Shanxi, a province located on the Loess Plateau, has been one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization since ancient times. The food culture here is also long-standing and unique. Shanxi cuisine is known for its unique production techniques, mellow taste, and rich nutrition, attracting countless food lovers to come and taste it. Next, let's walk together into the treasure house of Shanxi cuisine to learn more about the representative dishes and their characteristics.
The characteristics of Shanxi cuisine are: careful selection of ingredients, meticulous cutting and matching, with saltiness as the main flavor, followed by sourness and sweetness. The dishes are crisp and tender, with a heavy use of oil and strong flavors.
Shanxi noodles are the most famous, with a wide variety of styles and unique eating methods. Each style has its unique texture, which is smooth and refreshing, with a lingering aftertaste.
Shanxi is one of the earliest and largest agricultural origins in the world, as well as the birthplace of Chinese noodle culture. Shanxi has been the capital of multiple dynasties, so its cuisine also incorporates the characteristics of multiple dynasties. Below are 10 representative dishes of Shanxi cuisine.
Taiyuan (太原)
The most famous dish is the "Taiyuan Bean Curd（太原豆腐脑）," a traditional soup-like delicacy. Made with a unique formula and craftsmanship, it combines three large pieces of fat mutton, a piece of lotus root, and a strip of yam. The broth is enhanced with yellow wine, wine lees, and Astragalus membranaceus, imparting a blend of flavors that are both medicinal and delicious.
Reference Price: 0.5$
Datong (大同)
A standout delicacy is the "Hunyuan Cold Noodles（浑源凉粉）," a local specialty from Datong's Hunyuan County. Made primarily from potato starch, tofu skin, and broad beans, these noodles have a unique texture and flavor that are both refreshing and detoxifying. Apart from its unique taste, Hunyuan cold noodles also pay attention to its ingredients. Besides vinegar, garlic water, chopped scallions, cucumber, and coriander, they are also served with unique lotus beans, tofu, and chili oil. These noodles are refreshing and spicy without being astringent, and the oil is fragrant without being greasy. They can be described as simple yet unusual, fragrant and pure.
Reference Price: 1.1$
Changzhi (长治)
Changzi Stir-Fried Pancake（长子炒饼）, despite its name suggesting a type of pancake, is actually a dish made of thin, strip-shaped noodles. This dish from Changzi County, Shanxi Province, boasts a golden hue, a refreshing and non-greasy texture, and a soft consistency. When eaten with vinegar and garlic, it fills the mouth with aroma and offers a unique flavor experience. The production process of Changzi Stir-Fried Pancake is quite meticulous, involving forty-eight steps. Changzi Stir-Fried Pancake is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing essential nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and various minerals. It embodies the rich historical culture and folk customs of Changzi County, making it a cherished delicacy not only locally but also beyond its borders.
Reference Price: 2.5$
Jincheng (晋城)
Jincheng Stir-Fried Bean Jelly（炒凉粉）, with a history spanning over 100 years, is a unique and traditional delicacy of Jincheng City in Shanxi Province. The meticulous preparation process begins with selecting fresh bean starch jelly as the main ingredient. This jelly is skillfully cut into evenly sized blocks, ready to be paired with a variety of savory ingredients such as pork mince, soybeans, and red peppers. This combination creates a dish with a rich and layered taste experience.
Reference Price: 0.8$- 1.4$
Xinzhou (忻州)
In ancient times, Dingxiang Steamed Pork(定襄蒸肉) was a tribute to the royal court from the local area, and it was considered a treasure by the imperial gardens of successive dynasties. Dingxiang Steamed Pork is a unique delicacy of Dingxiang in the north of Shanxi Province, boasting a long history and unique production techniques. It is made from lean pork as the main ingredient, which is cut and seasoned, combined with starch, vegetable oil, and various seasonings, and then steamed using a special method. Dingxiang Steamed Pork boasts a fragrant aroma, smooth texture, endless aftertaste, and the ability to be enjoyed without feeling greasy even when consumed in large amounts. It can serve as an ideal dish for home cooking, banquets, and travel meals, convenient food for picnics, and even as a gift for visiting relatives and friends.
Reference Price: 2$- 8$
Linfen (临汾)
Beef Meatball Noodle(牛肉丸子面) is a characteristic snack of Linfen City, Shanxi Province. This snack mainly consists of beef, specially-made beef meatballs, and unique noodles. It is further enhanced by unique spices, herbal medicines, and a rich broth made from boiling cow bones. The flavor is unique, rich, and both spicy and refreshing. Especially during the cold winter, a bowl of steaming hot Beef Meatball Noodles can bring warmth and satisfaction to people. This snack can only be found in the downtown area of Linfen. Even if it spreads to surrounding counties, it's difficult to find authentic Beef Meatball Noodle, which also gives it a special status and characteristic in the local area.
Reference Price: 1.5$
Yuncheng (运城)
Wenxi Zhu Bing(闻喜煮饼) boasts a profound historical background. Legend has it that its production began in the Qing Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. This delicacy is primarily made from flour, honey, small-milled sesame oil, sugar syrup, and top-grade red and white sugar, among other ingredients, through meticulous multi-step processes. Inside, the pastry boasts a clearly defined two-toned filling of brown and dark red, which can be pulled into long, thin threads of several centimeters. The texture is crispy and sandy, the taste is sweet and fragrant, and it neither sticks nor feels greasy. Moreover, it retains its quality for a long time without going bad.
Reference Price: 3.6$/A box
Shuozhou (朔州)
Originating from the Yuan Dynasty, according to legend, Yang Zage was named by Kublai Khan's mother. This delicacy primarily consists of sheep's heads, hearts, livers, intestines, and blood, which are washed, boiled, and chopped. It is then seasoned with spices such as pepper, chili, salt, garlic, scallions, and ginger. Some cooked meat broth is added to create "sheep offal," which is often eaten with vermicelli noodles.
Reference Price: 1.5$-2.4$
Luliang (吕梁)
Liulin Wantuo(柳林碗脱), also known as "Wantuan" or "Wantu", is a traditional snack unique to Liulin County in Shanxi province, which has been handed down for thousands of years. Its origin can be traced back to the early years of the Western Jin Dynasty, invented by the Hun people, Shi Le. Liulin Wantuo is primarily made from buckwheat and, after processing, forms a food resembling dough. The production process of Liulin Wantuo is quite meticulous. First, the buckwheat flour is mixed with water to form a dough. After repeated kneading and filtering, the paste is poured into a bowl, steamed over a steamer until cooked, and then cooled before being removed from the bowl, thus earning its name. When consumed, it can be cut into small pieces and dressed with vinegar, garlic mud, and secret chili oil for an enhanced flavor.
Reference Price: 0.8$
Each of these cities in Shanxi offers a unique and delicious culinary experience that is a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of this beautiful province.
