Trev's favourite type of noodle is a big flat noodle much like how you'd cut a potato for the BBQ. It's called Nian Gao and is only found in Qingtian. So being in Guangdong he had been craving this dish, which he ate almost everyday for a year.

Mr Qiu is always quite quick to say, you just make it with flour and water, and give the directions. But as with everything something is always missing.

While I spent the day dropping in on girlfriends and gossiping, Mr Qiu and Trev slaved away in the kitchen making Nian Gao.

I must confess I wasn't sure what the result would be, but after a much longer effort than anticipated Trev and Qiu had made a roll of Nian Gao. It was smooth and looked just like a bought one, not like Trev's messy attempt in Zhaoqing.

The secret was in the punching. You have to punch the begessus out of the dough as soon as you pull it from the boiling water, even if it involves burning your knuckles.