Laba porridge. [Photo/IC]

The custom of porridge eating has been well known throughout history, from the royal court to common people.

The most "authentic" porridge was made in northern China, especially Beiping, today's Beijing.

The main ingredients of the Laba porridge are rice and sticky rice; people also add sugar, red dates, lotus seeds, walnuts, chestnuts, almonds, longans, hazelnuts, raisins, red beans, peanuts, water caltrops, roseleaf and other various materials to make the porridge special.