Nantong Pan-Fried Daikon Radish Bun, locally known as “Jinqian Luobo Bing (金钱萝卜饼),” stands out as a renowned delicacy in the Jiangsu province, specifically in the charming city of Nantong. This delectable snack is crafted from simple yet flavorful ingredients: radish, flour, and optional additions like minced meat or dried shrimp. The preparation process involves slicing the radish into thin pieces, seasoning them with salt to extract moisture, and then blending the radish slices with flour. The resulting dough is shaped into small discs, pan-fried to a golden hue in a flat-bottomed pan.
The finished product resembles golden coins, boasting a visually appealing and harmonious color palette. The crispy layers spiral outward like a screw, creating a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, fluffy interior. The combination of the refreshing taste of radish and the aromatic essence of the flour creates a harmonious flavor profile that significantly enhances the overall dining experience, leaving one’s taste buds craving for more.
The origins of Jinqian Luobo Bing can be traced back to the late Qing Dynasty, making it a culinary tradition with nearly a century of history. At that time, a well-known shop in Nantong specialized in crafting radish-filled buns. The owner, Sun Hong, adhered to strict standards in the preparation process, ensuring the finest ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship. The buns produced in his shop were so small that they resembled coins, earning the name “Jinqian Luobo Bing,” translating to “Money Radish Bun.”
In the 1980s, Nantong pastry chefs drew inspiration from the ancient culinary text “随园食单” (Suiyuan Shidan), refining and improving the traditional Jinqian Luobo Bing recipe. The result was a snack with a crisp texture, a delightful dry aroma, and a refreshing bite, leading to its rebranding as Nantong Jinqian Luobo Bing.
This snack has become a symbol of Nantong’s culinary heritage, blending historical roots with innovative culinary techniques. As locals and visitors alike savor the delightful layers of this pan-fried daikon radish bun, they partake in a cultural experience that transcends generations, celebrating the rich history and exquisite flavors that define this beloved Nantong delicacy.