Snack · Grilled

Lian'ai Doufuguo ("Lovers' Tofu")

📷 Closely related photo — Photo via Pexels/Unsplash — free for commercial use

One origin story ties the dish to World War II air-raid sirens — couples waiting out long hours in shelters together are said to have shared this grilled tofu.

Small rectangular blocks of tofu are grilled on an iron plate until crispy and golden, then split open and stuffed with a chili-forward filling of ginger, scallion, and soy sauce.

Why it's made this way: Local legend holds that couples would share a single piece, turning a cheap grilled snack into a small ritual of Guiyang courtship.