Xuchang Yuzhou Thirteen Bowls: The Water Banquet Named by Jiajing, Where Do You Fall in Love After Eating These 13 Dishes?
Yuzhou, located in the central part of Henan Province, was the founding place of the Xia Dynasty, the sole origin of Jun porcelain among the 'Five Great Porcelain', and one of the national's four major medicinal material gathering places. As for its historical significance, it's known as the 'Three Capitals' due to its role as the site of the Xia Dynasty and its production of Jun porcelain and medicinal herbs. Ancient texts refer to this area as 'Shi Se Xing Ye', indicating its rich history and traditions.
Yuzhou Thirteen Bowls originated in the western mountains of Yuzhou and are authentic farmhouse cuisine of Yuzhou. During the reign of the Ming Dynasty's Emperor Jiajing, local residents prepared thirteen dishes for the emperor's inspection, utilizing the celebratory cuisine prepared for weddings. The emperor was delighted, exclaiming 'Wonderful, Wonderful!' and bestowed the name 'Water Banquet', which subsequently became famous in Yuzhou. Families traditionally prepared 'Thirteen Bowls' for weddings and other important occasions, which has been practiced for over 500 years.
Since the Ming Dynasty, 'Thirteen Bowls' have become a must-have for weddings and births in Yuzhou. Poor families typically had more soup and less meat, while wealthy families served more meat to showcase their prosperity. The number thirteen symbolizes a life's worth, representing blessings for the newlyweds or children.
The thirteen dishes include: 'Chicken', which was originally made with pork belly or beef sirloin to represent 'spine', symbolizing good luck and fortune; 'Fish', made of tofu shaped like a fish, representing 'abundance'; 'Big Meat Skin', cut pork shoulder into chunks, braised and steamed, symbolizing 'square and firm'; 'Garlic Greens', or 'Engagement Dish', signifying a betrothal; 'Sweet Rice', representing 'sweetness and happiness'; 'Crispy Pork', representing 'soft and gentle'; 'Golden Edge Tofu', symbolizing 'gold and jade'; 'Spring Roll Wrapped in Tofu Skin', representing 'springtime'; 'Tofu Strips', symbolizing 'prosperity'; 'Meat Slices in Soup', representing 'benevolence, righteousness, and propriety'; 'Loquat Soup', promoting health and easing flatulence; 'Meatball Soup', symbolizing 'perfection'; and 'Egg Soup', signifying 'prosperity and abundance'.
Furthermore, the tradition of 'Thirteen Bowls' has evolved into local wedding customs. When the 'Chicken' dish is served at a banquet, elders from both sides will present the chef with a gift red envelope if they forgot the protocol, which could be jokingly called 'lacking etiquette', causing the chef to be displeased and causing small pranks during the subsequent dishes. This is a common sight at the banquet.
'Rustic yet refined, simple food is fragrant' – Yuzhou's 'Thirteen Bowls' carry rich rural flavors. Despite its humble origins, each dish has strict requirements, like the 'Golden Edge Tofu', which must be sliced thinly and retain its texture even after prolonged boiling, testing the chef's skills. Do you have any thoughts or experiences to share about Yuzhou's 'Thirteen Bowls'? Please leave a comment.
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