At the table
Use a spoon for the broth and chopsticks for the meat. Let the hot soup cool before sipping, and add chili oil or vinegar gradually if you want them.
The broth, meat and possible offal are animal ingredients. Chili condiments may contain rendered sheep or goat fat, and spices or other additions vary. Confirm the actual recipe for dietary restrictions and ask about chili if you need a mild bowl.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
One Bayiji preparation emphasizes the broth without glass noodles or leafy vegetables and uses aromatics such as cinnamon and dried tangerine peel. Other preparations vary in spices, offal and chili condiments; some diners add vinegar.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Rich, savory goat flavor with aromatic seasonings; chili oil adds heat when used.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Brothy and warming, with tender sliced meat; optional chili oil adds a slick surface.
- How it’s made
- Goat bones and meat, sometimes with offal, are cooked to make a pale broth. Sliced meat or offal is placed in a bowl and hot broth poured over it. Coriander and chili oil can be added to taste.
One Bayiji preparation emphasizes the broth without glass noodles or leafy vegetables and uses aromatics such as cinnamon and dried tangerine peel. Other preparations vary in spices, offal and chili condiments; some diners add vinegar.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Jiangsu.
About this regional connection
Jiangsu: Associated with Xuzhou, Jiangsu, within the regional goat-eating custom; not an exclusive-origin claim for every bowl labeled 羊汤.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有徐州羊汤吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A summer bowl in Xuzhou’s fu-yang tradition
In Xuzhou, goat dishes are part of summer gatherings as well as everyday meals. The fu-yang season begins with the hottest summer days, when friends and relatives gather for goat dishes and soup. One family custom on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month welcomes married daughters and their families home with new-wheat steamed buns and goat meat. These meals bring relatives together; a bowl of goat soup shares in that social tradition.