Qufu special snacks

Qufu is the hometown of Confucius, and people in this area have been influenced by Confucian culture since childhood. There are many scenic spots and historical sites in Qufu area, and many people go there to visit Mr. Laozi. The most important thing you cannot miss when you go to Qufu is the Confucius Mansion Banquet, which is the highest level banquet in Qufu. In fact, there are many special snacks in Qufu, such as Kongfu pastries, Qufu pancakes, mutton porridge, etc. Let’s learn about them together.

1. Confucius Mansion Pastry

Since it is the hometown of Confucius, it is natural for us to first take a look at the pastries related to Confucius. That is Kongfu Pastry, which is a traditional delicacy in Qufu, Shandong. Just like the Confucius Mansion Banquet, it is a unique pastry with a long history and passed down from generation to generation. There are two main categories of Kongfu pastries: pastries for internal use and pastries for external use. There are rattan flower cakes and lily cakes in spring; mint cakes, lotus cakes, and mung bean cakes for clearing away heat and detoxifying in summer; chrysanthemum cakes and osmanthus cakes in autumn; and radish cakes and red bean paste cakes in winter. The snacks that are eaten all year round include Da Suhe, Juhua Su, Lily Su, etc. Girls who like snacks are in for a treat. I really envy the local people in Qufu who can eat such delicious pastries every day.

2. Qufu pancake

Qufu pancake is a famous traditional noodle dish and one of Shandong specialties. Qufu pancake is different from other pancakes. It is made with rich ingredients. First, wheat flour, corn flour, etc. are mixed into a paste and put into a flat pan for frying. Then peanut oil, fried peanuts, chopped green onions, table salt, chili powder and other ingredients are added. The Qufu pancake just out of the pan has a thin skin and rich fillings. It is crispy and delicious. You take a bite and the rich fillings will enter your mouth. You don’t need to add anything else. Just a pancake is enough. It is completely different from other pancakes, which require you to find something else to eat with it.

3. Mutton porridge

Mutton porridge is the most distinctive breakfast in Qufu. There are many mutton stalls next to the fried dough sticks stalls. Sometimes the two owners are from the same company, and sometimes not. The mutton is cooked according to the prepared seasonings and has a rich taste. According to the customers' preferences, the mutton boss will cut the stewed mutton. Some people like the soft and delicious lamb liver, while others like the smooth and refreshing lamb meat. Each has its own taste.

4. Smoked tofu

We have all eaten tofu, but the smoked tofu in Qufu is not to be missed. Although smoked tofu is made from ordinary tofu that is smoked, the smoked tofu in Qufu tastes very special. It can be eaten directly as a side dish, or it can be processed further and it will taste good no matter how you stir-fry, boil, or stew it. What I like most is to eat it in its original flavor, I feel that this is the best way to eat it. Of course, the fried smoked tofu is also very good, especially when it is spread with a layer of chili sauce. The flavors of chili and tofu are mixed together, and it tastes really great when you take a bite.

5. Fairy Duck

We may all be a little confused when we hear this name, but the reason why the Fairy Duck is called "Fairy" is for a reason! According to local legend in Qufu, the Fairy Duck was a steamed duck made by the family chef of Kong Fanpo, the 74th generation grandson of Confucius, when he was the prefect of Tongzhou, Shanxi. The dish of Fairy Duck has tender meat that falls off the bones, fresh color, and delicious soup, and it is fat but not greasy. Kong Fanpo praised it highly after tasting it, and asked the chef for the recipe. The chef said to steam the duck in a steamer, and the time would be calculated by the burning incense. When the incense is burned out, the duck will be done. This practice surprised Kong Fanpo, who praised it repeatedly as "Divine Duck, Divine Duck", and this is how the Divine Duck got its name.