The difference between soybean paste and bean paste lies in the production process, raw materials, flavor and usage. Soybean paste uses soybeans as the main ingredient and has a salty and sweet taste; bean paste uses fava bean cloves or soybeans as the main ingredient and has a salty and spicy taste. Soybean paste is mostly used in stews and dipping sauces, while bean paste is the soul of Sichuan cuisine cooking.