Shanggan, Minhou Welcomes the Annual “Pot Side Paste Feast”
Shanggan, Minhou Welcomes the Annual “Pot Side Paste Feast”
Neighbors Join Hands to Celebrate Tradition Through Cuisine
On the 20th day of the first lunar month, Yangzhong Village in Shanggan Town, Minhou County, celebrates its annual “Pot Side Paste Feast.” On this special day, villagers take turns cooking pot side paste and frying dough cakes, inviting neighbors, relatives, and friends to gather, share delicious food, strengthen bonds, and honor the memory of Lin Wuniang, the Righteous Aunt.
The story of Lin Wuniang, the Righteous Aunt, has been celebrated in Shanggan for over 700 years. Legend has it that despite facing hardships while managing her household, she remained steadfast in her charitable deeds. To conserve grain, she replaced porridge donations with pot side paste. Using locally sourced ingredients such as clams from the Taojiang River and pig intestines, she crafted a dish that was not only nutritious but also uniquely flavorful, quickly winning the hearts of locals. Her selfless act embodied virtues of generosity and community spirit, giving rise to a distinctive culinary tradition that continues to thrive in Shanggan.
From the 12th to the 27th day of the first lunar month, descendants of the Lin family in Shanggan Town take turns building large stoves and setting up pots to prepare pot side paste for their guests. They also host a series of events to honor Lin Wuniang, a tradition locally known as “Paiming.” In recent years, this age-old custom has also been celebrated as the “Pot Side Paste Festival.”
On the morning of the festival, the villagers of Yangzhong Village begin their preparations early. They meticulously prepare a rich broth using high-quality ingredients such as pork bones and clams, simmering them for hours until the soup turns a milky white, bursting with flavor. To enhance the dish’s authentic taste, they also prepare dried cuttlefish, pig intestines, minced meat, and other ingredients, ensuring the pot side paste remains true to its traditional roots.
The process of making pot side paste is particularly meticulous. Villagers skillfully pour a thin layer of rice batter evenly along the inner side of a heated iron pot, then cover it with a lid to steam. After about a minute, they deftly scrape off the solidified pot side paste with a spatula, sprinkle it with carefully prepared toppings, and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Finally, they add celery, garlic chives, and chopped scallions, completing a bowl of pot side paste that is as visually appealing as it is fragrant and flavorful.
Lin Zhiming, the head cook, shared with reporters: “Although making pot side paste may seem simple, there are many details to prepare and pay attention to. That’s why family and friends come together to help. Through this event, we not only cook but also strengthen our bonds.”
The “Paiming” tradition has been observed in Shanggan for centuries. While it remains rooted in the original intention of commemorating Lin Wuniang, it has evolved to embrace new meanings of neighborhood harmony, respect for elders, and filial piety, fostering a warm and close-knit community atmosphere. (Fuzhou Daily Reporter: Tan Xiangzhu; Correspondent: Lin Jiayao)