In the vast northeast of China, a lively banquet is always indispensable at every festive moment. It is not only a feast for the taste buds, but also a bond of emotional exchange between villagers and neighbors. However, with the change of the times, those hard dishes that were once "rushed" as soon as they were served on the table now seem to have lost their former charm. Today, let's reminisce about the flavors of those memories and explore the stories and changes behind them.
1. Platter of intestines
Back then, a platter of Northeast red sausages, dried sausages, powder sausages and tripies was undoubtedly a treasure in the eyes of children. Every time the banquet arrives, as soon as this colorful delicacy appears, the children flock to it, for fear of missing a bite. And now, with the improvement of living conditions, these once luxuries have become commonplace, and a plate of intestines is often only tasted, leaving more of the sweetness in the memory.
2. Boiled prawns
Boiled prawns used to be one of the criteria for measuring the grade of the banquet. In the early years, a plate of prawns was served almost instantaneously, and there was not even a dipping sauce left. Today, although the prawns are still frequent guests at the banquet, people are no longer as fanatical as in the past, a little more calm, a little less urgent, and the remaining shrimp have become a landscape on the table.
3. Roast chicken
Roast chicken was once a delicious symbol in the hearts of many people. At that time, a golden buttery roast chicken was served, and adults and children were salivating. Now, with the diversification of dietary choices, the taste of roast chicken seems to be less irresistible, and the chicken that was once firm and tender is now often left behind.
4. Fish stew
Needless to say, the love of fish in the Northeast is needless to say, but at the banquet, a well-cooked fish gradually becomes the most wasteful dish. Once upon a time, when a fish was served, everyone scrambled to be the first; Today, even the most fish lovers have only tasted it, leaving half a fish lying alone on a plate.
5. Wrap the meat in a pot
As a classic of Northeast cuisine, pot wrapped pork still maintains a high popularity among many dishes with its crispy skin and sweet and sour taste. Despite the more discerning tastes of modern people, this dish always seems to evoke nostalgia for traditional delicacies, and is one of the few dishes that is barely left at the table.
6. Chicken stew with mushrooms
I remember that in the days of rural halls, chicken stewed mushrooms were swept away as soon as they were served. Today, due to the heavy use of instant chicken, the flavor of this dish is much less than it used to be. Many people began to pursue the original taste, and would rather not eat than settle, which made the light of this dish gradually dim.
7. Slipped meat
Slip meat section, one of the representatives of Northeast specialty dishes. In times of material scarcity, it was the highlight of the feast. But now, with the abundance of meat on every family's table, this dish full of meat has gradually lost its former appeal.
8. Sauce elbows
Sauce elbow, the pride of the Northeast people's table. It is soft but not greasy, and it used to be the star of the banquet. However, with the improvement of health awareness, young people control the amount of food for the sake of their body, and the elderly dare not eat more due to physical reasons.
The change of this hard dish is not only the story of the food itself, but also the epitome of the changes of the times and the progress of life. The "crazy robbery" of the past is no longer because the taste has changed, but because our mood, lifestyle and values are quietly changing. In this process, what remains unchanged is the deep attachment to the taste of hometown, as well as the yearning and pursuit of a better life.