Zhijin Buckwheat Cold Noodles

Zhijin Buckwheat Cold Noodles

　　Zhijin buckwheat cold noodles are a specialty snack from Zhijin County in Bijie City, Guizhou Province. The buckwheat cold noodles from Zhijin are spicy, fragrant, refreshing, thirst-quenching, and cooling, making them an essential summer treat for locals.

　　Buckwheat cold noodles are a well-known snack in Guizhou Province, beloved by people of all ages. They are found across the province, but the Zhijin version stands out as the most unique. These noodles are made by hulling buckwheat, drying and grinding it into powder, then mixing it with water and a proper amount of alum water at a 1:4 ratio. The mixture is slowly cooked over low heat while stirring continuously until it’s done, then cooled. When served, it is poured onto a cutting board, scraped into thin strips using a special scraper, and placed on a plate. A small bowl of condiments—including crispy fried soybeans, pickled radish cubes, black mustard greens, coriander, scallions, chili oil, sesame oil, Sichuan peppercorn oil, homemade fermented bean curd, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger juice, garlic water, and MSG—is prepared as a dipping sauce. The noodles are then enjoyed by dipping them into this flavorful sauce.

　　Flavor Profile: Spicy, fragrant, refreshing, thirst-quenching, and cooling.

　　Key Techniques: Soybeans must be dry-roasted without oil; the ratio of buckwheat powder to water must be precise; do not use too much alum water.