When you have the opportunity to explore Yunnan province (China), in addition to admiring the beautiful scenery, you can also enjoy the famous bowl noodle soup (guoqiao mixian). Besides its characteristic flavor, the dish also brings many meanings about deep marital love.
Symbol of marital affection
The most original meaning of "bun qua cau" (bridge-crossing noodle soup) originates from a legend about the love between husband and wife in Mong Tu land, Yunnan province, China. The story goes that the wife crosses a long bridge every day to bring rice for her husband who is preparing for exams on a small island.
Because of the long distance, the food is often cold until the wife realizes that the thick layer of chicken fat on the surface of the soup bowl has a very good heat-retaining effect. Maintaining a hot dish helps the husband have enough health to pass the exam.
Today, when couples enjoy noodle soup across the bridge, it is like a reminder of sacrifice, loyalty and preserving marital affection.
Philosophy of cohesion, reunion
The presentation of vermicelli through the bridge is also quite special with dozens of small plates containing many ingredients and a large bowl of broth. This image symbolizes the completeness and reunion of family members.
Each plate of ingredients from raw meat, vegetables to quail eggs represents the colorful diversity of life. When all are put into a bowl of hot broth, they blend together to create a very characteristic delicious flavor.
Enjoying bún qua cầu with loved ones in a cozy space will help create cohesion and love for the family.
The meaning of patience, sophistication
Eating vermicelli across the bridge cannot be rushed, but it is necessary to follow the order of releasing meat first, vegetables later, and then vermicelli. Waiting for each ingredient to cook evenly in the broth also brings a meaning of patience.
Besides, the broth bowl does not smoke due to the heat-retaining fat layer on top, which also contains a lot of sophistication in eating and drinking as well as respect for family connection.
Nutritional value, yin-yang balance
The dish is a perfect combination of nutrient groups. Protein from meat and fish, vitamins from green vegetables and starch from vermicelli strands create an ideal balance for health. The combination of warm bone broth and fresh vegetables also helps regulate the body, especially suitable for long trips in hot summer weather.
Choosing fresh and delicious ingredients to ensure health is the top criterion of modern housewives in taking care of the family.
