Mutton Hupopo

Mutton Hupopo

　　Mutton Hupopo

　　The mutton hupopo from Hei Chi Town in Heyang County was once honored as one of the Four Famous Dishes of the Guanzhong Region. Hei Chi Town earned its name after the Sage of Calligraphy, Wang Xizhi, washed his brush in the local pond, turning the water black. It is also the hometown of the legendary Ming Dynasty playwright Wang Yi, boasting a rich cultural heritage. In terms of culinary tradition alone, the local specialty mutton hupopo is also associated with the famous Southern Song Dynasty patriotic general Yue Fei and Wang Zhen.

　　According to the History of the Song Dynasty: The Jin general Wang Zhen surrendered to the Southern Song and led his troops southward. When they reached Han Village near Hei Chi, it was already dark. Seeing that the army had strict discipline, the locals warmly welcomed them—some offering mutton, others presenting stewed flatbread. Both hungry and thirsty, Wang Zhen mixed the two together, and the result was incredibly delicious. He then asked his cook to find out how to make both items. In the tenth year of the Shaoxing era of the Southern Song (1140), Wang Zhen joined forces with Yue Fei at Zhuxian Town in a pincer attack that routed the Jin army, forcing Jin Wushu to flee in panic. At the celebration meeting, Wang Zhen served this “two-in-one” dish to Marshal Yue. After tasting it, Yue found the flavor exquisite and asked what it was. Wang Zhen replied: “The meat is mutton, and the bread is called ‘bobo’ by the Han people; we Hu people really love it.” Yue Fei said: “If the Hu and Han can become brothers, even one family, let’s call it hupopo.”

　　Hupopo is known for being rich in oil, flavorful, affordable, and great value. There used to be a saying: “Better to eat a plate of hupopo than a whole wedding banquet,” showing just how popular it is among the people. Food critics have commented: “The mutton in Hei Chi hupopo is fatty but not greasy, lean but not dry. The flatbread is chewy without being tough, soft without sticking, with a long-lasting fragrance, delicious taste, and a lingering aftertaste.” During the Liberation War, Commander [Name] and the Second Column were stationed in Hei Chi while operating in northern Wei. Upon tasting the mutton hupopo brought by locals, he praised it endlessly: “Delicious, delicious!”

　　Mutton hupopo also has certain therapeutic effects. It is warming in nature, good for the stomach and spleen. Regular consumption can help treat cold stomachs, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea, and it also offers some relief for colds, fevers, and coughs. It is considered a great tonic for the elderly.