At the table
Spoon small portions and let them cool; the thick soup holds heat.
Ask whether it is sweet or savory and whether it contains pork, seafood or animal stock.
Sweet versions and starch-thickened versions also exist; wine lees are not compulsory.
Soft and spoonable for children who manage this texture; cool each spoonful, cut larger pieces and request little pepper. Check broth and toppings.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Sweet versions and starch-thickened versions also exist; wine lees are not compulsory.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Mild savory meat and vegetable flavor.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Smooth, thick and spoonable, with soft shreds.
- How it’s made
- Cook pork, bamboo shoots, shiitake, pressed tofu strips and spinach in water with oil and salt; stir in rice-flour slurry until cooked and thick.
Sweet versions and starch-thickened versions also exist; wine lees are not compulsory.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Zhejiang.
About this regional connection
Zhejiang: Taizhou Lantern Festival thick soup; corrected archival Ningbo wine-lees identity.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有糟羹吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Taizhou zao geng
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Zao geng is associated with Lantern Festival customs in Taizhou, including celebrations on the fourteenth lunar night.