Zhangye Dining

Overview
Zhangye has its own food culture since ancient times, Known to all, Zhangye food is well reputed, not only because it is inexpensive and delicious but also rich in cultural deposits. Therefore, their special way of eating has been developed. The main food in Zhangye is confined to flour food, such as Chao Pao, Saozi Noodles, Small Rice, Fish-shaped Powder, Entwisting Noodles, Sheet Jelly and Gluten, etc.

What to eat in Zhangye

Preserved Mutton
Mutton broth and large chunks of stewed lamb are the most famous meat dishes in Zhangye. The preserved mutton is made from the meat of sheep around the mountainside. First, the fresh mutton is boiled and the bones are removed. Then, it is cooked with Gaotai snow salt, fennel, ginger, and other seasonings. Once fully preserved, the mutton exudes a bright red color.

Gray Pea
Gray pea, which is in mushy state, is made from light-brown peas. Sugar is usually added, which makes it especially delicious. And it is very popular among the local people. It is a good choice for relieving the summer-heat. And the iced gray pea tastes wonderful in particular.

Sheet Jelly and Wheet Glutten
In the rurual areas of Zhangye, sheet jelly and wheet glutten is an indispensable kind of food when treating others. The most famous sheet jelly and wheet glutten is “Ma Wheet Glutten”, which is always sold out within two hours after people take it out in two buckets in the morning.

Cuo Yuzi
Cuo Yuzi is a local speciality of Nanfeng Town, Minle County, Zhangye City. It is made from the highland barley, which is also a local speciality, and the local spring. Potherb, Huanghuazi, pig ear, and that sort of things full of local characteristics are also added into it. It is a great enjoyment for the mouth and the stomach.

Stewed Rice With Various Fixing Stuff
Stewed Rice with Various Fixing Stuff, also called "Northwest Dish", is a famous local dish of Zhangye, which was initiated during the Kangxi Reign of the Qing Dynasty. It is made from pork, pig'sliver,agaric, egg, flour, salt, scallion and garlic. With a brightly-colored appearance, it tastes delicious but not greasy. What’s more, it’s good for beauty and health.