What are the Specialties of Yan’an City? Exploring the Food Culture of Northern Shaanxi

What are the Specialties of Yan’an City? Exploring the Food Culture of Northern Shaanxi Cultur[...]

What are the Specialties of Yan’an City? Exploring the Food Culture of Northern Shaanxi

Cultural Tourism > Local Specialties >

Cultural Tourism Station Author: Eric Date: 2023-09-18 10:36:02

The specialties of Yan’an City are not only well-known delicacies within Shaanxi Province but also renowned traditional dishes across the country. Besides the widely recognized ‘Yan’an Restaurant’, what other must-try specialty foods are there? Let’s explore the food culture of Northern Shaanxi together.

Yan’an Ma Shi
Ma Shi is a traditional noodle dish from Northern Shaanxi, which has developed a local characteristic. The color of Yan’an Ma Shi is yellowish-red, with a chewy texture that is very satisfying to bite into. Ma Shi can be eaten in various ways, such as soaking in rice soup, served cold, or mixed with sour and spicy soup, all of which are highly recommended.

Yan’an Tofu
The tofu of Northern Shaanxi is quite different from that of the south; it is not soft and tender but rather chewy like beef, with a rich bean flavor. However, the firm texture of Northern Shaanxi tofu also makes it popular among tea connoisseurs, served as a side dish with various famous teas, the taste is not diminished but rather enhances the depth of the tea aroma.

Yan’an Lao Zao
This is a traditional delicacy from Northern Shaanxi, fermented in wine in a solid state, hence the name Lao Zao. After the wine is filtered out, the residue, which is brownish-red in color, has a fragrant aroma. Since the nutrients from the wine are still preserved in the Lao Zao, it also has certain health benefits.Sand Pot Rice
‘Autumn comes with the scent of sand pot and mint, the taste of buckwheat noodles is excellent. A string of mushrooms looks good, and all kinds of delicious dishes are on the table.’ This line from an advertising song is undoubtedly the best interpretation of Yan’an City’s sand pot rice. When you open the pot lid, the surface is covered with a rich meat aroma and the taste of buckwheat noodles, which makes you salivate involuntarily.

Saozi Noodles
Saozi noodles are a traditional noodle dish from Northern Shaanxi and can be called the number one food in Northern Shaanxi. The noodles are thin and tough, with a chewy texture, and the rich soy sauce and meat broth are blended, spicy but not dry, fresh but not greasy, smooth and infinitely delicious, making people unable to stop eating.

Yangrou Pao Mo
Yangrou Pao Mo is a traditional Han Chinese food from the Yellow River basin in Shaanxi, one of the most famous specialty snacks in Shaanxi Province, and also one of the specialties of Yan’an City. In Northern Shaanxi, Pao Mo is warm steamed buns soaked in hot soup, with pieces of meat inside, which is also very warming for the stomach in winter. In Yan’an City, with its rich historical and cultural background, Yangrou Pao Mo has gained wider dissemination.

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