🍲 Why is boat porridge called boat porridge? Let us take a deeper look at the story behind it!

✨ Preface: A classic representative of Guangdong porridge

Hey fellow foodies~ When it comes to Cantonese porridge, you might think of century egg and lean pork porridge or fish porridge, but the one that stands out to me is definitely the boat porridge ! 🤤
It's not only rich in flavor, but also steeped in history and culture. When many people first hear the name, they wonder: **Why is it called "Boat Porridge"? Could it be related to boats? **🤔

🚤 Origin of the name: Derived from "boat"

The floating houses on the Pearl River in Guangzhou

During the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, there was a group of water dwellers living on the Pearl River in Guangzhou. They were called "Danjia people" or "Water People".
They use small boats as their homes and means of livelihood, and usually sell various snacks on the river to facilitate passing ships, merchants or tourists.

The birth of porridge

The porridge sold on these small boats was very popular with customers because of its rich ingredients and delicious taste. Later, people got used to calling this porridge "Tingzai porridge" , which means "porridge sold on boats".
So the focus of the name is not what is in the porridge, but how it is sold and where it comes from**!

🥢 The characteristics of boat porridge

Diverse materials

Boat porridge is famous for its generous toppings. Typical ingredients include:

• Fish fillet 🐟
• Squid strips 🦑
• Peanuts 🥜
• Pig skin 🐖
• Shredded Egg🥚
• Crushed fried dough sticks 🍩
• Scallions and coriander 🌿

These ingredients are mixed in the white porridge, which has a rich taste with the freshness of seafood, the aroma of meat and a crispy texture.

Fine porridge base

The authentic Cantonese boat porridge base is known for its "flowering" texture, meaning the rice grains are simmered for a long time until they are almost dissolved in the water, creating a smooth, slurry-like texture. It melts in your mouth, warming your stomach and making it easy to eat. 😋

Flexible flavors

The ingredients of boat porridge are not fixed, and different vendors will make adjustments based on the ingredients on hand, which also reflects the flexible approach of the water residents in those days.

📜 The historical evolution of boat porridge

The era of water vending

The earliest forms of boat porridge were cooked by Tanka people on their small boats, either to entertain passersby or to sell for a profit. Because space on the boats was limited, they would pre-cut the ingredients and prepare them so customers could quickly add the porridge when they ordered it, making it quick and convenient.

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As society developed, the number of floating dwellings dwindled, but the fame of boat congee spread. By the mid-20th century, teahouses and porridge shops in Guangzhou and Hong Kong began serving it, and it gradually became a classic representative of Cantonese congee.

Modern version

Today, boat porridge is no longer sold on a boat, but the name has survived, becoming a cultural symbol. It can be found in porridge shops in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou, and even in overseas Chinese communities.

🌏 The cultural significance of boat porridge

1. Common people's wisdom : Boat porridge is originally a common snack, reflecting the life wisdom of people living on the water.
2. Culinary heritage : It embodies the Cantonese spirit of "focusing on soup and porridge, and emphasizing freshness" to the extreme.
3. Historical witness : The name of Tingzai Congee preserves the historical traces of the people living on the Pearl River.
4. Cultural identity : For many Hong Kong people, boat congee is not just a dish; it is a symbol of Guangdong culinary culture.

💡 Editor's Summary

I think that although the name of Tingzai Congee is simple, it carries a lot of stories. 💭
It reminds us that behind many classic delicacies lies the wisdom of the older generation and historical background. Boat porridge has evolved from a simple bowl of porridge served by water vendors to a classic dish ordered by everyone in restaurants. This is the most fascinating thing about food culture.

🎤 Let me tell you

👉 What's your favorite topping for boat porridge? Fish slices? Peanuts? Or must we have fried dough sticks? Leave a comment and let us know! 📩