Traditional handmade pickled vegetables with chili sauce. [Photo/WeChat Account: wxlishui]

Suichang county, located in Lishui, Zhejiang province, is renowned not only for its stunning natural scenery but also for its distinctive culinary culture. What sets Suichang cuisine apart from that of other areas in Lishui is its penchant for spicy flavors.

Peppers take center stage in Suichang dishes, boasting a fiery red hue and a bold spicy kick that not only enhances taste but also tantalizes with its distinctive aroma.

In Suichang's restaurants, peppers are essential for nearly every dish. Chefs skillfully combine them with an array of ingredients, creating visually appealing and tantalizing dishes that leave a lasting impression.

The pepper also plays a crucial role in food stewed with soy sauce. Pork legs, ham sausages, and tofu soak in a sauce in which the pepper is perfectly blended with various spices. Each bite offers a burst of spicy flavor, igniting the taste buds and spreading throughout the mouth.

The pepper also shows its charm in traditional handmade pickled vegetables. Sun-dried, chopped, and then fermented, peppers are transformed into a condiment dispersed in various bottles and cans with pickles.

When paired with different pickled vegetables, the chili sauce offers a distinctive tasting experience. A bowl of piping hot porridge accompanied by a few plates of pickles embodies the unforgettable delicacies of Suichang cuisine.