Mixed with water for a complete feeding
This is a simple, traditional Chinese comfort food made by mixing a cooked grain or starch base with boiling water to create a nourishing, easily digestible meal. The most common version is 'mian hu' (面糊), a thick porridge made from wheat flour, millet flour, or cornmeal mixed with water, often served plain or with a pinch of salt. It is a staple in many rural and northern Chinese households, valued for its simplicity and quick preparation.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a carbohydrate-based food, providing quick energy with a moderate amount of dietary fiber, depending on the grain used. A typical serving offers around 150-200 calories, with minimal fat and protein, making it a light and easily digestible option.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3.5 mg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
| Selenium | 10 µg |
| Zinc | 1.2 mg |
Per 1 bowl (300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish represents frugality and resourcefulness in Chinese culinary traditions, often serving as a quick, warming meal during busy times or as a gentle food for recovery. Nutritionally, its simple preparation preserves the grain's natural nutrients, and it is often used as a weaning food for infants or a soothing meal for the elderly.
