Datong, known as the "key to the north", shines brightly in the long river of history. As the poet Li He wrote, 'Under the cold and hungry plain city, guarding the bright moon at night. The long and white sky stretches across the border, and the red Han flag can be seen from afar.' Its unique geographical location has made it an important hub between the Central Plains and the frontier. The unique regional culture has also nurtured a rich and colorful cuisine with distinctive flavors. Now, let's step into the wonderful world of the top ten specialty foods in Datong together.
Lingqiu Smoked Chicken灵丘熏鸡
The smoking technique of Lingqiu smoked chicken, the top of the four famous smoked chickens in Shanxi, has been passed down for a hundred years. Choose free range chickens, smoke and roast them with cypress sawdust over low heat, and the skin is golden with amber light. The chicken has distinct fibers, and when eaten hot, the skin is slightly crispy and the meat is firm and juicy; When eaten cold, the more you chew, the more fragrant it becomes, making it a perfect match with local yellow wine.
Datong Rabbit Head 大同兔头
The enthusiasm of adults for gnawing on rabbit heads is no less than that of Sichuan. Rabbit head is braised first and then stir fried, with three flavors: spicy, five spice, and sauce flavored. Open your chin and pluck your brain flowers, tender as tofu; Chewing on cheek meat, tender and flavorful, spicy to the point of exhaling but unable to stop, paired with Yungang beer, enjoying the nightlife of Datong.
Datong oil fried cake大同油炸糕
Fried yellow rice noodles with golden crispy shells, filled with sweet and salty fillings. The bean paste filling is dense and sweet, while the vegetable filling (shredded potatoes, chives) is salty, fresh, and oily. When bitten open, the filling will burst out instantly, but be careful not to scald your mouth. This dish is a must-have during festivals and holidays, symbolizing 'rising step by step'
Datong Daoxiao Noodles大同刀削面
Shanxi, as a kingdom of pasta, Datong Daoxiao Noodles can be called the pearl on the crown. The dough on the master's head flickered with a knife light, and the noodles fell into the pot like willow leaves, thin on the outside and thick on the inside, with distinct edges. Paired with a combination of fat and lean meat strips as toppings, the oil seeps into the seams, and then paired with pickled vegetables. With just one bite, the muscles stretch and the meat aroma fills the air
Assorted Copper Hot Pot什锦铜火锅
This is an essential reunion dish for everyone during the Chinese New Year. In a copper pot, ingredients such as cabbage, vermicelli, fried meatballs, roasted meat, sea cucumber, squid, etc. are stacked layer by layer, slowly simmered over charcoal, and the soup blends together, gradually releasing its freshness. The copper pot is fast in heat conduction, and the more the ingredients are cooked, the more delicious they are. Finally, a mouthful of soup that gathers essence is delicious.