Luosifen: Liuzhou's boldly flavored 'durian of soup' snail noodles

Luosifen, a rice noodle specialty from Liuzhou in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is a bold blend of spicy, tangy and savory flavors that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers around the world.

Featuring silky rice vermicelli immersed in a spicy, aromatic broth and topped with ingredients such as pickled bamboo shoots, string beans, crunchy peanuts and fried tofu skin, this beloved dish owes its rich taste to a distinctive broth nicely flavored by river snails and a variety of spices including star anise and chili peppers.

Often referred to as the "durian of soup" for its infamous "stinky" aroma, Luosifen has gained a cult following. In 2021, the traditional craft of making Luosifen was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item, cementing its status as a cultural treasure.

In recent years, Luosifen has exploded in popularity, becoming a viral sensation. Its rise into global popularity has driven the development of a thriving industry, from the cultivation of bamboo shoots and river snails to food processing, packaging, and even tourism.

Today, Luosifen stands as a delicious symbol of Liuzhou's culinary culture, and a must-try for anyone visiting this vibrant city.