Liquan noodles are recognized as the earliest instant food in the world. It can be eaten with or without soup. According to textual research, Liquan noodles originated in the late Shang Dynasty and early Zhou Dynasty. The noodles were characterized by some unique merits. Specifically, they could be preserved for a long time; they were convenient to take along; they became edible if steeped with hot water. Accordingly, the noodles were selected by King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty as the food for the army during the crusade against King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty. The noodles can be processed in the following characteristic way. First repeatedly sprinkle boiling water on the noodles which are contained in a bowl. Then mix the noodles with seasonings, and they are ready. There is a unique recipe for the seasonings. Specifically, mix good lard with paprika, and then with chopped shallot, chopped leek, salt and local vinegar.
Source:
http://kaleidoscope.cultural-china.com/en/8Kaleidoscope3822.html
