Hui Cuisine: Source of Delicacy and Charm of History

◎安徽省淮北市第十二中学 李文昊 指导教师：王苗苗

徽菜，中国八大菜系之一，以重色、重油、重火功而闻名。徽菜色香味俱佳，深受人们的喜爱。徽菜不仅是中华美食的杰出代表，也是安徽文化的瑰宝，是地方文化的象征和载体，更是徽州人们智慧的结晶。

As is known to us all, an increasing number of people are specially fond of traditional Chinese cuisines.Among them, Hui cuisine is wellknown for its unique blend of flavors, colors, and cooking techniques,which is considered one of the eight major cuisines in the country.

Hui cuisine is a combination of three distinct culinary( 烹饪的)styles: southern Anhui, along the Yangtze River, and along the Huai River.Of these, the southern Anhui style is considered the foundational source of Hui cuisine.

With a rich history that can be traced back to the ancient Huizhou region during the Southern Song Dynasty, Hui cuisine has developed over centuries with the tireless efforts of many chefs and it has reached such heights of excellence and popularity.

The formation and development of Hui cuisine are closely linked to the rise and prosperity of Huizhou merchants( 徽 商).The wealth of Huizhou merchants in the world and their love for hometown flavors played an important role in the evolution of Hui cuisine.During the Ming and Qing Dynasties,Huizhou merchants flourished in Yangzhou, Shanghai, and Wuhan,contributing significantly to the promotion and development of Hui cuisine.

The features of Hui cuisine are its rich flavors, vibrant(鲜艳 的) colors, and high heat.Using unique ingredients that are often local specialties( 当地特产), it focuses on natural flavors and nourishing properties(滋养特性).A typical dish is the Stinky Mandarin Fish( 臭 鳜 鱼), a traditional Hui dish that shows its unique pickling and cooking methods.This dish is famous for its rich taste with a hint of sweetness and spiciness.It is often served with rice or other local dishes, making it a popular choice for many people.

All in all, culture and cuisine go hand in hand.Therefore, Hui cuisine is not only a culinary tradition, but also carries the folk culture and historical tradition of Anhui.Its unique flavors, cooking techniques, and presentation methods make it a must-try for anyone who loves to explore the diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine.