In Linyi,a day starts with a bowl of"san"(gravy).Early in the morning,locals enjoy a steaming bowl of beef san,paired with hot fried dough sticks or freshly baked bread.This meal leaves them refreshed and ready to start their day.

San has a deep historical and cultural significance in Linyi.With a history spanning over two thousand years,this spicy,hearty dish is known for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits,including warming the body and aiding digestion.San has long been documented in Chinese historical texts.

During the Northern Song Dynasty,the literary giant Su Shi,serving as the governor of Mizhou(now Zhucheng in Weifang),heard about the famous san from Fuzhuang’s Laomu Temple Village.He visited Fuzhuang specifically to taste it and was so impressed that he began making his own version,calling it"Dongpo Jade San Soup."When Su Shi was exiled to Danzhou in Hainan in1097,he was deeply moved by his son Su Guo’s effort to replicate the dish using taro and rice.Su Shi was so touched by his son's filial piety and the effort to recreate Fuzhuang’s san that he composed a poem praising the new version,noting that it surpassed even the original.(Reporter:Zhuang Huixi,Wang Qinglong)

Today,san has evolved with changing lifestyles.New variations of san have emerged,including the high-end hotel version made with soft-shelled turtles.These modern adaptations retain the nutritional benefits of the traditional dish while offering richer flavors and lighter tastes.

San,as a distinctive culinary phenomenon,reflects unique regional characteristics.It arrived from the Western Regions and took root in Linyi,where it has flourished and become beloved by the locals.Perhaps san’s appeal lies in how it aligns with the passionate,tolerant,rugged,and straightforward nature of the people of Linyi.

In contemporary times,san is not just a traditional dish but also a health-conscious food that integrates modern wellness principles.Various innovative types of san continue to appear,blending traditional flavors with new health trends.Whether at a street food stall or a high-end restaurant,san maintains its place and continues to bring warmth and satisfaction to many.

Linyi Fuzhuang’s san embodies historical memory and cultural heritage,proudly representing the city.Its flavor and nutritional value ensure a strong and energetic start to each day.Despite the changing times,san remains a beloved dish that warms the city and showcases the unique charm of Chinese culinary tradition.

(Reporter:Zhuang Huixi,Wang Qinglong)