With the weather becoming increasingly hot, here are some special summer delicacies from Taizhou city in East China's Jiangsu province that can deliver a delicious gastronomic diversion.
Silk gourd is a seasonal vegetable in summer there, with a slightly sweet taste that makes it especially suitable for eating when you have a smaller appetite.
Silk gourd and Asian clam soup is a famous local culinary offering, with the chef adding Chinese chives to the soup, making it very fresh and tasty.
In the hot summer, it is also a great idea to drink a bowl of slightly cool barley porridge. Indulge in some barley soup too, accompanied by pickles, dried turnips and salted duck eggs.
A delicious serving of barley porridge. [Photo/WeChat account: tztour]
While you are at it, don't forget that summer is the most delicious time for river shrimp. During the season, when the temperatures are on the rise and appetites are on the wane, Taizhou folks like to prepare a dish of saltwater river shrimps.
Taking a bite, the shrimp's translucent juice can squirt out, which adds to the fun. If you want a stronger flavor, just add a dash of seasoning when serving.
A plate of scrumptious saltwater river shrimps. [Photo/WeChat account: tztour]