Moon’s First Breakfast in China

By APD writer Zeng Xinlan

On the morning of December 14th, a small restaurant named “Yonghe Soy-bean Milk” located in the centre of Beijing welcomed a group of special guests — Moon Jae-in, president of South Korea and First Lady Kim Jung-sook, and Korean ambassador in China Nor Young Min and his wife. They had a taste of typical Chinese breakfast— soy-bean milk and youtiao.

Relative personnel of Blue House stated that Mr. President and first Lady hoped to get closer with Chinese people and its culture by experiencing their daily activity and chatting with locals.

Originally, soy-bean milk is a traditional watery and beany beverage produced as a by-product of the production of tofu which originated in northeastern China in 3rd century BC. However, its popularity increased during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912 AD). By the 18th century, it was popular enough that one may find it in the streets vendors. It was in the 19th that hot soy-bean milk became a routine cuisine for breakfast in China.

Soy-bean Milk

Youtiao, also known as Chinese fried churros, Chinese cruller, or Chinese oil stick, is often paired with soy-bean milk. It is a long golden-brown, deep-fried strip of dough eaten in especially northern China and in other East and Southeast Asian cuisines. Generally, youtiao is lightly salted and it can be torn lengthwise in two. Besides soy-bean milk, youtiao also serves as an accompaniment for rice congee, bean curd and etc.

Youtiao

Youtiao

It should also be mentioned that they paid 68RMB ($10) for breakfast via Alipay, the prevailing application of mobile payment in China. Apparently he is very interested in the technology and asked whether it can be applied to all transaction under any circumstances. The Chinese cashier said currently most of the transactions can be completed via mobile payment in China.

Mobile payment via smartphone

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)