Foodie Group First Squad
Li Yaowen from Cameroon, representing the Foodie Group, spoke with great anticipation for Shaanxi cuisine.
At Haishi Shaanxi Cuisine in Nanmadao Lane, Xi’an, the foodies sampled classic Shaanxi snacks such as biangbiang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), liangpi (cold noodle salad), along with delicate cold side dishes. The yangrou paomo featured clear broth with tender meat and a rich, lingering flavor, while the liangpi was tangy, spicy, chewy, smooth, and fragrant. The roujiamo was juicy but not greasy, and the lean meat was tender yet full of flavor. Leaning against the garden and overlooking the ancient city wall, the foodie gourmets enjoyed the delicious food while also experiencing the collision between the historic, culture-laden city wall and the vibrant modern city surrounding it.
At Sunshine Lido Theater-Style Restaurant, the foodies were truly spoiled for choice. The classic Six Dishes, Nine Snacks, and Thirteen Flower-Style Banquet was served, leaving everyone amazed. With just one bite, the colorful presentation and exquisite taste lingered delightfully on the palate. The plating itself could be considered a work of art.
Foodie Group Second Squad
The Six Dishes, Nine Snacks, and Thirteen Flowers banquet mainly consists of six hot dishes, nine snacks, and thirteen cold dishes.
The six hot dishes are traditional famous Shaanxi dishes: Hulujī (braised chicken in gourd-shaped pot), Sweet and Sour Yellow River Carp, Stir-fried Pork with Chives, Seafood Stewed with Three Delicacies, Monkey Head Mushroom with Vegetable Hearts, and Boiled Meatball Soup.
The nine snacks refer to: Rouzhi Roujiamo (pork juice-filled Chinese hamburger), Shaanxi Liangpi, Spinach Jade Noodles, Jiaotuan (stirred millet and potato pudding), Honey-cooled Zongzi, Golden Thread Oil Tower, Blue Sky Scallion Pancake, and Mai Fan (steamed wheat berry salad).
The thirteen flowers refer to: a marinated egg placed in the center of the dishes, symbolizing prosperity in bloom, followed by arrangements of four meats, four seafoods, and four vegetables, laid out in a square grid pattern.
Four meats: Qinchuan beef, premium Shaanxi pork, white-cut chicken, and sautéed shrimp.
Four seafoods: jellyfish flower, stone flower algae, green kelp, and lotus root with nine holes.
Four vegetables: jade pea sprouts, crimson mountain greens, cucumber in raincoat style, iron-skinned tofu shreds, a cup of rice wine, a cup of soft drink, steamed rice, and an exquisite fruit platter.
After enjoying the diverse flavors of Shaanxi cuisine, the rain cleared just in time. A stroll along the ancient city walls of Xi’an offered the perfect way to savor both the delicious food and stunning scenery — a truly intoxicating experience.