At the table
Tear or cut into portions. Remove date stones before eating.
Contains wheat. Dates may retain hard stones.
Shapes vary; newer workshop methods can produce a milder, less sour bread.
A mild bread to share in small pieces once cooled; an adult should remove all date stones. Not suitable for a wheat allergy.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Shapes vary; newer workshop methods can produce a milder, less sour bread.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Wheaty, slightly tangy, with sweet red dates.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Dense, springy steamed crumb.
- How it’s made
- Mix wheat flour and water with an old dough starter, refresh and ferment the dough, shape, add red dates and steam.
Shapes vary; newer workshop methods can produce a milder, less sour bread.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shanxi.
About this regional connection
Shanxi: Associated with Huozhou, Linfen, especially Lunar New Year bread making.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有霍州年馍吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
Bread for the New Year
This account describes a tradition or story, rather than an established historical fact.
Shaping and sharing festive bread is part of Huozhou's Spring Festival tradition.
