Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Taiyuan, China

1. Taiyuan Roujiaomo

A famous Shanxi-style dumpling filled with tender braised beef. Try it at Lao Xiang Roujiaomo in Wutaishan Street.

Handmade Delicacy: Made fresh daily, each dumpling is handcrafted with care.
Tender Beef Filling: The braised beef filling is slow-cooked to perfection for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Spicy Flavor: The dumplings are flavored with a unique blend of local spices, giving them a distinct taste.

A traditional Shanxi noodle soup dish with thin hand-pulled noodles. Visit Yueshanlou for an authentic experience.

Hand-Pulled Noodles: The noodles are made fresh on the spot, providing a delightful texture.
Spicy Broth: The clear, flavorful broth is infused with local spices and chili oil.
Regional Ingredients: Ingredients such as green onions, pickled vegetables, and radish slices add regional flavor.

A pastry filled with tender beef that has been simmered for hours. Visit Shi Family's Niuwei Pie at Wenchang Street.

Tender Beef Filling: The beef is slow-cooked to perfection until it's soft and flavorful.
Flaky Pastry: The pastry is made with a special recipe, creating a delightful contrast in texture.
Local Seasonings: Traditional Shanxi seasonings give the pie its unique flavor profile.

A cured ham dish made from a specific breed of pig native to Shanxi. Visit local markets for a taste.

Local Breed Pig: The unique taste comes from using the traditional Shanxi pig.
Curing Process: The ham is cured for several months, resulting in a rich and savory flavor.
Versatility: Shanxi Ham can be enjoyed cold or hot, in dishes like ham soup or stir-fried with vegetables.

Soft and fluffy steamed buns filled with a savory pork and vegetable filling. Try them at MingXiangTou in Taiyuan.

Sesame Oil Flavor: The sesame oil gives the buns a rich, nutty flavor.
Soft and Fluffy Buns: The dough is made fresh daily, ensuring softness and fluffiness.
Savory Filling: The filling combines pork, vegetables, and local spices for a unique flavor.

A refreshing dish of cold noodles served with spicy sauce. Try it at Liangpi Jie in Taiyuan.

Cold and Refreshing: The noodles are served cold, making them a great choice for hot summer days.
Spicy Sauce: A unique spicy sauce made with local ingredients gives the dish its flavor.
Chewy Noodles: The noodles have a distinctive chewiness that sets them apart.

A unique twist on the famous Taiyuan Roujiaomo, served as a burger. Try it at Xiangfu Snack Street.

Tender Mutton: The mutton is tender and flavorful due to the slow cooking process.
Burger Format: The dish is served as a burger, making it easier to eat on-the-go.
Local Flavors: The burger is seasoned with traditional Shanxi spices and sauces.

A crispy, flavorful roast duck dish that's a must-try in Shanxi. Visit Puxiang Kuji Restaurant for the best experience.

Crispy Skin: The skin is crispy and flavorful, while the meat remains tender.
Hangzhou Origin: Originally from Hangzhou, this dish has been adapted to Shanxi's taste preferences.
Local Ingredients: The duck is marinated with local ingredients such as star anise and cinnamon.

A traditional Shanxi-style steamed bun filled with pork. Try them at Man Tou Jie in Taiyuan.

Steamed Preparation: The buns are steamed, giving them a soft and fluffy texture.
Savory Filling: The filling combines pork, green onions, and local seasonings for a savory flavor.
Street Food Experience: Enjoy the buns as street food while exploring Taiyuan's vibrant streets.

A popular Shanxi dish featuring wide, hand-pulled noodles in a rich sesame sauce. Try it at Yueshanlou.

Hand-Pulled Noodles: The noodles are made fresh on the spot, providing a delightful texture.
Sesame Sauce: A unique sesame sauce gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
Versatile Toppings: The dish can be topped with ingredients such as sliced beef, green onions, and pickled vegetables.

A hearty dish of tender lamb stewed with local herbs and spices. Visit Baozi Gou Restaurant for the best experience.

Tender Lamb: The lamb is slow-cooked to ensure tenderness.
Local Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and ginger give the dish its unique flavor.
Hearty Dish: This dish is perfect for those seeking a filling meal in Taiyuan.

A simple yet delicious dish of stir-fried green beans. Try it at local restaurants or street vendors.

Fresh Green Beans: The green beans are fresh and crisp, providing a satisfying crunch.
Local Seasonings: Traditional Shanxi seasonings add flavor to the dish.
Quick Preparation: The dish is quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy travelers.

A savory stir-fried radish cake dish. Try it at local restaurants or street vendors.

Radish Cake: The radish cake is made from shredded daikon radish and rice flour.
Local Seasonings: Traditional Shanxi seasonings add flavor to the dish.
Quick Preparation: The dish is quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy travelers.

A comforting bowl of rice noodle soup with a variety of ingredients. Try it at local restaurants or street vendors.

Rice Noodles: The rice noodles are soft and chewy, providing a unique texture.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: Ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and mushrooms are locally sourced for freshness.
Comforting Soup: The soup is comforting and perfect for a cool day in Taiyuan.

A crispy fried bun filled with savory pork. Try them at local restaurants or street vendors.

Crispy Texture: The buns are crispy on the outside, while the filling remains soft and savory.
Local Seasonings: Traditional Shanxi seasonings add flavor to the dish.
Quick Preparation: The dish is quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy travelers.