Chapter 608: An Old Acquaintance Visits
Mi lan, also known as mi gan or fen gan, was just another name for rice vermicelli.
The pork rice vermicelli served at the inn were made with a broth simmered from large bones, and it was cooked to perfection. The soup was rich and flavorful, oily but not greasy. The snow-white noodles floated in the slightly milky broth, topped with pieces of slow-braised pork. The meat seemed to be from shank or knuckle cuts, still attached to thick skin and fat, stewed until tender enough to be torn apart with just chopsticks. It was savory and full of flavor.
There were a few chopped scallions, a pinch of pickled vegetables, and nothing else. Yet, just as the innkeeper had promised, it tasted light and fresh. One mouthful, and the warm broth slid gently and smoothly down into the belly.
A soothing warmth rose from the throat to the stomach. On a slightly chilly autumn evening like this, it was simply wonderful.
And if the noodles came up with a bite of the same delicate yet richly flavored pork, which was half lean and half fat. The lean was soft without being dry, and the fat was fragrant without being greasy. Paired with just a touch of pickled vegetables, even the faintest hint of greasiness was perfectly balanced out, achieving a sublime harmony.
“Slurp...”
Song You savored the local delicacy, appreciating how surprisingly simple ingredients and technique could result in such a delicious dish.
“Chomp chomp...”
The calico cat beside him was also chewing on the meat. From time to time, she would raise her head, and a frown creased her feline brow. Her once-round eyes narrowed as she glanced at the Daoist, then she'd lower her head again to continue eating.
“Don’t bother thinking about it, Lady Calico. A rat could never make anything that tastes like this.”
“Meow...”
“No?” The Daoist glanced at her again. “Well, don’t overthink it. This bowl is enough for me. The innkeeper gave us quite a bit of extra meat. Even though I gave you more than half, the meat in my bowl is still the normal portion. Just focus on enjoying your share.”