Geng

Gēng is a type of thick soup or paste that is a staple in Chinese cuisine. It achieves its characteristic thickness and smoothness through the use of starch, resulting in a unique, translucent texture. You might recognize it in popular dishes such as shark fin soup, Madame Song's fish soup, and corn soup.

This culinary tradition has deep roots in Chinese history, potentially tracing back to the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC - 1046 BC). During that era, gēng referred to any cooked soup or stew that was a regular part of daily meals and festive occasions. In contemporary times, gēng dishes are prepared with a variety of ingredients, especially in the night markets of Taiwan and Fujian. In Taiwan, you might even see gēng written as "焿" or "粳."

The influence of gēng extends beyond China. In Lao and Thai, the word for curry, stew, or soup is thought to derive from the Middle Chinese pronunciation of gēng. Similarly, the Vietnamese word for soup, canh, has its origins in the Sino-Vietnamese form of 羹.

Gēng is more than just a type of food; it is an integral part of Chinese culture and language. For instance, the saying "Share a cup of gēng" means to boldly partake in profits, regardless of how they were earned. This saying originates from an event during the Chu-Han contention. Another phrase, "Shop-closing gēng" describes the act of getting rid of unwanted guests or clients. Interestingly, the traditional Chinese spoon is called "diào gēng" which literally means "the implement that carries gēng."