Guanyuan, a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Xi’an, China, is renowned for its bustling night market. This lively area comes alive after sunset, offering a plethora of street food and traditional delicacies that cater to food enthusiasts from all over the world. In this article, we will explore the top 10 must-try Guanyuan nighttime delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
1. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
Stinky tofu is a beloved dish in Guanyuan, characterized by its unique, pungent smell and creamy texture. It is typically deep-fried and served with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and chili oil. The contrast between the stinky smell and the delicious taste is an experience you cannot miss.
Ingredients:
- Stinky tofu
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Chili oil
- Sesame oil
Preparation:
- Cut the stinky tofu into cubes.
- Deep-fry the tofu cubes until golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, chili oil, and sesame oil to create the sauce.
- Serve the fried tofu with the sauce on the side.
2. Spicy Chicken Feet (辣子鸡爪)
Spicy chicken feet are a popular snack in Guanyuan, featuring tender chicken feet cooked in a rich, spicy sauce. The dish is known for its bold flavors and is often served with a side of steamed buns for dipping.
Ingredients:
- Chicken feet
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Chili oil
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
Preparation:
- Clean and boil the chicken feet until tender.
- Marinate the chicken feet with soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch.
- Deep-fry the chicken feet until golden brown.
- In a wok, sauté garlic and chili oil, then add the chicken feet and stir-fry until well-coated.
3. Xi’an Fried Rice (西安炒饭)
Xi’an fried rice is a flavorful and filling dish that combines steamed rice, eggs, vegetables, and a variety of meats. This dish is a must-try for those looking to savor the authentic flavors of Xi’an.
Ingredients:
- Steamed rice
- Eggs
- Vegetables (carrots, green onions, bell peppers)
- Meats (shrimp, chicken, beef)
- Soy sauce
- Vegetable oil
Preparation:
- Chop the vegetables and meats into small pieces.
- In a wok, sauté the vegetables and meats until cooked.
- Add the eggs and stir-fry until scrambled.
- Add the steamed rice and soy sauce, then stir-fry until well combined.
4. Sliced Pork with Cilantro (蒜泥白肉)
Sliced pork with cilantro is a refreshing and light dish that features thinly sliced pork belly served with a spicy garlic sauce and fresh cilantro. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a burst of flavors with each bite.
Ingredients:
- Pork belly
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Chopped peanuts
Preparation:
- Boil the pork belly until tender.
- Slice the pork belly into thin strips.
- In a bowl, mix garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chopped peanuts to create the sauce.
- Toss the sliced pork with the sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
Peking duck is a famous dish from Beijing, but it is also available in Guanyuan. This dish features a crispy, skin-on duck served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is truly unforgettable.
Ingredients:
- Duck
- Sugar
- Salt
- Vinegar
- Scallions
- Pancakes
- Sweet bean sauce
Preparation:
- Brine the duck with sugar, salt, and vinegar for several hours.
- Roast the duck until the skin is crispy.
- Serve the duck with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce.
6. Xi’an Noodles (西安凉面)
Xi’an noodles are a popular street food in Guanyuan, featuring a refreshing, cold noodle dish. The noodles are served with a tangy, spicy sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chili oil.
Ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Chili oil
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
Preparation:
- Cook the rice noodles until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, chili oil, sesame seeds, and chopped peanuts to create the sauce.
- Toss the noodles with the sauce and garnish with chopped peanuts.
7. Biangbiang Bread (肉夹馍)
Biangbiang bread is a famous Xi’an street food that consists of a large, flat bread filled with savory meat. The most popular filling is slow-cooked pork belly, but there are also variations with beef, lamb, and chicken.
Ingredients:
- Wheat flour
- Yeast
- Meat (pork belly, beef, lamb, chicken)
- Salt
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
Preparation:
- Mix wheat flour, yeast, and salt to create the dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth and let it rise for an hour.
- While the dough is rising, cook the meat until tender.
- Flatten the dough into a large, flat bread and cook until golden brown.
- Slice the bread open and stuff it with the cooked meat.
8. Xi’an Sweet Rice Balls (西安汤圆)
Xi’an sweet rice balls are a traditional Chinese dessert that features glutinous rice balls filled with sweet red bean paste. These balls are typically served in a sweet broth and garnished with sesame seeds.
Ingredients:
- Glutinous rice flour
- Water
- Red bean paste
- Sugar
- Sesame seeds
Preparation:
- Mix glutinous rice flour and water to create the dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls and stuff each ball with red bean paste.
- Cook the rice balls in a sweet broth until they float to the surface.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
9. Xi’an Sliced Pork with Pickled Cabbage (酸菜肉丝)
Sliced pork with pickled cabbage is a hearty dish that combines tender slices of pork with pickled cabbage and a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- Pork belly
- Pickled cabbage
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
Preparation:
- Boil the pork belly until tender.
- Slice the pork into thin strips.
- In a wok, sauté garlic and pickled cabbage until tender.
- Add the pork strips and stir-fry until well-coated with the sauce.
10. Xi’an Mutton Soup (羊肉泡馍)
Xi’an mutton soup is a traditional Chinese soup that features tender slices of mutton, noodles, and a rich broth. This dish is perfect for those looking to warm up on a cold night and is often enjoyed with a side of pickled vegetables.
Ingredients:
- Mutton
- Noodles
- Celery
- Cabbage
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Vegetable oil
Preparation:
- Boil the mutton until tender.
- Slice the mutton and vegetables into thin strips.
- In a pot, cook the noodles until al dente.
- Add the sliced mutton and vegetables to the broth, then simmer until everything is well-cooked.
- Serve the soup with pickled vegetables on the side.
In conclusion, Guanyuan nighttime delicacies offer a wide range of flavors and textures that cater to food enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes, traditional Chinese cuisine, or simply looking for a unique culinary experience, these top 10 must-try Guanyuan nighttime delicacies are sure to delight your taste buds.