Kuai (dish) meat in large thin pieces in the manner of carpaccio, however the term "kuai" was used to refer to this method. "Kuai" is the preferred preparation of raw beef and lamb, or fish such as the carp, while meat from wild deer and boar were prepared as "xuan". Thinness in the slices or strips was an important factor for judging the quality of the dish. During the Zhou dynasty and the Warring States period, "kuai" made from all fauna were widely consumed. During the time of the Qin (221–206 BC) and Han (206 BC–220 AD) dynasties, "kuai" made from the
Harissa (dish) on since ancient times. Stories differ as to the origins of the dish. According to Armenian lore, the patron saint of Armenia, Gregory the Illuminator, was offering a meal of love and charity to the poor. There weren't enough sheep to feed the crowds so wheat was added to the cooking pots. They noticed that the wheat was sticking to the bottom of the cauldrons. Saint Gregory advised, ""Harekh!" Stir it!" Thus, the name of the dish, "harissa", came from the saint's own words. "Harissa" has been offered as a charity meal ever since. The dish is traditionally served on