Stir-Fried Pebbles: A Culinary Oddity from China

Did you ever believe someone would think to cook pebbles? Well, even if the stones are not actually eaten, in China there is a special dish made almost entirely of "stir-fried" pebbles with a bit (emphasis on a bit) of vegetables and herbs.

So what's the idea behind such an extreme dish?

"We like to absorb the flavors from the stones and then throw them away," explains a Chinese chef.

Why? Apparently, the flavors are absorbed by the pebbles in an extraordinary way, and when you taste them before discarding—it's said to feel like consuming bones, according to those in the know.

"You can't describe the pleasure of eating bones to someone who doesn't enjoy it," say the Chinese who relish this quirky dish. "You either love it or you don't."

But while the Chinese enjoy this dish, many others criticize it. "I don't understand this dish," wrote one commenter. "You can't eat the stones, but you could definitely swallow them accidentally and risk your health."

"It's also not really sanitary," adds another concerned response.