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Starchy Fillers & Festival Treats
Since the climate of the northern provinces is not suited to growing rice, the grain (ubiquitous in the rest of China) has never formed part of the local menus. Today, rice is enjoyed here as it is in the rest of the world, but the local favourites remain breads and noodles.
Apart from Mandarin Pancakes, which are traditionally served with Peking Duck, very few pancakes are offered plain; they are usually filled with a meat-based or sweet mixture. Bean paste is a common filler, and can be either savoury or sweet.