China Travel Guide: Shanxi

FOOD

Knife-cut noodles

Shanxi knife-cut noodles, one of the most beloved examples of street food in China, have a wonderful appearance, aroma and flavor unique to the local area.

They are fast and easy to prepare, making them well-suited for getting the most out of a steaming bowl of beef or mutton broth.

Shaved from a block of wheat dough straight into boiling water, these tempting noodles retain their jagged edges and sop up the maximum amount of broth and spicy chili oil.

Wu Family smoked meat

Wu Family smoked meat is a traditional dish, which boasts a history dating back nearly 100 years, in Linfen, Shanxi province. Made mainly with pork, it features a crispy golden skin and a juicy yet not greasy texture that's full of flavor.

Fried boiled pork (Guo You Rou)

This pork dish, the most famous of traditional Shanxi cuisine, originated during the Southern and Northern dynasties (420-589) among aristocrats in the southern Shanxi city of Linfen, and then spread to the provincial capital of Taiyuan, eventually becoming a typical restaurant dish during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Taiyuan medicinal soup (Tounao)

Tounao is a medicinal soup from Taiyuan made of mutton and seven herbal medicines. The dish, named by Fu Shan, a local medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is taken as a tonic. During the lunar calendar period between White Dew and Start of Spring, Taiyuan residents tend to visit local Muslim restaurants to enjoy tounao.

Fried cake (Yougao)

Fried cakes with sweet fillings, like bean or date paste, are quite popular in Jinzhong city. Locals usually enjoy the snack during traditional Chinese festivals, weddings or birthdays.