Meat for Horse Drivers

腾冲马帮菜-赶马肉

In winter, it is extremely chilly on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, a passage vital for business between China and South Asia. A group of businessmen, who ride on the horse, must press on even in the most unfavorable weather. Since their images are always associated with horse, they are also entitled “Horse Drivers”. Aside from commodities, the second important thing they must carry is cured meat, the food suitable for the journey. Being suitable means the food must be easily cooked in a short time for the extension of time dwelling on the Road is tantamount to the accumulation of danger. Traveling day and night, they wish they could finish the trade as soon as possible and head home staying with their family. Therefore, they are always having the meal in the simplest and quickest manner. They simply take out the cured meat, cut them into pieces and simmer them in the covered pot. Sometimes, if the fresh meat is available in the market, they will cook the fresh one instead. The dish is thus called “meat for Horse Drivers”. Being simple and convenient, it is the optimal choice for businessmen on the Road.