In a recent interview, an Italian man living in China revealed his newfound appreciation for a local delicacy known as Luosifen, a flavorful rice noodle dish from Liuzhou. He shared his experience on social media platform Xiaohongshu, highlighting how he introduced this unique dish to his family upon returning to Italy.
The man, known as “Guangdong Mafia,” recounted how he brought several packets of instant Luosifen back home. One rainy day, he decided to prepare this dish at his sister’s house, enlisting the expertise of a Michelin-starred chef. The process began with cooking the noodles, followed by the addition of ingredients like white vinegar, chili oil, and dried tofu. The final presentation resembled a plate of Italian pasta, transforming Luosifen into a unique Italian-style dish.
When it came time to taste, Guangdong Mafia expressed his love for spicy food and excitement for how Luosifen delivered on flavor. He eagerly asked his sister if she enjoyed it, to which she cheerfully replied, “It’s delicious!” The Michelin chef could not get enough of it, even savoring the broth. Guangdong Mafia exclaimed, “Chinese noodles are similar to Italian pasta; it brings back flavors I miss from China.”
Online, fellow users chimed in with their cooking tips for preparing Luosifen, suggesting that the noodles should be boiled twice for the best texture. One commented, “Boil the noodle packet until it’s soft enough to break, then drain the water. Add fresh water for a second boil with the other ingredients.” Others offered advice like cooking the noodles in cold water and adjusting the amount of liquid to enhance the dish.
Some users also shared amusing anecdotes about the challenges of making Luosifen overseas, mentioning that it can be hard to find enough noodles, leading to creative substitutions like adding Italian pasta. One user cautioned against using too much chili oil, as it can be overwhelmingly spicy. Another offered to recommend a milder version of Luosifen, boasting expertise in making this dish as a proud resident of Guangxi.