Shen Mo, a bankrupt snack-shop owner from the twenty-first century, wakes up in the Sui dynasty. She has no money, no family, no friends, and only the hands she brought from her previous life.
In the shabbiest corner of the West Market, she sets up three pots: spicy crawfish, hot pot with a nine-compartment broth, and a pot of luosifen so pungent it could clear out the whole street.
The people of the Sui dynasty have never seen anything like it. “Those bright red things are bugs? That soup looks like dishwater! And those noodles stink enough to knock you out. Lady Mo, are you poisoning us or robbing us?”
Until one rich playboy pinches his nose and takes a bite. Tears streaming down his face, he slaps the table. “Boss! Three more servings of pickled bamboo shoots!”
Overnight, the “So Good It’s Addictive Snack Stall” takes the capital by storm. Court officials scale walls after work to get in line, noblewomen send maids in disguise to sneak out and buy food, and finally even the palace eunuchs show up with food containers. “Lady Mo, His Majesty asks… would you be willing to come to the palace and make hot pot?”
The truly difficult one is Regent Xie Heng. The rumors say he is decisive, ruthless, and cold as ice. The first time he comes by, he tries one crawfish and says flatly, “Acceptable.” The next day, he finishes a whole bowl of luosifen, broth and all. On the third day, he arrives at the stall half an hour early. His ears reddening, he puts on a formal tone. “Shen Mo, my estate is in need of a cook… Would you be willing?”
Shen Mo’s ladle comes down as she answers without looking up. “My lord, get in line. This shop serves customers on a first-come, first-served basis. No cutting, no private bookings. You’ll have to wait for your number to be called.”
It's very beautiful and worth recommending.