As dawn breaks over Shandong, the day begins not with a light bite, but with a warm, hearty feast. The province's breakfast culture is a testament to its culinary ingenuity, turning simple, local ingredients into deeply satisfying meals that fuel the day ahead.

A quintessential example is Jinan's tianmo, a millet porridge boiled with peanuts, cowpeas, small red beans, vermicelli, dried bean curd and spinach. Its name humorously for one character tian "甜" meaning "sweet" belies its taste. Packed with vegetables, and tofu strips, this thick, peppery broth is a beloved local staple, often enjoyed with crispy youxuan (thin pancake made of millet flour).

Jinan's tianmo is a savory millet porridge boiled with peanuts, vegetables, which wakes up locals each morning. [Photo/WeChat account: sdta12301]