Here in Western China, the concept of cheese, which I consider to be one of the staples of an average Western culinary lifestyle, is completely alien. I’m told that it smells too bad, which is ironic, because the Chinese have a popular snack called “Chou Doufu” which everyone thinks smells terrible; this is a fact, because the “Chou” means stinky. Anyways, I can’t get a decent pizza out here, but I’ll be damned if I can’t get some FABULOUS KETTLE CORN!
Mm, that wonderful luster of suger and salt! Much to my surprise, this kettle corn is delicious. Back in Los Angeles, I would eagerly anticipate the monthly arrival of the “Kettle Corn People” to the courtyard in front of the library. Here in Xinjiang, I can get it any time I want. I just mozy on over to the local supermarket and there’s that wonderful lady. With her kettle. And her kettle corn.
I never liked kettle corn, but damn do I miss kawa manta, Uyghur style chaomian and Xinjiang style dapanji. I ate that stuff for nearly three years, and by the end thought I’d be happy to give it up. Only a few months later my mouth watered whenever I thought of that stuff.
Welcome to the elite ranks of expats who have blogged while living in Xinjiang (BWLIX). I think there’s only been a couple of dozen in the history of history.