Stinky tofu [Photo provided to Shanghai Star]

Hot dry noodles

Origin: Wuhan in Hubei province, Central China

The recipe for hot dry noodles is different from cold noodles and noodles in soup.

The noodles are first coated in oil and dried. They are then scalded in boiling water, and then mixed with a variety of condiments.

Stinky tofu 

Origin: Central China, but popular now across the mainland

This is a form of fermented tofu with a strong odor. It is a snack that is usually sold at night markets or roadside stands or as a side dish in lunch bars rather than in restaurants.

The cubes of tofu are toasted over open fire and served with either sweet or chili sauce.