Yuan Gong Mixed Dish

Yuan Gong Mixed Dish

Yuan Gong Mixed Dish is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Shaanxi Province.

　　Over the dynasties, Chenggu has seen many waves of migration. During the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty (1465), Yuan Jie from the Ministry of Revenue was ordered by the imperial court to resettle disaster victims from Jingzhou and Xiangfan in Hubei along the upper reaches of the Han River to Lishi Village (now Yuan Gong Village) in Chenggu. The population of Lishi Village grew, and the village expanded. To honor Yuan Jie, their benevolent official, the villagers renamed Lishi Village Yuan Gong Village.

　　As the villagers' living needs and local trade developed, a market town naturally emerged. Coupled with the nearby Suxi River, the area’s unique geographic location and abundant local produce attracted merchants traveling from north and south. This spurred rapid development in agriculture, commerce, handicrafts, the economy, and culture in Yuan Gong, as well as corresponding advancements and innovations in its culinary traditions. Amidst the competitive drive among food vendors, two chefs surnamed Shang and Zhao created the local specialty “Yuan Gong Sour Soup Mixed Dish,” also known as “Family Reunion” or “Grand Gathering.” It has been passed down for over 500 years. With a long history, enduring popularity, timeless appeal, and great renown, it remains a beloved classic.

　　The preparation of Yuan Gong Mixed Dish focuses on culinary techniques that transform ingredients such as pork and chicken into a dish where meat is present yet not overtly visible. It is complemented by a uniquely savory broth, enhanced with exquisitely complex seasonings, and further enriched by a variety of ingredients and creative combinations. Finally, the artistry lies in its presentation during serving. It stands as one of the most ingenious creations in Yuan Gong’s culinary heritage. When served, the mixed dish is rich yet not greasy, fragrant and delicate, with an earthy depth. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors offer a unique taste experience—savory with hints of sour, sour with traces of umami, umami with undertones of fragrance, and fragrance with a touch of spice, all blending into a perfectly balanced medley of five flavors. Especially notable is the distinctive flavor of the broth, which no other seasoning can replicate. In folk tradition, Yuan Gong Mixed Dish is regarded as the premier dish at banquets. It is indispensable at local celebrations such as weddings, full-moon parties, birthday banquets, and festive holiday meals. It is a renowned local specialty loved and known by everyone in Yuan Gong, Chenggu, and even throughout the Hanzhong Basin. It has now been included in the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage protection list.