Dunhuang, a renowned historical city along the Silk Road, is not only celebrated for its breathtaking cultural heritage and magnificent natural landscapes but also for its tantalizing cuisine. As you set foot on this magical land, these local delicacies are an absolute must - try. They are not just food but carriers of Dunhuang's history and culture, each bite offering a unique glimpse into the charm of this ancient city.
Dunhuang's Culinary Treasures
1.Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles
This is a signature dish of Dunhuang, hailed as "a unique wonder of China." The yellow noodles are as thin as dragon whiskers, boasting a chewy and springy texture, thanks to the traditional hand - pulling technique. Paired with generous chunks of donkey meat and a flavorful mushroom broth, the taste is simply unparalleled. There is a local saying, "Dragon meat in the sky, donkey meat on the ground," which attests to the deliciousness of donkey meat. It is highly recommended to visit Shunzhang Yellow Noodle Restaurant to savor this dish.
2.Braised Hu Sheep with Pancakes
Regarded as the pinnacle of the "Northwestern - style roujiamo (Chinese hamburger)," this dish is a divine combination of mutton or beef and thin pancakes. The mutton is stewed until it's incredibly tender and free from any gamy smell. The pancakes soak up the rich and savory sauce, creating a harmonious blend of meaty and doughy flavors in every bite. Remember to order an extra serving of pancakes to fully enjoy the essence of soaking them in the sauce.
3.Puffed Fried Cake
A must - have for those with a sweet tooth! This cake has a bright yellow color, and its surface is fluffy like a light veil, dotted with numerous tiny pearl - like bubbles. The outer layer is crispy, while the inner part is glutinous, filled with a perfectly sweetened red bean paste. It's oily yet not greasy, offering an almost airy eating experience, like biting into a breathing fried cake.
4.Dunhuang - style Liangpi
Considered the "Hermès" of the liangpi (cold noodles) world, it has a smooth texture, with a spicy - sour flavor profile. Tossed with a special sauce, it instantly whets your appetite, making it an especially popular snack during summer. It's refreshing and light, and at only 10 yuan a bowl, it offers great value for money.
5.Mutton and Vermicelli Soup
This is the ultimate winter warmer. Slices of hand - cut mutton are paired with radish slices, creating a soup that is both fresh and delicious, so flavorful that it'll make your taste buds dance. Adding a spoonful of chili not only warms your body but also dispels the cold, making it a well - kept local health secret.
6.Roasted Whole Lamb in Dunhuang
This is a highly ritualistic and spectacular sight in the desert barbecue scene. Roasted over fruit - wood charcoal, the lamb is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, completely free from any gamy odor. It's an ideal dish for group gatherings, but make sure to book in advance.
7.Apricot Peel Water
This natural beverage is made by simmering Liguang apricots and is Dunhuang's go - to for beating the heat. It has a sweet - sour taste, and when served chilled, it's even more refreshing, appealing to the taste buds even more than plum soup. You can easily find it at roadside stalls or supermarkets in Dunhuang, and for just 3 yuan, you can experience this local favorite.
8.Dunhuang - style Sautéed Noodles with Minced Meat
A paradise for carb lovers. The alkaline noodles have a strong chewy texture, and the soup base is made by simmering carrots, potatoes, and diced meat, making it nutritious, warming, and comforting. Having a bowl in the morning will energize you and start your day off right.
9.Scallion and Beef Pie
The outer crust is crispy, while the filling is a perfect combination of scallions and beef. The fragrance of the beef and the refreshing taste of scallions complement each other, creating a mouth - watering aroma. It's a great local snack.
10.Mutton and Assorted Ingredients Soup
A popular breakfast choice among locals, it offers excellent value for money. With a mutton soup base, it's filled with cooked mutton slices, mutton balls, vermicelli, deep - fried tofu, black fungus, and a special local ingredient called "jiasha." Paired with freshly - made flatbread, breaking the bread into pieces and soaking them in the mutton soup is a truly satisfying experience.
11.Mutton Kebabs on Willow Twigs
Mutton is skewered on red willow twigs and grilled. The outer part of the mutton is crispy, and the inside is tender, infused with the unique aroma of the red willow twigs. Biting into it gives you an indulgent meat - eating experience, making it a must - order for meat lovers.
12.Fermented Vegetable Noodles
One of the "Eight Wonders of Dunhuang," as the saying goes, "Fermented vegetable noodles are great for relieving summer heat." It is made by fermenting celery and other ingredients in noodle soup. After boiling, it can be served chilled. Its unique sour taste is extremely appetizing, making it a refreshing and greasy - relieving choice on hot summer days.
The cuisine of Dunhuang is far more extensive than what is listed here. Each
dish is imbued with the local customs, traditions, and historical heritage. When
traveling in Dunhuang, take your time to explore local restaurants and street
food stalls. Let your taste buds experience the unique charm of this city,
turning these gastronomic encounters into unforgettable memories of your
Dunhuang journey. You're bound to be conquered by the delicious food of Dunhuang
and fall in love with this magical land.
