Shanghai specialty dishes

Author: Liang Yongxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: "What to eat" and "How to eat" have always been intertwined with the history of human survival and development. In fact, the evolution from "eating raw meat and drinking blood" to the refined culinary practices of "refining grain to the fullest and slicing meat to the finest" represents one of the longest periods of "adjustment" between humans and nature. At the same time, it also marks one of the signs of humanity's transition from savagery to civilization. The history of Chinese cooking techniques is long and profound, yet for a long time, the endless enjoyment brought by this exquisite craft was not accessible to most ordinary people. Only in the past two decades, with the prosperity of the nation, have most Chinese people followed a dietary path from merely "eating enough" to "eating well," from "eating well" to "eating delicately," and even to "eating culture." This not only reflects that only with rapid economic development and improved living standards can the pursuit of material and spiritual civilization become increasingly intense among the people, but also reveals that the public's demands for culinary techniques are constantly rising. China is vast, and its diverse climatic conditions have given rise to regionally distinctive ingredients and cooking methods. The unique customs, taste preferences, and culinary techniques of different regions have further created a variety of local dishes with distinct flavors. Especially in today's era where "food culture" has become a "trend" pursued by the masses, renowned chefs from all regions have been actively promoting their local specialties, producing one exquisite dish after another. These dishes have become like precious pearls strung along the long chain of Chinese culinary culture. We have documented these works with images and text, compiled them into a series titled "The Series of Chinese Regional Specialty Dishes," and published them for everyone. The purpose is to record a civilization and spread it far and wide, ensuring its lasting legacy. At the same time, we aim to provide readers with exemplary works for study and reference, allowing the exquisite techniques and culinary culture of China to be widely promoted and celebrated.