Tomato stir-fried with itself

Author: Zhang Chi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: It is said that the term "tomato stir-fried itself" originated from a misunderstanding. Northeasterners originally pronounced it as "tomato stir-fried chicken eggs," meaning tomato stir-fried eggs. Those unfamiliar with Northeastern dialect naturally interpreted it based on the homophones. As a true Northeasterner, I found this deeply offensive and felt that the entire nation seems to delight in making fun of us. Another origin story for "tomato stir-fried itself" has nothing to do with region—it involves a few guests ordering tomato stir-fried eggs at a restaurant but finding so few eggs that they were almost invisible. Thus, "tomato stir-fried chicken eggs" became "tomato stir-fried itself." Whether it's the first or the second explanation, I find both highly imaginative and very suitable as the title for this author's cookbook. The book's true intention isn't to teach cooking but to explore the relationship between people and food. In my view, this relationship can never be emphasized enough. It also reflects the spirit of "advancing with food" across different regions, which is another meaning of embracing culinary culture. However, when it comes to the act of eating itself, no matter how cultured, it is not a serious field of study. In this book, there are not only recipes but also wine, restaurants, and diners. It is both a gentle, ascending glimpse into the everyday life of ordinary people and a collective declaration by Chinese writers about life. This very act is deeply moving and makes the book all the more precious.