Chinese longevity noodles are not only delicious and nutritious food, but also contain a meaning for people’s wishes for health and long life on the occasion of the upcoming Birthday or New Year.
Why is it called ‘longevity noodles‘?
In Chinese cuisine , noodles are the most popular traditional food with a history of more than 4000 years of formation and development. It can be said that in each different locality, the Chinese have their own way of processing noodles to suit the climate and customs. These are Biang Biang noodles, spinach noodles, Dang noodles, three flavors noodles, Wuhan dry noodles, Lanzhou beef noodles, Beijing soy sauce fried noodles,…
But there is a noodle dish that not only has local characteristics but also shows an important meaning in Chinese culinary culture because it is associated with the story of the ancient people’s wishes for health and long life. As the name itself suggests, it is longevity noodles. This is also one of the most popular dishes on New Year’s Eve here.
Origin of Chinese Longevity Noodles
It is said that 300 years ago, in the village of Nanshan, Zhejiang province in the Tang dynasty, after many turmoils, food became very scarce. At this time, Emperor Minh Hoang’s wife had to use her embroidered handkerchief in exchange for a bowl of noodles to give to her husband on his birthday. From then on, the dish imbued with conjugal love is called longevity noodles. And just like the name, this noodle dish symbolizes sincere wishes for health, as well as wishes for a long life at the beginning of the new year.
This dish is even more meaningful in terms of Chinese culture, because the country attaches great importance to longevity. According to the traditional concept of the ancients, the longer the noodles, the healthier and longer the person who eats.
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That’s why at other times, when transitioning to the new year or celebrating someone’s birthday, instead of giving them a birthday cake, the Chinese will give a bowl of longevity noodles with the meaning of longevity. Wishing you good health and even a hundred years of life. Besides the meaning of age, Chinese longevity noodles are also associated with luck and prosperity, so it is an indispensable delicacy on the table to welcome Tet.
How is longevity noodles different from normal noodles?
Compared to normal noodles, long noodles have a much longer fiber because they are not cut, but keep the original length. Not only that, the way to eat is also quite different because you have to eat the whole noodle in one breath and before putting it in your mouth, it represents the wish for an increasing lifespan. won’t be lucky. This is a unique point, making a difference in the culinary culture of the Chinese people.
Over time, longevity noodles have become more and more famous and popular. Not only is this dish loved by the local people, but this dish also soon enters the list of expected Asian delicacies, especially for those who have the opportunity to visit the most populous country in the world. Chinese tourists from all over the world have come to enjoy this delicious and meaningful dish with the desire to live longer.
If the noodle dish across the Yunnan Bridge is characterized by placing fresh ingredients in separate bowls, when eating, they are put in a bowl of hot soup, when using Chinese longevity noodles , people often add an egg. Because according to the Eastern concept, the egg is round, a symbol of fullness, and also symbolizes life.
Longevity noodles mean a special dish, a cultural symbol recognized by the Chinese people. Along with Peking duck, Sichuan hot pot and many other delicacies, longevity noodles have contributed to the exquisite and unique culinary beauty of China.
Special recipe of Chinese longevity noodles
Whether you are traveling on your own or are on a tour of China , especially on the occasion of the New Year, you will be introduced to a dish called luck: longevity noodles. Many people believe that the name of this noodle dish is true both literally and figuratively, that is, it is both delicious and rich in nutrients, which promotes health and shows the meaning of longevity.
Indeed, visitors after enjoying longevity noodles will not be able to stop chopsticks by the chewy noodles soaked in the broth mixed with the sweetness of duck meat, the soft aroma of mushrooms that perfectly combine with the pungent taste of chili peppers. make a great dish during the holidays and Tet.
These delicious long and chewy noodles have a history of development over 300 years, through skillful and meticulous processing, they have become famous nutritious dishes. It can be said that with a long and elaborate cooking process, careful to every detail, longevity noodles contribute to the list of dishes with the most complicated and sophisticated processing stages.
Perhaps because of that, even though they have been present in China for a long time, very few people can prepare traditional standard noodles for New Year’s Day or long life. The truth is that until now there are only a few hundred people left who know how to make Chinese longevity noodles.
Especially in Nam Son village – the hometown of longevity noodles, people have to follow the traditional recipe and spend a lot of time and effort to make delicious noodles. The first step is to choose a special powder, roll it out, then cut it into small pieces, cross it and dry it in the sun for a few hours. Then, depending on the weather situation, adjust because this factor greatly affects the deliciousness of the noodle dish. Ideally, it’s sunny because the noodles will dry faster and taste better.
After having finished noodles, it’s time to cook, use and prepare ingredients to eat with. The water must be mixed with the freshness of the side dishes such as roast duck, char siu or black tiger shrimp, mushrooms, etc. In addition, one can also eat longevity noodles separately to feel it. full of the cool taste of the broth and the soft and chewy noodles.
The weather will determine the good or bad of the noodles, if it’s sunny, the noodles will dry quickly and taste much better. Longevity noodles are prepared with a special liquid, which can be eaten with, or eaten alone. According to the Chinese travel experience of many tourists, no matter which way you choose to enjoy longevity noodles, you will be impressed with its very own delicious taste.
Many gourmets believe that Yi Mein noodles (a Cantonese egg noodle with an attractive yellow color that is both chewy and spongy) are the best longevity noodles. Because this special type of noodle has a high processing technique, special attention is paid to the kneading process, making the noodles lengthen to about 3m, not as short as normal noodles. Today, the land where visitors can enjoy a bowl of authentic Chinese longevity noodles , according to the most traditional taste, is the Zhejiang region.
Longevity noodles have a long time of formation and existence, and retain a special recipe, which is handed down from generation to generation, so it is a dish with an important position and role in the cuisine Chinese. With the belief that eating a bowl of long-life noodles will bring good health, luck and longevity, Chinese people have substituted it for birthday cakes or dumplings on someone’s new year celebration. If you have the opportunity to travel to this country, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a delicious and nutritious bowl of longevity noodles!
