Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Hancheng, Shaanxi, China

1. Hancheng Roujiaomian ( Han's Braised Pasta)

Tangy and spicy noodles with a unique blend of Chinese and Italian flavors, served in a bread casing.

Local Flavor: Combines traditional Shaanxi cuisine with Italian pasta.
Unique Presentation: Noodles are served in a bread casing, making it easy to eat on-the-go.
Spiciness Level: Can be adjusted to cater to different taste preferences.

Refreshing dish made with transparent noodles and soybean-based sauce, served cold.

Cooling Effect: Ideal for hot summer days in Hancheng.
Taste Profile: Combines savory and sour flavors for a unique taste experience.
Texture Variety: Includes soft noodles, crunchy vegetables, and gelatinous jelly.

Tender lamb cooked slowly in a flavorful sauce with potatoes and onions.

Slow-Cooked Flavor: The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully.
Versatile Dish: Can be enjoyed as a main course or shared with friends.
Spice Blend: Features a unique blend of Shaanxi spices, giving it a distinctive flavor.

A hearty and comforting soup made with wheat flour, vegetables, and meat.

Comfort Food: Perfect for a cold day or when feeling under the weather.
Customization: Ingredients can be adjusted to cater to dietary restrictions or preferences.
Texture and Flavor: The wheat flour gives the soup a unique, slightly chewy texture and nutty flavor.

Thin, crispy flatbread often served with fillings such as scallions and minced meat.

Flaky Texture: The flaky texture makes it a popular choice for snacking.
Versatility: Can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or used to wrap other dishes.
Local Ingredients: Made with locally-sourced wheat and other ingredients.

Steamed bread cooked by burying it in ashes for a unique texture.

Unique Cooking Method: The buried-in-ashes cooking method gives the bread a distinct texture.
Versatility: Can be enjoyed on its own or used to wrap other dishes.
Local Tradition: A centuries-old tradition in Hancheng and the surrounding area.

Sweet glutinous rice balls filled with sweet red bean paste.

Traditional Dessert: A popular dessert enjoyed during the Lantern Festival.
Taste and Texture: The soft, sticky texture contrasts with the sweet red bean filling.
Local Ingredients: Made with locally-sourced glutinous rice and red beans.

Thick pancake baked in a pot with various fillings such as scallions and minced meat.

Hearty Meal: A filling meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Versatility: Ingredients can be customized to cater to different taste preferences.
Local Ingredients: Made with locally-sourced wheat and other ingredients.

Spicy beef soup served with torn bread, perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

Comfort Food: A hearty and comforting dish suitable for any time of the year.
Spiciness Level: Can be adjusted to cater to different taste preferences.
Texture and Flavor: The torn bread soaks up the flavorful broth, enhancing the overall experience.

Spicy lamb sandwich served in a bun with various seasonings and condiments.

Fresh dumplings made with ground meat and vegetables, steamed to perfection.

Taste Profile: Combines savory and umami flavors for a satisfying bite.
Customization: Ingredients can be adjusted to cater to dietary restrictions or preferences.
Local Ingredients: Made with locally-sourced meat and vegetables.

Gentle soup made with Dong Quai, a traditional Chinese herb, believed to promote health and vitality.

Health Benefits: Traditional Chinese medicine claims it improves blood circulation and boosts energy levels.
Taste Profile: Mild flavor with a hint of sweetness from the Dong Quai.
Local Ingredients: Made with locally-sourced Dong Quai and other ingredients.

Tender pork slices cooked in a savory sauce, often served with noodles.

Softness: The tender pork slices melt in your mouth.
Flavorful Sauce: The sauce is rich and flavorful, enhancing the taste of the pork slices.
Versatility: Can be enjoyed as a main course or shared with friends.

Refreshing noodle dish made with thin noodles, cucumber, peanuts, and a spicy dressing.

Refreshing: Ideal for hot summer days in Hancheng.
Taste Profile: Combines savory, sour, and spicy flavors for a unique taste experience.
Texture Variety: Includes soft noodles, crunchy vegetables, and nutty peanuts.

Crunchy sesame pastry filled with sweet and savory filling.

Crunchiness: The crispy crust provides a satisfying contrast to the soft filling.
Taste Profile: Combines sweet and savory flavors for a unique taste experience.
Local Ingredients: Made with locally-sourced sesame seeds and other ingredients.