Bayin Guo Cai (Bayin Stew)

Bayin Guo Cai

　　Bayin Guo Cai

　　Anyone who has spent a short time in western Inner Mongolia knows that the big stew is the most beloved dish among the locals, and among them, Bayin Guo Cai is the most famous. Bayin is situated in the northwestern part of Hohhot, on the fertile and historic Hetao Plain, which is home to renowned brands such as Hetao Laojiao liquor and Hetao Snowflake Flour. Legend says this was the hometown of Lü Bu from the Three Kingdoms period, and Diaochan, the legendary beauty, is believed to have come from Mizhi in Shaanxi—both regions in China’s northwest. It’s not hard to see why the two hit it off right away, with no regional barriers and little difficulty in communication.

　　In the western region, winters are dry and cold. The rich and hearty broth of Bayin Guo Cai, along with ingredients that have absorbed all the seasonings, makes it aromatic and perfect with rice. It’s highly favored by locals, and even travelers passing through who have tasted it often remember it vividly.