Legend has it that a scholar heading for the national examination, pinched with hunger and cold, has to humble¹ himself to beg for food from a poor family. The family happens to make the Pot-baked Baba, the local food like pies, on the stove and makes a room for him to join them. As all food is good to eat when you feel hungry, the scholar thinks it is the best meal ever. Afterwards, he becomes a successful candidate in the imperial examination and holds a post as a minister in the court. Although living an affluent² life ever since, he often misses the Pot-baked Baba.

说有一书生赶考路上又冷又饿，面子熬不过肚子，就到一穷人家乞食，那家人正好灶头上做是一锅“锅边”，就着让个位子出来让书生同吃了，“饥饿好吃”，书生觉得这是有生以来最美的一顿饭。后来这书生科举及第当上了相国之类的大官，锦衣绣食中却突然想起了曾经吃过的“锅边粑粑”。