Xing'an Pig's Trotter Noodles

Xing'an Pig's Trotter Noodles

　　"Xing'an pig's trotter noodles — a truly satisfying bite." Since the 1980s, Xing'an's pig's trotter rice noodles have been beloved by both locals and visiting business travelers. During breakfast hours, the county’s noodle shops are often bustling with activity — cars and people coming and going, patrons crowded together, standing, sitting, or squatting as they enjoy bowls of noodles topped with tender pork trotters. This lively scene has become a daily morning symphony in Xing'an.

　　As a member of the Guilin rice noodle family, Xing'an pig's trotter noodles can be considered the bold and unrestrained branch. Like other types of Guilin noodles, they use freshly made rice noodles or flat rice sheets. What sets them apart is their approach to meat — rather than serving it in slices, cubes, or mashed form, large chunks of pork trotter are piled generously atop the noodles, catching the eye and perfectly reflecting the bold character of Xing'an folks: “eating meat in big pieces, living life boldly, and pursuing ambitions fearlessly.”

　　Among Guangxi’s “siblings” of pig's trotter noodles, those from Qinzhou and Guiping typically involve trotters that are deep-fried before being braised with seasonings in a pot. The noodles are then served soaked in the rich trotter sauce — a “dry-tossed” style. Xing'an’s version is different. The trotters are carefully selected from the front leg of the pig, never fried, but simmered with fresh ingredients such as ginger, fermented black beans, star anise, and caoguo (a type of spice). The resulting trotters are rich but not greasy, crispy yet tender. The broth, expertly seasoned, is fragrant and delicious. Xing'an pig's trotter noodles are a harmonious trio of noodles, pork trotters, and broth.

　　Throughout Xing'an County, there are not many shops that specialize solely in pig's trotter noodles, but two have built strong reputations. One is located near Xiayun Bridge on Yingbin Road in Xing'an County, and the other is at the old intersection in Guixing Village on Guibei Road. These two shops are able to achieve trotters that are succulent yet not greasy, and broth that is naturally flavorful — all without relying on heavy seasonings. For years, they have remained highly favored by diners and are considered the “flagship” representatives of Xing'an’s pig's trotter noodles.