Shahe fen

Rice noodles, or Shahe fen, are a traditional dish famous in Shahe town, Guangzhou. The delicacy was first made during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and enjoys a history of more than one and a half centuries.

The making of the Shahe fen involves soaking rice and then grinding it into a paste, followed by steaming it and cutting it into long thin strips like noodles. Shahe fen noodles are broad, white in color, and somewhat slippery with a chewy and somewhat elastic texture.

A cook separates steamed Shahe fen from a bamboo-weaved container. [Photo provided to www.chinaservicesinfo.com]

Shahe fen is often stir fried with meat and vegetables in a dish called chaohe fen, or chow fun. The dish is not only popular in Guangzhou, but all through China and at Chinese restaurants overseas.

The steamed Shahe fen is rolled and then cut into long strips. [Photo provided to www.chinaservicesinfo.com]

The finished article, chaohe fen is stir fried and mixed with meat and vegetables as well as oil and spices before serving. [Photo provided to www.chinaservicesinfo.com]