In Xinghua, located in Taizhou, Jiangsu province, "evening tea" is a delightful misnomer. Rather than a refined tea service, it offers a vibrant array of street food that engages all the senses.
The evening tea begins with a bowl of red broth wontons, crafted with swift precision by seasoned vendors. These delicate morsels, bathed in a rich bone broth and garnished with garlic and white pepper, warm the soul and stomach alike.
Red broth wontons. [Photo/WeChat account: xhlvyou]
Complementing the wontons is the silky tofu, a dish celebrated for its simplicity and purity. Seasoned with soy sauce, shrimp and pickles, this dish highlights the natural taste of soybeans, with a spicy kick available for those who crave it.
Silky tofu. [Photo/WeChat account: xhlvyou]
For those seeking something heartier, pan-fried dumplings and the infamous fried stinky tofu offer crispy, juicy satisfaction.
Pan-fried dumplings. [Photo/WeChat account: xhlvyou]
In the list of Xinghua's evening tea offerings, "scorched flour" holds a special place in the warm memories of the older generation. White flour is poured into a large iron pan and slowly roasted over low heat until it turns an enticing golden brown, releasing a rich wheat aroma. When ready to enjoy, a couple of spoonfuls are mixed with boiling water, transforming instantly into a thick, rich porridge.
Scorched flour is beloved by Xinghua's older generations. [Photo/WeChat account: xhlvyou]
Xinghua's evening tea is a symphony of flavors — sweet, savory, and everything in between. It's a celebration of the local street food culture that, though unpretentious, provides a comforting and fulfilling experience.