Koxinga, battling Dutch forces in Taiwan, faces food scarcity. He fries oysters in sweet potato starch and calls it oyster pancakes. Sustained by this innovative dish, his army triumphs, making oyster pancakes a lasting culinary symbol of resilience.
In the city of Xiamen, China, Du Yaying's life takes a turn as she embraces a second chance after serving time for running a gambling den. Against all odds, she rises as a skilled chef and the passionate owner of a cherished hole-in-the-wall eatery.
In Hong Kong, Patrick Chu sells shumai, a steamed dumpling filled with shrimp, mushrooms or pork. Prepared using his father's recipe, Chu's shumai is very popular among street food enthusiasts.
Examines the traditional, family-run candy manufacturers across China, who use handmade techniques and recipes passed down for generations.