Follow the Osmanthus Scent! This Sugar-Roasted Chestnut in Luqiao is a Sweet Seasonal Ritual

At Maizhi Bridge in Luqiao, there’s a stall that has been selling osmanthus sugar-roasted chestnuts for over two decades. Plump chestnuts and a delicate, sweet osmanthus fragrance mark its delightful presence. As the sand grains tumble in the roasting pan, the chestnuts soak in the aroma of osmanthus and the sweetness of sugar, resulting in a crisp, easy-to-peel shell and golden, full kernels.

With the first bite, the natural sweetness of the chestnut blends with the subtle osmanthus fragrance, melting on the tip of the tongue—sweet but never cloying. This soft, sticky, and fragrant treat not only captures the essence of everyday street life but also embodies the unique ritual of autumn and winter.

Translator：Jiayang Lin