The menu of the "eight bowls" of old Beijing folk dishes is basically fixed, namely, a large bowl of three-yellow chicken, a large bowl of yellow croaker, a large bowl of pork elbow, a large bowl of meatballs, a large bowl of rice noodles with meat, a large bowl of pork belly, and a large bowl of loose meat. and a large bowl of ribs.

The so-called "eight bowls" originate from running water mats. In traditional weddings, funerals, and even social days, people need to gather together to eat. This is a folk celebration as important as singing a big opera. Due to the scene, tables and chairs There are not enough food, bowls, chopsticks, etc., so we have to adopt the "eat as you come, and leave as soon as you finish" approach.

When eating flowing water banquets, the order of seating is determined based on closeness and reputation. Although there is a distinction in order, the contents of the banquet are the same, with big fish and meat as the main items that are usually rare. It is required to be cooked quickly and provided. The food is delicious, the portion is sufficient, and the taste is basically the same. It is mainly steamed and served in a large porcelain bowl to show that the quantity is sufficient.

The origin of the eight Manchu bowls:

The "Eight Manchu bowls" were popular in the Qing Dynasty. They come from outside the country, namely fried small tofu with pickled vegetables, braised shrimp with tofu and eggs, braised pork knuckles, and roasted frogs. , chicken mushrooms, New Year pig stew, Yufu Chun fish and Ama Zun meat, it is easy to make and easy to store. After marching and winning a battle, it is often used to worship ancestors and shared with soldiers.

Due to the extensive production, along with the Dingding Central Plains, the "eight thick bowls" appeared, namely fried green shrimps, braised shredded chicken, whole stewed egg custard and crab roe, sea cucumber meatballs, gold ingot meat, chicken in clear soup, braised Chicken and home-cooked carp, and later, the "eight big bowls" appeared, namely braised fish fillet, braised shrimp, family portrait, sweet-scented osmanthus fish bone, braised smooth fish, Sichuan shredded pork, Sichuan meatballs and loose meat.