heated in boiling water before eating. When served, it is cut into rectangular strips or square cubes and mixed with toppings such as chopped scallions, sesame oil, vinegar, MSG, soy sauce, roasted soybeans, and fish mint (Houttuynia cordata). In Longtian Town, Cengong County, rice tofu is available all year round. During market days, locals flock to rice tofu shops for a satisfying meal, and even passersby often stop to try it. The number of people enjoying rice tofu continues to grow, and the business has become increasingly thriving.