Category Archives: Food & Drink

冰激凌(bingjílíng), ice cream, gelato, eiscreme, kulfi, crème glacée……

Posted on July 19, 2019 by herschelian

‘I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM’ was a little ditty I learned as a child, and it is true that most people of every age and nationality love ice-cream. This wonderful iced confection we all enjoy … Continue reading →

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Beggar’s Chicken – A Sunday lunch to remember.

Posted on November 18, 2018 by herschelian

Once upon a time – long, long ago in China’s ancient past there was an Emperor who was fleeing from his enemies after a battle. He disguised himself as a beggar, and whilst on the run, being very hungry he … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Chopsticks – everything you need to know (part 1)

Posted on October 27, 2018 by herschelian

The world can be divided into 3 areas depending on how people eat their food. The first area is where people use their hands to eat; this area, roughly speaking comprises most of Africa, the Indian sub-continent, the middle east … Continue reading →

Posted in Book reviews, Chinese cultural history, Food & Drink | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Oysters and the Chinese Saucerer

Posted on January 15, 2018 by herschelian

130 years ago, in 1888, there was a young man called Lee Kum Sheung who lived in Nanshui, Zhuhai, a small town not far from Shanghai. He had a take-out shop which served oyster soup.            … Continue reading →

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The Pongiest* Pizza is now available in China.

Posted on April 23, 2016 by herschelian

When you go out for a pizza, or order one to be delivered, what topping do you usually choose? Quattro Stagioni,  Capricciosa, Margharita, Napoletana, or something a little different such as Durian Pizza?      Durian?…WTF!  the most horrible tasting/smelling fruit in … Continue reading →

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Dragons-on-Horseback

Posted on April 13, 2016 by herschelian

Recently I had to take a plate of appetisers as a contribution to a pot-luck lunch party.  The guests were a mixed bunch of Brits, Germans, Chinese and Filipinos, I wanted to make something out of the ordinary which would … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Recipes, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Sichuan pepper and 5 Spice Powder

Posted on March 22, 2015 by herschelian

I was surprised to learn that what we call Sichuan* Pepper (huajiao 花椒) is the only spice that is truly indigenous to China. Of course the Chinese cultivate and use many spices, but they all originated in other parts of … Continue reading →

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Fish Fragrant Aubergine – My version

Posted on December 12, 2014 by herschelian

The first thing you need to know about this dish is that no fishes are involved!  It has this name because the combination of ingredients and the method of making the dish are very similar to some fish recipes.  It … Continue reading →

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Salmon ‘fishing’ on the Great Wall of China

Posted on November 27, 2014 by herschelian

One section of the Great Wall of China runs along the peaks of the Yanshan mountains to the north of Beijing. In one of the ravines running down the southern side of the mountains, immediately below the wall, there is … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Chinese pears poached in spiced red wine

Posted on July 12, 2014 by herschelian

Pears which have been poached in red wine are a popular dessert in Britain, the original recipe must go back hundreds of years and is lost in the mists of time.                   … Continue reading →

Posted in Food & Drink, Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments