Xuzhou, Jiangsu: A Famous Food City in China

Important things should always be said first: come and try Chinese food! Don’t just go to big cities like Shanghai or Guangzhou. Instead, every small city has its own unique specialties.

Today, let me introduce you to a type of barbecue that's even more delicious than American BBQ: Xuzhou BBQ.

If American barbecue is loved by most people, I highly recommend that you come to Xuzhou, Jiangsu, to try Xuzhou barbecue.

Can you believe it? Over 2,100 years ago, during the early Western Han Dynasty, there were records of bronze barbecue. In the Eastern Han Dynasty (around 86 AD), there were depictions of attendants holding skewers, grilling meat – this is the earliest historical record of lamb skewers in Chinese history. Xuzhou, a city rich in history, has perfectly inherited the barbecue culture and continues to pass down this culinary tradition.

The essence of Xuzhou barbecue lies in three key steps: grill, dip, and wrap. First, the grill master cooks the meat to about 70% done and brings it to the table. Customers can then use their small charcoal grill at the table to continue cooking it to their preferred level of doneness. The meat is seasoned only with salt, preserving the nutritional value of the meat while maintaining its savory aroma.

The second step is dipping. The dipping sauce is considered the soul of Xuzhou barbecue. The dipping sauces can range from sweet vinegar to chili-cumin mixes, allowing for different flavor experiences. The dipping sauces add another layer to the barbecue, fulfilling the various taste preferences of diners.

The third step is wrapping. Wrapping can be described as “embracing all things and achieving perfect harmony,” reflecting the inclusive culture of Chinese civilization. After grilling and dipping, you can use a special type of flatbread called “lao mo” to wrap the grilled meat, add a few slices of roasted green peppers, and a clove of fresh garlic. The combination of the lingering fragrance of the grilled meat, the freshness of the green peppers, and the pungency of the garlic creates a remarkable culinary experience. It's not just about the flavor of the skewers anymore, but an entire thousand-year-old sensory ritual.

In Xuzhou, there’s a saying: “No lamb leaves Xuzhou alive.” Of course, this is an exaggeration, but it shows how seriously the locals take their barbecue.

Of course, I understand that many people are passionate about vegetarianism, and Xuzhou fully caters to your plant-based needs. You can enjoy dishes like “Soup-filled Vegetarian Chicken” and “Jiawang Vegetarian Ham”, which use soybeans to mimic the texture of meat, ensuring that vegetarians can eat without worry, while still increasing their protein intake. The vegetarian noodles from Baolian Temple, made with shiitake mushrooms, crab mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms, perfectly embody the essence of vegetarian cuisine. It’s a perfect fusion of Zen philosophy and delicious food. There are also countless other vegetarian dishes like the vegetarian stewed yam, Buddha’s Hand tofu, and shiitake mushroom and vegetable dishes from Longquan Temple. These dishes not only showcase the flavors of traditional Chinese ingredients but also allow you to understand the philosophical thinking behind traditional Chinese Buddhism.

If you’re traveling in China and love eating barbecue, make sure you try the unique Xuzhou barbecue first. And if you're a vegetarian, don't miss the chance to try the “Five Mushrooms Gathering” at Baolian Temple, while enjoying the deep cultural philosophy of China.

I hope that after reading this article, you now have a deeper understanding of Chinese food culture. As we Chinese say, “Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles”. Come to China and experience the rich culture firsthand.