Dunhuang, a celebrated ancient city along the Silk Road, is not only a treasure trove of profound historical and cultural heritages but also a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich array of delicious cuisine that delights the taste buds.
One of the most iconic dishes here is Dunhuang Donkey Meat with Yellow Noodles. The noodles are as thin as dragon whiskers and as long as golden threads, boasting a chewy texture. They are typically served with a special sauce and a plate of marinated donkey meat, which is tender and packed with flavor. This dish has a history spanning over a thousand years, and interestingly, there is even a mural depicting noodle - making in the Mogao Caves, a testament to its long - standing presence in local culture.
Another must - try is Huyang Braised Cake. In this dish, tender mutton is slowly simmered until it becomes extremely soft and infused with rich flavors. Hand - rolled wide flatbreads are then torn into large pieces and placed in the thick, savory soup to be braised slowly. This allows the bread to absorb the delicious meat juices fully, creating a perfect combination of the strong, savory taste of mutton and the chewy texture of the cake.
Mutton Powder Soup is also a popular choice among both locals and tourists. A large bowl of fragrant, clear mutton soup is filled with tender mutton slices, translucent vermicelli, and radishes. Fresh green scallions and coriander are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of freshness. It is not only nutritious but also warming, making it an ideal choice to start a day in Dunhuang, especially during cooler weather.
For those who enjoy grilled food, Red Willow Barbecued Mutton is a fantastic option. Large chunks of mutton are skewered with red willow branches and grilled over charcoal. The result is mutton with a firm and chewy texture, infused with a unique woody aroma from the red willow, making it a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts.
Beyond these main courses, Dunhuang also offers a variety of delightful snacks. The Bubble Oil Cake, for instance, has evolved from "Jianfeng Qiao" dating back to the Tang Dynasty, with a history of at least 1,200 years. It is made from ingredients such as flour, lard, sugar, walnuts, sesame, rose, and red bean paste. The cake has a bright yellow color, a crispy surface covered with dense, pearl - like small bubbles, and a sweet taste that melts in the mouth.
When visiting Dunhuang, the Shazhou Night Market is a destination not to be missed. As night falls, the market lights up, bustling with crowds of people. Here, you can savor a wide range of Dunhuang specialties, including Scallion Beef Cakes, Desert Barbecued Meat, Roast Fish, Spicy Mutton Head, and Wusun Hand - grabbed Rice. Additionally, do not forget to try a cup of the local specialty, Apricot Kernel Water. Made from Dunhuang's unique Liguang apricots, it has a sweet and sour taste, is cool and refreshing, and serves as an excellent drink to relieve heat and cut through greasiness after a meal.
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