【ENGSUB】《辣椒的征途》第2集 从东南沿海到西南腹地 谁才是辣中霸主?【CCTV纪录】

CCTV纪录
17 Feb 202224:09

Summary

TLDRThe video script 'The Journey of Chili' explores the transformative role of chili in Chinese cuisine, highlighting its spread from coastal regions to the hinterland. It delves into how chili has become an essential seasoning, influencing and reshaping traditional diets. The narrative traverses through Guizhou's sour fish sauce, Sichuan's numbing and spicy flavors, and Hunan's bold approach to spiciness, showcasing the unique culinary techniques and cultural significance of chili in each region. The script also touches on the historical context of chili's introduction to China and its evolution into a symbol of regional identity and flavor.

Takeaways

  • 🌶️ The script explores the journey of chili in China, highlighting its impact on regional cuisines and the development of unique flavor profiles.
  • 🏞️ In Guizhou, chili is a staple, with the local Miao people using it to create a distinctive sour and spicy flavor in their dishes, such as sour fish sauce.
  • 🐟 The rock-climbing loach, a small fish found in fast-flowing streams, is used by the Miao people as a natural additive in their chili sauce, enhancing its glutamate content.
  • 🍲 Claypot chicken stew and burnt chili dipping sauce are examples of how chili is used to bring out the full flavor of dishes in Guizhou cuisine.
  • 🧂 Guizhou's history of salt scarcity led to the development of sour and spicy flavors as a substitute, which has become an integral part of the local diet.
  • 🌟 The script showcases the importance of chili in Sichuan cuisine, where it is used to create the signature 'numbing and spicy' taste, with dishes like Mapo Tofu and Stir-fried Kidney Flowers.
  • 🌶️ Sichuan peppercorn, with its unique numbing quality, is a key ingredient that pairs with chili to define the taste of Sichuan cuisine.
  • 👨‍🍳 The narrative follows individuals like Jiang Congming, who emphasizes the use of chili and other spices in his steamed food restaurant, reflecting the region's culinary traditions.
  • 🔥 In Hunan, chili is used to create a bold and abstract spicy flavor, with dishes like Kouwei Shrimp showcasing the region's love for strong and spicy tastes.
  • 🦐 The Tianbao Brothers' Restaurant in Changsha is highlighted for its popular Kouwei Shrimp, which has become a symbol of the region's spicy and flavorful cuisine.
  • 🌱 The script concludes by reflecting on how chili, despite its humble origins, has become a powerful force in Chinese cuisine, influencing taste preferences and culinary evolution across the country.

Q & A

  • What is the significance of chili in Chinese cuisine as described in the script?

    -Chili has become an everyday seasoning that has integrated, collided, and reshaped the diet systems in China, particularly along the Yangtze River, leading to a battle of flavors where it is present.

  • How does the script describe the fishing season in Qiaogang Village, Guizhou?

    -The script describes the fishing season in Qiaogang Village as a time when the decrease in rainfall leads to slower water flow and a lower water level, making it the ideal time for the annual fishing season to begin.

  • What is the role of rock-climbing loach in the local Miao people's cuisine as mentioned in the script?

    -Rock-climbing loach is used as a natural additive by the local Miao people to make chili sauce, giving it a uniquely fresh and spicy taste.

  • Why was chili initially seen as an ornamental flower in China according to the script?

    -When chili was first introduced to China, it was long seen as an ornamental flower due to its aesthetic appeal, and it was popular in regions like Jiangsu and Zhejiang before it spread inland.

  • What is the importance of sour fish sauce in Leishan County as described in the script?

    -Sour fish sauce is as important as salt in every household in Leishan County, and it is a key ingredient that gives dishes their uniquely fresh and spicy taste.

  • How does the script characterize the people of Guizhou in relation to their food preferences?

    -The script characterizes the people of Guizhou as having a strong preference for sour and spicy flavors, which became popular after the introduction of chili and the historical salt shortage in the region.

  • What is the unique feature of the claypot chicken stew as highlighted in the script?

    -The unique feature of the claypot chicken stew is that a spoonful of sour fish sauce is enough to trigger the full flavor of the entire pot, making additional seasoning unnecessary.

  • How does the script describe the role of chili in Sichuan cuisine?

    -The script describes chili as the soul of the flavor in Sichuan cuisine, where it has become integral to the taste and has been used to create dishes like Stir-fried Kidney Flowers and Sliced Beef in Hot Chili Oil.

  • What is the significance of the 'Huguang Filling Sichuan' movement in the context of chili's journey as mentioned in the script?

    -The 'Huguang Filling Sichuan' movement is significant as it marked the beginning of chili's journey to Chengdu, where it started to be used extensively in Sichuan cuisine.

  • How does the script portray the relationship between the people of Zigong and their food?

    -The script portrays the people of Zigong as having a deep connection with their food, where they value the delicate taste and the use of local ingredients, with a particular focus on the use of chili and Sichuan peppercorn.

  • What is the unique characteristic of the steamed food in Zigong as described in the script?

    -The unique characteristic of the steamed food in Zigong is the pursuit of a delicate taste, with the use of salt and sugar to boost freshness, bean sauce for a rich flavor, chili powder for aroma, and rice powder to create a 'symphony of spiciness'.

Outlines

00:00

🌶️ The Advent of Chili in Chinese Cuisine

The script introduces the journey of chili in China, highlighting its spread from coastal regions to the hinterland, particularly along the Yangtze River. It emphasizes the role of chili in revolutionizing traditional Chinese diet systems, leading to the development of new flavor profiles. The narrative focuses on Guizhou, where chili has become a staple seasoning, and details the local practice of making chili sauce with a unique ingredient, the rock-climbing loach, which imparts a natural umami flavor. The script also touches on the historical context of chili's introduction to China and its transformation from an ornamental plant to a culinary essential.

05:15

🍲 The Art of Making Sour Fish Sauce in Guizhou

This paragraph delves into the traditional method of making sour fish sauce in Qiaogang Village, Guizhou, a process that involves fermenting chili sauce with rock-climbing loach. The sauce, called 'sour fish sauce,' is described as a vital seasoning in local Miao cuisine, comparable to the importance of salt in other cultures. The script outlines the historical significance of this sauce in a region historically lacking in salt, and how it has become a symbol of resilience and cultural identity. The narrative also explores the broader culinary landscape of Guizhou, where the combination of sour and spicy flavors has become a hallmark of the province's cuisine.

10:23

🌟 The Mastery of Chili in Sichuan Cuisine

The script shifts focus to Sichuan, where chili plays a central role in the region's signature 'numbing and spicy' flavors. It discusses the historical movement 'Huguang Filling Sichuan' that brought chili to the area and the subsequent development of Sichuan cuisine. The narrative follows a local chef, Xiong Wei, who uses a variety of chili-based dishes to showcase the versatility and depth of Sichuan flavors. Key dishes like Stir-fried Kidney Flowers and Sliced Beef in Hot Chili Oil are highlighted, along with the importance of local ingredients and cooking techniques that have shaped the distinct taste of Sichuan cuisine.

15:23

🔥 The Bold Flavors of Hunan Cuisine

The fourth paragraph explores the spicy cuisine of Hunan, contrasting it with the sour and spicy tastes of Guizhou and the numbing and spicy profiles of Sichuan. Hunan's climate, which combines continental and oceanic characteristics, is noted for fostering a diverse range of chili peppers and their consumption. The script introduces various ways Hunanese people enjoy chili, from simple chili sauces to complex dishes like Fish with Spicy Black Bean Sauce. The narrative culminates in a description of Kouwei Shrimp, a popular spicy dish and a symbol of the region's culinary spirit, reflecting a culture that values boldness and resilience.

20:27

🦐 The Evolution of Kouwei Shrimp in Hunan

This final paragraph tells the story of the Tianbao Brothers' Restaurant in Changsha, known for its Kouwei Shrimp, a dish that has become a nightlife sensation. The script details the restaurant's strict rules, the dedication of its co-owners to providing a human touch in their service, and the chef's commitment to maintaining the authenticity of the dish's spiciness. It outlines the evolution of Kouwei Shrimp, from a crayfish-based dish to one featuring the giant river prawn, and the secret methods used to infuse the prawn with a complex interplay of spicy flavors. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the journey of chili in China, its integration into various regional cuisines, and its potential to continue shaping the taste palette of the country.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Chili

Chili is a type of spicy fruit from the capsicum family, widely used in cooking for its pungent flavor. In the video, chili is central to the culinary traditions of various regions in China, symbolizing the adaptation and integration of new ingredients into local cuisines. It's highlighted as a driving force behind the evolution of flavor profiles, especially in provinces like Guizhou and Sichuan, where it has become a staple seasoning.

💡Sour Fish Sauce

Sour Fish Sauce is a traditional condiment made by pickling chili sauce with rock-climbing loach, a local ingredient in Guizhou. It's described as having a uniquely fresh and spicy taste, which is deeply ingrained in the local Miao culture. The sauce is so integral to the cuisine that it's compared to the necessity of salt in other regions, showcasing how regional flavors are shaped by available resources and historical practices.

💡Rock-climbing Loach

The rock-climbing loach is a small fish found in the fast-flowing streams of Guizhou, which is used in the making of sour fish sauce. This fish is noted for its ability to convert to a large amount of glutamate, a natural flavor enhancer. Its use in the script illustrates the deep connection between local ecology and culinary practices, where the environment provides unique ingredients that define the taste of a place.

💡Sichuan Cuisine

Sichuan cuisine is one of the eight major cuisines in China, known for its bold flavors, particularly the use of oil and chili. In the video, it's depicted through dishes like Mapo Tofu and Stir-fried Kidney Flowers, which highlight the use of chili to create a 'numbing and spicy' taste. The script emphasizes how Sichuan's culinary style has been influenced by the integration of chili, leading to a distinctive flavor profile that's both complex and recognizable.

💡Numbing and Spicy

Numbing and spicy is a flavor profile characteristic of Sichuan cuisine, achieved through the combination of chili and Sichuan peppercorn. The script describes how this unique taste sensation, which includes a tingling numbness, has become a signature of the region's cooking. It's not just a culinary technique but also a cultural identifier, reflecting the innovative use of spices to create a memorable dining experience.

💡Hunan Cuisine

Hunan cuisine is another significant Chinese culinary tradition, recognized for its use of chili and emphasis on 'flavor' in dishes. The video discusses how Hunan people are known for their bold approach to spiciness, with dishes like Kouwei Shrimp showcasing a commitment to strong, spicy flavors. This culinary style is portrayed as a reflection of the Hunan spirit—uncompromising and daring, much like the province's residents.

💡Kouwei Shrimp

Kouwei Shrimp is a popular dish from Hunan, mentioned in the script as a favorite among locals and a signature offering at the Tianbao Brothers' Restaurant. This dish is prepared with a generous use of chili, creating a spicy and flavorful profile that's typical of Hunan cuisine. The script uses Kouwei Shrimp as an example of how regional dishes can become cultural phenomena, drawing crowds and symbolizing the area's culinary identity.

💡Giant River Prawn

The giant river prawn is a key ingredient in the Kouwei Shrimp dish, chosen for its fat and tender flesh which is ideal for absorbing the rich flavors of the spicy sauce. The script details the process of cooking the prawn to achieve a texture and taste reminiscent of crayfish, a nod to the restaurant's innovation and the adaptability of traditional recipes to create new favorites.

💡Flavor

In the context of the video, 'flavor' refers to the taste and aroma of food, with a particular emphasis on the strong, spicy, and savory characteristics of dishes from regions like Hunan. The term is used to describe the overall sensory experience of eating, which is central to the enjoyment and cultural significance of food. The script highlights how 'flavor' is a key的追求 in Hunan cuisine, driving the creation of dishes that are both delicious and stimulating to the palate.

💡Culinary Journey

The culinary journey metaphorically represents the spread and adaptation of chili across China, as well as the personal journeys of individuals within the food industry. The script uses the term to describe how chili has traveled from its introduction to China to becoming a key ingredient in various regional cuisines, symbolizing both the literal and figurative travels of flavors and the people who prepare them.

Highlights

Disputes over which Chinese province enjoys spicy food the most are common.

Chili spread along the Yangtze River, influencing the local diet systems.

Chili's integration led to a restart and reshaping of dietary systems in China.

Qiaogang Village in Guizhou begins its fishing season in September, signaling the start of a culinary journey.

Rock-climbing loach, a small fish in Guizhou, is used as a natural flavor enhancer in chili sauce.

Li Wen, a resident of Qiaogang Village, is renowned for his chili sauce-making skills.

Sour fish sauce, a local specialty, is as essential as salt in Guizhou households.

Guizhou's historical salt scarcity led to the adoption of sour flavors.

Sour and spicy food became popular in Guizhou, making it the first Chinese province to embrace spicy flavors.

Li Wen's sour fish sauce fermentation process is detailed, showcasing the depth of local culinary practices.

Claypot chicken stew is a testament to the power of sour fish sauce in enhancing flavor.

The people of Guizhou maintain their traditional tastes despite modern culinary trends.

Kaili City's streets are filled with spicy and sour hot pots, reflecting the local taste memory.

Sichuan's chili journey began with the 'Huguang Filling Sichuan' movement, influencing local cuisine.

Sichuan cuisine's unique use of chili is highlighted through dishes like Stir-fried Kidney Flowers and Sliced Beef in Hot Chili Oil.

Zigong's sub-style of Sichuan cuisine is known for its delicate taste and use of chili to enhance aroma.

Jiang Congming's steamed food restaurant exemplifies the art of Sichuan steamed dishes.

The secret to Jiang's success lies in his handmade dipping sauce, showcasing the importance of traditional methods.

The use of Seven-star Chili and Sichuan peppercorn in Sichuan cuisine creates a distinctive numbing and spicy flavor.

Xiong Wei's innovative use of fish roe in Zigong cuisine demonstrates the region's unique approach to flavors.

Hunan's late adoption of chili and its abstract spicy style set it apart from other regions.

Hunan people's bold approach to chili is evident in dishes like Kouwei Shrimp, reflecting a spirit of rebellion.

The Tianbao Brothers' Restaurant in Changsha is a testament to the popularity of Hunan's spicy cuisine.

The restaurant's Kouwei Shrimp is a favorite among Hunan locals, showcasing the region's love for spicy flavors.

The journey of chili in China has been one of transformation, from a foreign ornamental to a staple in Chinese cuisine.

Chili's ability to adapt and reshape local tastes has made it a dominant flavor across China.

Transcripts

play00:15

The Journey of Chili Inscribed by Lin Dihuan

play00:23

At a Chinese dinner table

play00:25

there always seems to be a dispute over

play00:28

which province enjoys spicy food the most

play00:32

From the southeast coast

play00:33

to the southwest hinterland

play00:35

the long stretches of the Yangtze River

play00:37

provide a natural route for the spread of chili

play00:43

The people here

play00:44

are also the first to make chili an everyday seasoning

play00:52

Diet systems that had been developed over 1,000 years

play00:54

were restarted, driven by chili

play00:58

They integrated, collided, and even reshaped

play01:03

Where there is chili

play01:04

there is a battle of flavors

play01:07

Directed by Ding Jing

play01:07

Who Is the King of Chilies

play01:12

Qiaogang Village, Leishan County, Guizhou

play01:15

September

play01:17

marks the beginning of the dry season in Guizhou

play01:21

The decrease in rainfall

play01:23

leads to slower water flow

play01:24

and lower water level

play01:29

The annual fishing season in Qiaogang Village

play01:32

has begun

play01:35

A tasty ingredient

play01:37

is hidden in the gaps between pebbles at the river bottom

play01:41

But it's not easy

play01:43

to obtain this ingredient

play01:54

Fishermen and fisherwomen must have enough patience and physical strength

play01:57

to tirelessly turn over every stone under the water

play02:07

Rock-climbing loach

play02:08

is a small benthic fish that

play02:10

grows only in fast-flowing streams

play02:14

Its body is less than 5 cm

play02:17

but it can convert to a large amount of glutamate

play02:20

This fish is the most natural additive

play02:22

used by the local Miao people to make chili sauce

play02:29

When chili was just introduced to China

play02:31

it had long been seen as an ornamental flower

play02:34

and had been popular in Jiangsu and Zhejiang

play02:37

Then it spread inland along the Yangtze River basin

play02:41

The mild climate of Guizhou

play02:43

provides natural conditions

play02:45

for chili to take root here

play02:52

Li Wen Resident of Qiaogang Village

play02:52

Li Wen is a master of making chili sauce

play02:55

His mother's untimely death

play02:56

forced him to acquire the skill at an early age

play02:59

The skill

play03:01

has also made him famous in nearby villages

play03:04

Due to poor living conditions

play03:06

all the villagers here

play03:08

sell sour fish sauce for a living

play03:12

The chili sauce pickled with rock-climbing loach

play03:15

is called "sour fish sauce"

play03:20

The local Miao people found that

play03:22

pickling chili sauce with rock-climbing loach

play03:25

will give the chili sauce

play03:26

a uniquely fresh and spicy taste

play03:33

In Leishan County

play03:35

sour fish sauce is as important as salt

play03:38

in every household

play03:51

Guizhou is the only province in China that doesn't produce salt

play03:55

For a long time in history

play03:57

people in Guizhou lived in shortage of salt

play04:01

After trying a variety of salt alternatives

play04:03

they first accepted the sour taste

play04:03

White Sour Soup

play04:07

It can be easily obtained

play04:09

in pickled and fermented food

play04:11

It can also stimulate the mouth

play04:12

and whet your appetite

play04:18

After chili was introduced

play04:19

people found that spicy food

play04:21

can also tantalize taste buds

play04:23

So sour and spicy food

play04:24

became popular among the Guizhou people

play04:30

This was how Guizhou became

play04:32

the first province in China

play04:34

to have spicy food

play04:46

Sour Fish Sauce

play04:49

A month later

play04:50

Li Wen's sour fish sauce fermented to perfection

play04:54

With the co-fermentation of

play04:56

lactic acid bacteria and yeasts

play04:57

the sour fish sauce gets a distinctive

play04:58

sour, hot, umami, and salty taste

play05:15

Claypot chicken stew

play05:16

is the touchstone of sour fish sauce

play05:19

A spoon of sour fish sauce

play05:20

is enough to trigger the full flavor of the whole pot

play05:23

No other seasoning is necessary

play05:23

Claypot Chicken Stew

play05:32

With burnt chili dipping sauce

play05:35

the chicken tastes sour and spicy, exuding the burnt aroma

play05:38

This is the exclusive taste the local Miao people enjoy

play05:41

In our village there is no soy sauce or vinegar

play05:43

Just a spoonful of sour fish sauce

play05:45

suffices to enhance the flavor of a meal

play05:48

Sour fish sauce

play05:50

is more like oil and salt on the table of the Miao people

play05:53

With it

play05:54

from soup to rice

play05:55

dishes to snacks

play05:57

just a spoonful of sour fish sauce

play05:59

will make an ordinary dish

play06:01

flavorful

play06:05

Now

play06:06

when it comes to hot and sour flavor

play06:08

people will think of Guizhou cuisine

play06:10

and chili plays a big role

play06:13

After getting through the salt shortage

play06:15

Guizhou people don't abandon the old flavors for new ones

play06:18

Despite the convergence of eating styles nowadays

play06:21

they still stick to their own taste

play06:23

Kaili City, Guizhou

play06:25

On the streets of Kaili City

play06:27

there is no skewer or crayfish

play06:30

but just tables of spicy and sour hot pots

play06:33

This is the taste memory

play06:35

between Guizhou people and chili during tough times

play06:40

Niufo Town, Zigong City, Sichuan

play06:45

300 years ago

play06:47

since the "Huguang Filling Sichuan" movement

play06:50

chili started its journey to Chengdu

play06:54

Sichuan people don't focus on the function of chili

play06:57

which gives them

play06:58

more space to take advantage of chili

play07:02

Huguang people's cooking techniques

play07:04

and Sichuan's local ingredients

play07:05

Stir-fried Kidney Flowers

play07:06

had paved way for chili

play07:07

Sliced Beef in Hot Chili Oil

play07:08

to be

play07:09

"born a master"

play07:11

In this land

play07:12

Fireside Beef

play07:13

Chili has really become

play07:15

the soul of the flavor

play07:16

Mapo Tofu

play07:25

Every morning

play07:26

Mr. Jiang begins to process the ingredients

play07:28

Different from making the traditional Steamed Pork with Rice Powder

play07:30

Zigong people prefer entrails and beef

play07:33

This can be related to the once-prosperous salt industry

play07:39

In Chinese history

play07:41

the salt industry meant wealth

play07:43

and wealth meant an exquisite life

play07:45

Jiang Congming Owner of a Steamed Food Restaurant

play07:47

Zigong sub-style became one of three major sub-styles of Sichuan cuisine

play07:50

along with Chengdu and Chongqing sub-styles

play07:52

This owns much to

play07:54

its pursuit of delicate taste

play08:05

Salt and sugar boost freshness and flavor

play08:09

Bean sauce adds a deep rich flavor

play08:14

Sprinkle enough chili powder

play08:16

which is not to increase spiciness

play08:18

but to boost the aroma of the food

play08:21

Finally, add rice powder

play08:24

to create a breathtaking "symphony of spiciness"

play08:38

Making Steamed Pork with rice powder must use powder

play08:40

so it will be more flavorful

play08:42

It will smell and taste better

play08:47

A bowl of tofu pudding for each customer

play08:48

Two bowls of beef and pork respectively

play08:52

251 yuan

play08:53

250 yuan

play08:58

Jiang Congming's steamed food restaurant

play09:00

opens at 11:00 a.m. every day

play09:03

Okay. Okay

play09:05

The eight steamed food restaurants

play09:07

on an old street

play09:08

make it a battlefield

play09:10

without the smoke of gunpowder

play09:16

It tastes pretty good

play09:18

Peppery, spicy, and fresh

play09:21

I'm more than willing to wait in line

play09:23

to eat at his restaurant

play09:24

After having enough

play09:25

I will probably come back here the next day

play09:27

I just can't get enough of it

play09:29

Help yourself to rice

play09:32

Diners prove the taste of Mr. Jiang's steamed food

play09:34

with their actions

play09:36

However

play09:38

they also have some complaints about the service

play09:40

I need to serve the plates and bowls myself

play09:42

We need to make a reservation in advance

play09:43

to have seats available

play09:44

The restaurant is closed

play09:46

in extremely hot or cold days

play09:47

or when the owner is traveling

play09:48

It's often closed

play09:49

Sometimes we come all the way here only to find

play09:51

a sign hanging at the door

play09:53

saying: I'm tired. The restaurant will be closed for half a month

play09:55

Sometimes I come here but it's closed

play09:57

so I have to go to the neighboring restaurant

play09:59

and the other restaurant owners are so happy

play10:07

Boasting a precise grasp of chili

play10:09

Mr. Jiang easily outperforms his peers

play10:22

However, only he knows that

play10:24

the secret dipping sauce

play10:26

is the secret of his success

play10:29

Making steamed food needs

play10:30

oil pounded chili

play10:32

After frying chili

play10:33

pound the chili by hand, and you'll get a different flavor

play10:35

It tastes natural

play10:36

and delicious

play10:39

The major ingredients of the dipping sauce

play10:40

are all locally grown

play10:42

One of the most important ingredients

play10:43

Seven-star Chili

play10:44

is Seven-star Chili

play10:46

It grows in Xindian Town, Weiyuan County, Sichuan

play10:49

It features strong spiciness and aroma

play10:53

Quick stir-fry on low heat

play10:54

to release the natural aroma of chili

play10:57

Not burnt and not raw

play10:58

Crispy

play11:10

After repeated pounding

play11:12

the spiciness and aroma

play11:14

are further released

play11:17

Now

play11:18

here comes another major ingredient

play11:23

Sichuan peppercorn

play11:25

It's the oldest spice in China

play11:27

It has been grown in Sichuan

play11:29

for over 2,000 years

play11:34

Before the introduction of chili

play11:36

the Chinese word "chili" referred specifically to Sichuan peppercorn

play11:39

The alkaloids contained in its oil capsules

play11:42

can bring a slight tingling sensation to the mouth

play11:45

which produces a numbing taste

play11:46

to whet appetite

play12:00

The combination of chili and Sichuan peppercorn

play12:02

makes Sichuan cuisine highly recognizable

play12:18

Now the words "numbing" and "spicy"

play12:21

not only represent spices mixed in the kitchen

play12:24

but also become a frequently-mentioned taste label

play12:32

But Sichuan people's interpretation of spiciness

play12:34

is not limited to "numbing and spicy"

play12:56

Every morning

play12:57

Xiong Wei goes to

play12:59

several markets in Zigong

play13:00

to search for a scarce ingredient

play13:03

Xiong Wei Chef

play13:04

Do you have fish roe?

play13:05

Yes, just a little

play13:06

That's all?

play13:08

Yes

play13:10

Please put it in a bag

play13:15

Thank you

play13:21

Crucian carp roe is not big

play13:23

Due to its exclusive fishy smell

play13:25

it's rarely used as a main ingredient

play13:31

But Xiong Wei, a chili master

play13:33

can create a rare flavor with it

play13:37

Numbness and spiciness are the overall styles of Sichuan cuisine

play13:39

However, Zigong has its unique

play13:41

numbing and spicy styles

play13:44

Strong and deep taste

play13:47

However, the strong taste not just comes from salt

play13:49

but also from the mix of ingredients

play13:53

As many as 16 kinds of ingredients

play13:55

are used to cook fish roe

play13:57

With an exclusive judgment of taste

play13:59

Zigong people have confirmed that

play14:01

chili and young ginger

play14:02

are a perfect match

play14:05

Using them to make a pot of base oil

play14:07

can perfectly cover the fishy smell of fish roe

play14:11

Zigong is not particularly abundant in ingredients

play14:13

so it has to make the best of

play14:16

cooking techniques and flavors

play14:20

Making fish roe

play14:22

needs Sichuan peppercorn, pickled ginger, pickled chili, and bean sauce

play14:26

All of them are indispensable

play14:28

It also provides the base flavor

play14:30

in the next critical step

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Before chili was introduced to Sichuan

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ginger was an important pungent spice

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used by local people

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The combination of ginger and chili

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creates a new flavor in Zigong cuisine

play14:45

fresh ginger pepper flavor

play14:51

Finally, add Er Jing Tiao chili

play14:54

to add freshness to the spicy dish

play14:59

Slow-simmer it on low heat

play15:00

to make the flavors get inside the roe

play15:04

The numbing and spicy flavor

play15:06

is created in a mild texture

play15:07

Fish Roe with Fresh Ginger and Pepper

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Sichuan people

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see chili as their own characters

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that are developed by osmosis in everyday meals

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and as the identity of everyone's lineage

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Let's move our sight from spicy-and-numbing Sichuan

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to the Yangtze River basin

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Changsha City, Hunan

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Hunan, another place known for its spicy food

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Different from Guizhou's sour and spicy style

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and Sichuan's numbing and spicy style

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Hunan's spicy style is abstract

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Hunan people became obsessed with chili relatively late

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but tried hard to catch up

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Hunan has both the rich sunshine and warmth

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of a continental climate

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and the abundant rainfall and humid air

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of an oceanic climate

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Chili Sauce

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The climate features enable a wide variety of chili in Hunan

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Roasted Chili

play16:05

and numerous ways to eat chili

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Chopped Chili Sauce

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Pickled Chili

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Hunan people are said to

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Black Bean Chili Sauce

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be least afraid of spicy food in China

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Mashed Peppers with Century Eggs

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Whether getting it right or not

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Hunan people are the boldest

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in eating chili

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Fish with Spicy Black Bean Sauce

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They don't have specific styles

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or combinations of eating chili

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Their only requirement for chili

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Fried Chicken with Chili Sauce

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is "flavor"

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Flavorful dishes go well with rice

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"Flavor" means tasting good

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A strong taste and spicy

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Awesome

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Hunan people call oily and spicy dishes

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flavorful dishes

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Kouwei Shrimp is a representative of

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flavorful dishes

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Kouwei Shrimp

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Kouwei Shrimp

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is the king of night snacks in Hunan

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It's appealing

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in both its spiciness

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and the way it is eaten

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It's amazingly spicy

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In Hunan people's view

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spiciness

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is not just a taste

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but a spirit

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That is

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never comprising

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and daring to rebel

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Basically, everyone is here

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Among the seven of us, six are here

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Can't it suffice?

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It is useless to yell

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When everyone is here, you can go inside

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Now all seven of us are here

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Can we go inside now?

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But no matter how rebellious you are

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you have to line up

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to dine at the Tianbao Brothers' Restaurant

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It is the most popular

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night snack bar in Changsha

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Its Kouwei Shrimp

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makes the street get packed solid with people every night

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Nine people?

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Take a number

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Luo Jiong

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is upright

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and meticulous in his work

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He is the CEO

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Luo Jiong Co-owner of the Tianbao Brothers' Restaurant

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who issues the queue number

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We have many rules

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Saving seats is not allowed

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Only when all members are present

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can they be seated

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I think the communication between a restaurant and customers

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should show the human touch

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I wish my restaurant to be a place full of human touch

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- Hi. - Takeout ordered via phone

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Mr. Jiang

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is composed

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and expressive

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He is the CFO and the cashier

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Are you satisfied with the food today?

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Jiang Lingyun Co-owner of the Tianbao Brothers' Restaurant

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Great

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Thank you

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Okay

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If you need an invoice, scan here

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Less spicy, with no scallion

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Yang Youhua Chef of the Tianbao Brothers' Restaurant

play18:40

This dish is not available in a "less spicy" flavor

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Cai

play18:44

is hot-tempered

play18:45

and nimble

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He is the director of purchasing

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and chef of fried shrimp

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Shrimp is crispy and flavorful

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It's fresh and big

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It tastes very spicy

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As the hit product of the restaurant

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Kouwei Shrimp is the favorite of Hunan girls

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Their love for the food

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also extends to the three middle-aged men

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who are hot and sweet guys in the hearts of the girls

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The restaurant co-owner

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is very righteous

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He is

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principled

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He is handsome

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I thought he didn't have a girlfriend

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It is not difficult to be loved

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but it is not easy

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to always be loved

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To achieve this goal

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the three partners put a lot of effort

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into every process of making Kouwei Shrimp

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In the winter of 2015

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fewer people came for the crayfish

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and we got worried

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After trying various species of crayfish

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we finally chose giant river prawn

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because it was the fattest in winter

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Our giant river prawn

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was probably the most popular in the WeChat Moments

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in Changsha in the winter of 2015

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This was version 2.0 of Kouwei Shrimp at the restaurant

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Native to Southeast Asia

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the giant river prawn is fat and thick

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It has been favored by diners

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ever since it was introduced

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How to make the giant river prawn

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taste like crayfish

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has always been a difficult problem

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So

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Cai developed an exclusive secret method

play20:22

of cooking the giant river prawn

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Let the prawn take shape in boiling oil

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Its skin shrinks quickly

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but the flesh inside remains tender

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Add garlic mud

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pickled wild chili, millet peppers

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and dried Indian chili into boiling oil

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on high heat

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The aroma is getting stronger

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If you want to make it more tantalizingly spicy

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add a special chili

play20:53

as the final flavor boost

play20:55

Hunan Yellow Chili

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It grows in Hengdong County, Hunan

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and has a bright color

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Fresh Hunan Yellow Chili

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tastes spicy and sweet

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With waves of spicy flavors

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the pot of giant river prawn

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creates visual and olfactory delights

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However

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this is just the first step

play21:19

of his secret method

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Next, letting the flavor sink in

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is the climax

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Among the four kinds of chili

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pickled wild chili tastes sour and hot

play21:29

and millet pepper is umami and spicy

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Hunan Yellow Chili brings pungent spiciness

play21:34

and dried Indian chili is the spiciest

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Stewed in the broth of chicken and pork bones

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on high heat

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the flavor of chili

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sinks into the flesh of the prawn through the broth

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The broth gets thick

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and covers the prawn

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The fat and tender flesh

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and thick broth

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along with the tantalizing spiciness

play22:01

invigorate your taste buds

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The restaurant's giant river prawn tastes the best

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because it's big and fresh

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The broth is flavorful

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Kouwei giant river prawn

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gives diners mixed feelings

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and enables the three guys in this city

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to take root

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Five years ago

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they started from scratch in Changsha

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offering takeout food

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at a rented kitchen

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Ever since then

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they've been down-to-earth in every step

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Cai was responsible for the kitchen

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The two of us delivered takeout

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We had a total of four electric motorcycles

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After delivering food, we needed to recharge the motorcycles

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and rode another one

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running all over the city

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Where the heart leads

play23:07

is the journey

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The end of the bustle

play23:10

marks the beginning of another grand journey

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Still doing what I used to do

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Do my best

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Step by step

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Stay true to our original aspiration

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A promising future

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You need to keep starting new journeys in life

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just like chili

play23:33

which was drifting at first

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while storing up energy along the way

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Despite its humble origin

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chili unleashes power during the integration process

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The journey of chili

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is never vagrancy

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Spreading across the country

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and dominating dinner tables

play23:48

chili has been reshaping the taste hierarchy

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in the vast land of China

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From taking root in China to being integrated into local life

play23:56

chili has evolved into different eating styles

play23:57

in the north and south China

play24:00

How will chili

play24:01

interpret a legend again

play24:03

in the vast land of China?

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Related Tags
Spicy FoodChinese CuisineCulinary HistoryChili PeppersFlavor ProfilesRegional CookingSour and SpicyNumbing SpicinessCultural IdentityFood Journey