“Western Taro”: Ningbo’s Flat Potato Dish – A Taste of Childhood and Homesickness

In Ningbo, China, potatoes are affectionately known as “Western taro” or “sweet potatoes” by locals. A beloved dish made from flat taro (pressed potatoes) has become a favorite comfort food for those missing home. It is cheap, filling, and can be enjoyed either as a snack with drinks or as a meal on its own. For the best quality, locals recommend using native Ningbo potatoes with yellow centers. The preparation involves washing the potatoes and pressure-cooking them for five minutes. After drying, they are peeled, wrapped in a fresh-keeping bag, and flattened with the back of a knife.

The flattened potato cakes are then fried in a heated pan until both sides turn golden brown. After removing them, a small amount of oil is left in the pan, and the potato cakes are stir-fried with salt, pepper, and scallions. The finished flat taro is waxy on the outside and savory on the inside. For the people of Ningbo, this flavor is not just a culinary delight—it is the taste of childhood and a powerful symbol of homesickness.