Shao Rouzong (Quanzhou Meat Rice Dumpling)

Shao rouzong wraps glutinous rice around a rich filling of pork belly, lotus seed, mushroom, dried shrimp and braised egg, bound in bamboo leaves and steamed.

'Shao' means hot in the Minnan dialect; Quanzhou's version is known for its careful ingredients and being eaten straight from the steamer, a signature local staple.

Steamed hot and unwrapped, it is usually drizzled with peanut sauce, sweet-chilli or garlic sauce, the rice and meat aromas mingling, eaten as a meal or snack.

Glossy, un-greasy rice, a generous filling and fragrant sauces at their best while steaming hot make it an emblem of Quanzhou's old-time flavour.