Shanxi cuisine, also known as "Jin cuisine" is characterized by the pleasantly sour flavors that pervade many of its dishes. Since vinegar is a regional specialty product and export, the fragrant sauce is commonly added during the preparation process. Sugar and salt are also used, but spicy seasonings are rarely found in the Shanxi diet. Shanxi cuisine is bursting with all that is hearty, healthy and earthy.
 Keep your eyes out for such traditional dishes as Ba Si Shan Yao (Chinese Yam in Hot Toffee), Guo Shao Yang Rou (Braised Mutton), Fu Ru Rou (Braised Pork with Pickled Bean Curd Sauce) and Tang Cu Yu (Sweet and Sour Fish).
Rather unexpectedly, Shanxi is also a great destination for vegetarians, and many restaurants that specialize in imitation meat products can be found in the major provincial cities. Shanxi noodles, another regional specialty, are the region's staple starch. Mutton dishes, such as Fushan Tounao and Mutton Hotpot, are also widely available.
Taiyuan Food Street
Arches and pavilions done in imitation Ming
and Qing Dynasty architecture lean over the throngs of snack vendors peddling authentic munchies from every corner of the country. Don't miss the Famous Chengdu Snacks restaurant, which offers a buffet-like selection of bite-sized delicacies for a pittance. Noodles, hot pots, breads and buns, dumplings, and famous noodle dishes.
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