Tastes of Tradition, Bridges of Connection

Have you ever seen a crab smaller than your palm? When it comes to crabs in China, many people may first think of the Yangcheng Lake hairy crab. But there is also a lesser-known variety that is equally distinctive and widely enjoyed in southern China — Pengqi（蟛蜞）.

The Pengqi Crab is a small species of crab that prefers to burrow and live in low-lying riverbanks and sandbars. In Fujian province, people have a long-standing custom of pickling Pengqi to make Pengqi crisp , which are commonly used as everyday dishes or condiments. Some catch them with fishing rods, while others dig them up by hand.

Zhang Zhuying, 73, lives near Jionglong Bridge in the ancient town of Min’an, where Pengqi is well-known in the surrounding areas- mainly due to geographic factors that contribute to their high quality. 

This cultural exchange can still be seen in the region’s cuisine, where local ingredients blend with flavors introduced by foreign merchants. For example, a key ingredient in the making of Pengqi crisp, red yeast rice, a seasoning made from fermented rice and red yeast, is closely linked to Champa rice, which was introduced to China from Vietnam via the Maritime Silk Road in the 11th century.

Today, Pengqi crisp still remains a staple in local dining, often served alongside simple rice porridge during family meals or festive occasions. “It’s more than just a snack,” says a local restaurant owner. “It’s a part of who we are, a reflection of the Min’an lifestyle.”

In 2019, Min’an established a rural economic cooperative and attempted to transform traditional delicacies like Pengqi crisp into characteristic industries, promoting the mutual growth of traditional culture and economic development.

While Pengqi crisp remains a local delicacy in Min’an, its influence stretches far beyond the region. Thanks to programs like A Bite of China, which introduced the snack to national audiences, Pengqi crisp has become known across China.But it is the overseas Chinese community that has embraced this dish with the most passion.

For many Min’an natives living abroad, Pengqi crisp is not just a food item—it’s a symbol of home. “When someone in the village has relatives visiting from abroad, they always pick up some Pengqi crisp,” Zhang Zhuying says. “It’s a way for those living far away to reconnect with their roots.”

From the shores of Min’an to cities around the world, Pengqi crisp continues to carry the flavors and memories of Min’an. It’s a connection to a place, a culture, and a history that lives on in every crispy bite.