Shenyang, Liaoning – A Renowned City for Chinese Cuisine

In Shenyang, culinary delights are never about delicate plating—they are the down-to-earth warmth and fiery passion etched into the very soul of the city’s streets. Hidden in Tiexi District, Qunle Restaurant serves the homestyle flavors of old Shenyang, while on Taiyuan Street, Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles wafts with the sweet, sour, spicy, and numbing aroma of street food. These three dishes—Qunle’s Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Rack, Qunle’s Minced Pork with Eggplant, and Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles—are not just cherished memories on the lips of every Shenyang local; they are the key to understanding Northeast China’s culinary culture. With their affordable prices, rich flavors, and generous portions, they paint the most vivid picture of this industrial old city’s vibrant street food scene.

1. Qunle’s Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Rack: The Crown Jewel of Shenyang’s "Chicken Rack World", a Soul-Stirring Blend of Sweet and Spicy

In Shenyang, chicken rack is more than just food—it is a way of life. With eighteen different cooking methods, each has its own loyal following. Yet Qunle Restaurant’s Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Rack stands unrivaled as one of the crown jewels of the city’s "chicken rack world", hailed as the "ultimate chicken rack in Shenyang" and the must-order signature dish at every table. Tucked away behind Tiexi Department Store, this veteran eatery has welcomed generations of diners—from students to parents—all drawn by this single, soul-stirring bite of sweet and spicy perfection.

The essence of Qunle’s Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Rack lies in its two-step cooking process: first fried, then stir-fried, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and aromatic flavors. To prepare it, whole, fresh chicken racks are carefully cleaned and cut into pieces, then coated in a thin layer of starch before being deep-fried to a golden, crispy perfection—locking in moisture and natural juices. Next, in a large iron wok, copious amounts of minced garlic, dried chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns are stir-fried over high heat until their fragrant oils are released. The fried chicken rack pieces are then added to the wok, followed by a drizzle of the restaurant’s secret syrup and soy sauce. The mixture is tossed rapidly and evenly, ensuring every piece of chicken rack is fully coated in the rich, glossy sauce.

Served piping hot, the dish boasts a stunning, bright red hue, with the irresistible aroma of sweet and spicy spices wafting up to tantalize the senses. A single bite reveals a crispy, golden exterior giving way to tender, juicy meat with a subtle hint of smoky char. On the palate, a burst of rich, sweet flavor first spreads across the tongue, followed by a perfectly balanced spicy kick that lingers gently—spicy but not overpowering, sweet but not cloying. The more you gnaw on the bones, the more the flavors infuse into the meat, making it impossible to stop. Despite its name, Qunle’s Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Rack is more like a "sugar-stir-fried" dish, with its unique ratio of sweet to spicy being the restaurant’s closely guarded secret. After finishing the chicken rack, the remaining sauce is perfect for mixing with a bowl of steamed rice—each bite a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, aromatic, and savory flavors, filling the heart with pure contentment.

2. Qunle’s Minced Pork with Eggplant: The Top "Rice Companion" in Shenyang, a Homestyle Dish with an Elegant Coiled Dragon Shape

If Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Rack is the soul of Qunle Restaurant, then Minced Pork with Eggplant is its undisputed top "rice companion"—hailed by countless diners as the "best minced pork with eggplant in all of Shenyang". Together with Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Rack and the classic Sweet and Sour Pork, it forms the "Three Signature Dishes of Qunle", a must-order trio at every table. This seemingly simple homestyle dish is elevated to new heights by Qunle’s chefs, who infuse it with unique charm and a touch of culinary ceremony.

The uniqueness of Qunle’s Minced Pork with Eggplant lies in its elegant coiled dragon shape and its rich, sweet flavor profile. To prepare it, fresh long eggplants are carefully washed and cut into an intricate coiled dragon pattern using masterful knife skills—not only for aesthetic appeal but also to ensure the eggplant absorbs the sauce evenly. The eggplant is then pan-fried in a moderate amount of oil until soft and tender, before being set aside for later use. Next, a generous portion of minced pork is stir-fried in the same wok over high heat until golden brown and fragrant. Minced garlic, ginger, and fermented soybean paste are added to the wok, releasing their aromatic oils, followed by the pan-fried eggplant. A dash of sugar, soy sauce, and cooking wine is then added, and the mixture is tossed evenly, allowing the eggplant to fully absorb the rich flavor of the minced pork and the savory sauce.

Served on the table, the dish is a feast for the eyes with its beautiful coiled dragon shape, topped with a generous layer of clearly visible minced pork—its portion so large it never fails to amaze. A single bite of the eggplant reveals its soft, tender texture, melting in the mouth with a rich blend of meaty and subtle sweet flavors, without the slightest hint of greasiness. The minced pork is juicy and tender, creating a perfect textural contrast with the soft eggplant. At Qunle Restaurant, the Minced Pork with Eggplant has a slightly sweet taste, making it the ultimate companion for rice. Many diners claim they can easily finish three bowls of rice with this single dish. With its affordable price, rich flavor, and generous portion, this humble homestyle dish has become another proud signature of Qunle Restaurant.

3. Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles: The Sweet, Sour, Spicy, and Numbing Flavors of Taiyuan Street, a Shenyang Interpretation of Fushun’s Classic Street Food

If Qunle Restaurant represents the homestyle flavors of Shenyang, then Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles is the fiery soul of the city’s street food scene. Tucked away on Taiyuan Street, this veteran eatery is a well-kept secret among food lovers, hailed as the "ultimate spicy mixed noodles in Shenyang". With its unique sweet and sour flavor profile and abundant ingredients, it has become another beloved culinary icon in the city.

The essence of Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles lies in the perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and numbing flavors, as well as its rich, fragrant sauce. A Shenyang interpretation of Fushun’s classic spicy mixed noodles, it strikes a delightful balance between spicy hot pot and spicy mixed noodles—boasting the abundant ingredients of the former and the rich, thick sauce of the latter. To prepare it, fresh ingredients such as potato noodles, fish tofu, kelp knots, leafy greens, and dried tofu skin are blanched in boiling water until just cooked, then drained thoroughly. The ingredients are then placed in a bowl, and a generous amount of seasonings are added: minced garlic, dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, sesame paste, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. Finally, a spoonful of the restaurant’s secret sauce—made by pouring hot oil over crushed chili seeds—is drizzled over the top. The entire mixture is then tossed thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is fully coated in the rich, aromatic sauce.

Served in a large bowl, the dish is a feast for the senses—generous in portion, vibrant in color, and irresistible in aroma. On the palate, a burst of rich sweet and sour flavors first spreads across the tongue, followed by a perfectly balanced kick of spicy and numbing sensations that linger gently. The four flavors—sweet, sour, spicy, and numbing—are in perfect harmony, making it impossible to stop eating. The potato noodles are smooth and chewy, the fish tofu is tender and juicy, the kelp knots are crisp and refreshing, and the leafy greens, having absorbed the rich sauce, are simply delicious. At Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles, the base flavor is always sweet and sour, but diners can customize it to their liking—adding more spiciness, more numbing flavor, or more sugar—to suit their individual tastes. No meal of Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles is complete without a bottle of Laoxue Beer (Old Snow Beer). The collision of the sweet, sour, spicy, and numbing flavors with the icy, refreshing beer creates the most authentic street food experience in Shenyang.

Recommended Food Streets

Xingshun Night Market (Tiexi District)

Taiyuan Street (Heping District)

Zhongjie Street (Shenhe District)

These are the most famous food streets in Shenyang, where you can sample all kinds of the city’s special delicacies in one stop.

If you ever find yourself in Shenyang, be sure to slow down, step into Qunle Restaurant, and visit Xiongdì Spicy Mixed Noodles. Let your taste buds guide you as you experience the unique charm of this industrial old city.