
Yakamein
Also known as Old Sober, this is a heartwarming and soul-restoring soup with roots in New Orleans, a special dish that makes you feel whole again. Its origins are murky, but some trace them to the 19th century, when Chinese immigrants worked alongside African Americans on plantations and railroads. These days, yakamein can be sought out in New Orleans as a hangover cure. Drawing influence from both Asian and African American cultures, the dish stands alone in what it is. With tender noodles and a rich, savory broth, it can be eaten with ketchup, soy sauce or hot sauce, but it’s a full-bodied recipe on its own.
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