Tastes & traditions of the Yellow River
From noodles and dumplings to opera and festivals, explore the authentic flavors and captivating performances shaped by millennia, Deng Zhangyu reports.
Mutton soup with flatbread
For an authentic taste of Shaanxi cuisine, don't miss yangrou paomo, a warm mutton soup with crumbled flatbread that's both hearty and interactive. This Xi'an specialty features tender, slow-cooked lamb in a rich, milky-white broth seasoned with Chinese herbs and spices.
Eating yangrou paomo is a ritual in itself. Diners tear the flatbread into small pieces by hand before soaking them in the fragrant lamb soup until they absorb the broth while still retaining a pleasant chewiness. Then, mix in the accompanying coriander, chili paste and pickled garlic.
The combination of soft bread, succulent lamb and robust broth creates a comforting, textured experience perfect for colder days.
Most authentic restaurants in Shaanxi offer this classic dish at very affordable prices, typically around 30 yuan ($4.2).
