In Guizhou, potatoes are affectionately called "yangyu" (foreign taro). There isn’t a single person in Guizhou who doesn’t love eating potatoes—and no potato can ever "leave" Guizhou uneaten. Just how deep is Guizhou’s love for potatoes?
The character "yang" (foreign) in "yangyu" tells us that this humble crop is not native to China but was introduced from overseas. In the past, it was considered a delicacy enjoyed only by the nobility.
Source: iBaotu
Originating from South America, potatoes were first recorded in China during the 16th century in Shaanxi. As cultivation techniques advanced, potatoes gradually made their way to the dining tables of ordinary people during the transition between the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Easy to store and high-yielding, potatoes became a staple during times of turmoil, helping to alleviate hunger. Today, they are the world’s fourth most important food crop. They can serve as a staple or a versatile side dish, prepared in countless ways—fried, boiled, stewed, or stir-fried. With so many merits, it’s no wonder they are so beloved.
Why is Guizhou the "Kingdom of Potatoes"?
Step into a town or city in Guizhou, and you’ll enter a culinary kingdom of potatoes. From street snacks to home-cooked dishes, potatoes are everywhere.
Photo by: Wang Xiao
Potato cakes are a classic among classics in Guizhou! Mashed potatoes are shaped into patties and pan-fried until the exterior is golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and sweet. One bite feels like biting into a little sun—warm and comforting. They can be dipped in chili powder, ketchup, or sweet bean sauce according to personal preference, offering a burst of flavors that delight the taste buds.
Egg-wrapped potatoes feature mashed potatoes enveloped in a golden egg wrap. One bite combines the aroma of eggs with the savory taste of potatoes, making it irresistible! The mashed potatoes are mixed with ingredients like zhe'ergen (Houttuynia cordata), crispy pork bits, and scallions. If you can’t stand the smell of zhe'ergen, be sure to mention it in advance.
Fried potatoes are everywhere, cut into cubes or wavy "wolf tooth" shapes, then tossed with chili powder, zhe'ergen, and other seasonings. One bite leads to another—it’s simply addictive.
While the beautiful scenery of Guizhou may be hard to take away, its fried potato chips are a perfect souvenir. The most popular flavor is spicy, but nowadays, more options are available, such as tomato, seaweed, and original flavor.
Potato shred pancakes are made by spreading shredded potatoes evenly on a special cooking tool, then pan-frying them until golden and crispy. One bite is enough to keep you coming back for more.
The most exquisite dishes often require the simplest cooking methods. Roasted potatoes best preserve the natural flavor of the potato itself, highlighting its innate taste and the smoky aroma of charcoal. Cut the potato open, sprinkle it with a secret blend of five-spice chili powder, and take a big bite—its flavor even surpasses that of a hamburger.
To make potato rice, partially cook the rice and set it aside. Peel and cube the potatoes, then stir-fry them in oil with a pinch of salt until golden. Add the partially cooked rice to the pot, spreading it evenly over the potatoes. Pour in an appropriate amount of water, cover the pot, and cook over high heat before reducing to low heat. The finished potato rice carries the savory taste of potatoes and the fragrant aroma of rice.
Not trying "griddle cooking" ("Luoguo" in Chinese) in Guizhou would be a regret, and potatoes are like a foundational ingredient for this dish. Slice the potatoes thickly and place them against the edge of the griddle to cook slowly. Even if they get a bit "overcooked," it’s fine—the goal is a slightly crispy exterior with an incredibly soft and tender inside that breaks apart easily with chopsticks.
Marinated potatoes are even more flavorful after soaking in the brine, offering a rich and delicious taste. The potatoes themselves are soft and tender, and when tossed with chili and zhe'ergen, they soak up the dipping sauce, creating an absolutely fantastic flavor.
Potatoes are part of every meal for Guizhou locals. In the morning, shredded potatoes are added to sticky rice; at lunch, a hotpot meal isn’t complete without a plate of potatoes; for dinner, dry pot potato slices are a must; and even for late-night snacks, a few skewers of grilled potato slices or potatoes as a side dish for grilled fish are essential.
Potatoes, this unassuming root vegetable, are writing their own legend on the vast land of Guizhou. Welcome to the "Kingdom of Potatoes"!
Photos are from: GOG.cn, Yes Guanshanhu (Guanshanhu Culture and Tourism)
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
