When people think of food, they often think of fragrant and tempting scenes. However, during my travels, there are times when I encounter food that is not very tasty, and for some reason these dishes have become "famous foods" in the local area, including several places that I have visited.
The first place is a well-known town called "Chili Town". This place is famous for its chili products, and it is said that the chili peppers here have a unique variety and unique flavor. I heard about the locals' love for chili peppers and was intrigued and decided to give it a try. However, I found that although the chili products here are spicy, they lack the accompaniment of other condiments, which makes it feel monotonous. The locals love it and recommend me a variety of chili products, and even the local chili hot pot is their favorite. I've tried it a few times, but I can't get used to the hot taste.
Next to the town of Chili is a famous mountain range called "Volcanic Ridge". Ascending Volcanic Ridge, you can get a panoramic view of Chili Town, and the houses in the distance glow red in the sunlight, as if the whole town is enveloped in Chili's enthusiasm.
The second place is a small town known as the "Sweet City". As the name suggests, it is famous for its sweets and is said to be one of the birthplaces of sweets. As soon as I arrived, I was fascinated by the roadside stalls, and I was dazzled by the variety of desserts. I ordered a signature dessert and was looking forward to a sweet treat. However, when I tasted it, I was disappointed that the taste of the dessert was too monotonous, and even a little too sweet, which made me feel that I couldn't eat it. However, the locals love these desserts and buy plenty of them as gifts during the holidays. I once spoke to a local grandmother who told me that these desserts are a traditional craft that her family has been making for generations and that they are one of their most precious cultural heritages.
Behind this town there is a tranquil creek called "Sweet Creek". The water is crystal clear, and people often go fishing, picnicking, and enjoy a quiet and sweet time.
The third place is a village known as "sour". This place is famous for sauerkraut, which is said to have a long history of sauerkraut making and a unique taste. When I arrived, there was a sour smell that seemed to envelop the whole village. I tried the local sauerkraut and found it to be sour, and the texture was a bit hard and not flavorful. However, locals have a soft spot for it, believing that sauerkraut can increase appetite and aid digestion, making it an essential part of their daily routine. I once met a proprietress at a local sauerkraut shop, and she told me that the shop has been open for three generations and that the recipe for sauerkraut is an ancestral secret and a source of pride for their family.
There is an ancient temple in the vicinity of this village called "Sauerkraut Temple". Built in the Tang Dynasty, the temple is an important cultural heritage site and attracts a large number of tourists every year.
The fourth place is a small town known as "Xiang Bao Restaurant". This place is famous for its steamed buns, which are said to be a local specialty. As soon as I arrived, I was fascinated by the roadside stalls, where the owners were making steamed buns on site, and the aroma was overflowing. I couldn't wait to taste it, but found that the texture of the bun was a little rough, and the taste was relatively bland and uncharacteristic. However, the locals love it and consider it to be their traditional delicacy and a part of their lives. I once met the owner of a steamed bun shop and he told me that the shop has been open for decades and that the secret to making steamed buns lies in the flour and fermentation techniques, which are traditional crafts of their family.
There is an ancient temple in the vicinity of this town called "Xiangfu Temple". Built in the Song Dynasty, the temple is an important historical site in the area and attracts a large number of tourists.
Four places and four cuisines, although lacking in taste, have become local "famous foods" because of their uniqueness. In the process of traveling in these places, I deeply felt the culture and customs of different regions, and I also cherished the food of my hometown even more. Each cuisine has its own story, and these stories have enriched my travel experience.