Taiyuan Food Guide

Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, is a city with a long history and rich cultural heritage. Its food culture is equally diverse and colorful. Here is a detailed and effective Taiyuan food guide to help you explore and savor the unique flavors of this city. ### 1. Classic Noodles 1. **Dao Xiao Mian (Knife-Cut Noodles)**: One of Taiyuan's signature noodle dishes, known for its unique preparation and texture. The noodles are thick in the middle and thin on the edges, resembling willow leaves, and are smooth and chewy. Recommended restaurants: Jinyunlou, Shunliu Noodles, etc. 2. **Ti Jian'er (Hand-Pulled Noodles)**: Another specialty noodle dish, made by quickly pulling the dough into boiling water with a special bamboo board, forming long noodles with a bulge in the middle. The unique texture is paired with various toppings for a distinctive flavor. Recommended locations: Old Army Camp Snack Street, Food Street, and other time-honored restaurants. 3. **Mao Er Duo (Cat's Ear Noodles)**: Small noodles shaped like cat ears, with a chewy texture, often cooked with various vegetables and meats for a delicious soup. Try Qingxu Cat's Ear Noodles, a specialty of the Taiyuan area. ### 2. Shanxi Pastries 1. **Taiyuan Tou Nao (Sheep's Head Soup)**: A traditional snack made from mutton, lotus root, and yam, simmered with yellow wine, distiller's grains, and astragalus, with a unique aroma and nourishing effect. Recommended restaurant: Qinghe Yuan Restaurant, a century-old establishment. 2. **You Mian Kao Lao Lao (Oat Noodles)**: Made from oat flour, shaped like small steamed buns, and served with a special sauce for a chewy and nutritious dish. Available at many noodle shops in Taiyuan. 3. **Taigu Cake**: A famous traditional Shanxi pastry, known for its fragrant, crispy, soft, and sweet taste, perfect as a souvenir. Recommended purchase locations: major supermarkets or specialty stores. ### 3. Local Dishes 1. **Guo You Rou (Fried Pork)**: Made from lean pork with a special cooking technique, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious taste. Recommended restaurants: Liuweizhai, Bingzhou Hotel, etc. 2. **Sweet and Sour Carp**: Made from fresh carp, carefully cooked for tender fish and a sweet and sour taste, a popular home-cooked dish in Taiyuan. 3. **Shanxi Aged Vinegar Ribs**: Made with Shanxi's famous aged vinegar, with a sweet and sour taste that whets the appetite. ### 4. Snacks and Night Markets 1. **Liuxiang Night Market**: Located in downtown Taiyuan, with a variety of snack stalls, such as lamb skewers, grilled cold noodles, and stinky tofu, a great place to experience the local nightlife. 2. **Zhonglou Street**: Not only has shopping malls but also many traditional snack shops and cafes, perfect for shopping and eating. 3. **Food Street**: A collection of Shanxi and national specialties, such as Dandan noodles, spicy hot pot, and Jianbing Guozi, to satisfy different tastes. ### 5. Drinks - **Xinghuacun Fenjiu**: One of China's four famous liquors, known for its clear, fragrant, and pure taste. Try a glass of authentic Fenjiu at a restaurant or bar in Taiyuan. - **Sea Buckthorn Juice**: A drink made from the wild fruit of Shanxi, with a sweet and sour taste, high nutritional value, and health benefits. In conclusion, a food tour of Taiyuan is a feast for the taste buds, from classic noodles to local specialties and bustling night market snacks, each bite is a deep experience of the city's culture. We hope this guide will help you plan your trip and enjoy every meal in Taiyuan.