Yangzhou fried rice is a Chinese dish consisting of rice, eggs, and vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, peas, while the common additions also include shrimps, meat, scallions, and Chinese ham. Traditional versions sometimes may incorporate sea cucumbers, crab meat, and bamboo shoots.
It is believed that the dish originates from General Yang Su of the Sui Dynasty. Because it was one of his favorite dishes, he introduced it to the Yangzhou culture when he patroled Jiangdu with Emperor Yangdi. Originally, it was a peasant food prepared with leftover rice combined with small bits of meat and vegetables.
"This one was very good, having been stir-fried with the traditional mix of egg, ham, and scallions. There were three or four nicely sized shrimp buried beneath the heap of rice, kept warm, plump, and juicy."
"Here the food is flavorful without being overwhelming, like Yangzhou chaofan (fried rice)."
"Fried rice "Yang Zhou" style had ideal fluffiness and the sliced ham with honey sauce was addictive and balanced."