ONE
Recommended Ratings: This is a must-try dish in Dunhuang, with yellow-colored noodles and an irresistible flavor! The ingredients include mushroom powder, mutton bits, bean paste, etc. Serve it with a large piece of lamb and broth. When you visit Dunhuang, this local specialty will be your main course.
TWO
Recommended Ratings: This drink can be found at anywhere in the city, from big streets to small alleys, markets and scenic areas! Made from dried apricot kernels, it is slightly sour, sweet and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days. The price is very affordable, making it a great recommendation!
THREE
Recommended Ratings: Noodles with sauce are popular throughout northern China. When you have an upset stomach or want something to soothe your digestive system, this dish is unbeatable! With tender vegetable bits and crunchy noodles in savory broth, you can’t ask for more.
FOUR
Recommended Ratings: This specialty dish from the northwest is a must-try. It’s called “lamb pie” which is cooked in a high-pressure pot with lamb meat that can be replaced with chicken or beef. The key to this dish is its crispy and flavorful crust. Try it with savory broth, and you’ll never forget the experience!
FIVE
Recommended Ratings: You can find all sorts of dried fruits like grapes, apricots, plums, and pears in Dunhuang. What’s even better are those made without any additives or preservation! You can enjoy them as a snack or add some to your breakfast.
SIX
Recommended Ratings: This dessert is called “stuffed oil cake,” which looks similar to zhaogao (earlobe-shaped fried dough). But it tastes much better, with a soft and fluffy texture that doesn’t stick in your teeth. The apricot kernel filling adds a nice crunch!
I. [Mutton Yellow Noodles] Recommendation Index: This is the most famous and popular specialty dish recommended by Dunhuang, with yellow noodles that are truly juicy! The sauce contains ingredients like mushrooms, mutton pieces, and tofu cubes. When you’re in Dunhuang, this is indeed a staple food, especially at “Shun Zhang Mian Luan”. The mutton tastes very fresh, the noodles have a lot of bite to them, and it’s a characteristic taste in North China. The environment is better than expected, but the price is higher too.
II. [Apricot Seed Tea] Recommendation Index: Whether you’re on main streets or alleys, supermarkets, scenic spots, or Sha Zhou Market, you can find this refreshing drink! It’s made by soaking apricot kernels in water and has a sweet and sour flavor that’s perfect for hot summer days. The price is affordable too, so I highly recommend it to everyone.
III. [Dunhuang Laozi Noodles] Recommendation Index: Laowai noodles are a staple dish throughout Northern China, especially when you’re not feeling well. This version has braised meat and vegetables with a tangy sauce. When you come to Northwest China, this is definitely something you should try, particularly if you like eating noodles! It’s slightly better than mutton yellow noodles in terms of taste, but the price is comparable.
IV. [Lamb Roast] Recommendation Index: This is a classic dish from Northwest China that consists of meat and pastry. The key to this dish lies in the crispy bottom crust made by using high-pressure steam cooking. You can choose chicken, lamb, or beef as your protein source. When you eat it with the savory sauce, it’s truly delicious!
V. [Various Dried Fruits] Recommendation Index: Among dried fruits like grapes, apricots, persimmons, pears, and peaches are all preserved with natural techniques without adding any sugar! You can find all sorts of dried fruits like dates, jujubes, apples, hazelnuts, melons, raisins, cranberries, and more. These snacks from Dunhuang that have been naturally wind-dried or oven-roasted are definitely worth trying.
VI. [Foam Cake] Recommendation Index: From the outside, this cake looks like it’s deep-fried like earthenware cakes, but it tastes even better! It has a sponge-like texture that doesn’t stick to your teeth, with red bean paste and mung beans for added flavor. This special snack was created by Dunhuang hotels based on traditional folk methods. Its golden color is due to the natural fermentation process, while its surface looks like lightweight cotton or silk fabric with delicate air bubbles forming inside each bite-sized piece.