Shuicheng Griddle Cooking: A Must-Try Spicy Experience in Guizhou Cuisine
When hot oil sizzles in a special clay griddle and fresh ingredients dance on the surface, the aroma instantly fills the air. This is Shuicheng Griddle Cooking, a lively dining experience that turns you from a bystander into the chef! Sitting around the steaming pan, you grill your favorite ingredients to your liking — every bite brings a personalized surprise.
1. Origin and History
This flavorful dish originated over 300 years ago in Shuicheng County, Liupanshui, Guizhou Province. It began as a simple meal for local miners, who would heat their food in iron pans during work breaks. Over time, this practical habit evolved into a distinctive local specialty and a beloved part of night food culture in western Guizhou.
2. Cultural Significance
In Shuicheng, griddle cooking is more than food — it’s a social ritual. As night falls, friends gather around a sizzling pot, grilling and chatting in a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere. This casual dining tradition reflects the warmth, hospitality, and zest for life of Guizhou’s people.
3. Ingredients
The best part is the incredible variety of ingredients: tender slices of beef, crispy potato rounds, fresh vegetables, and soft tofu — almost anything goes! The soul of the dish lies in the special dipping sauce, a mix of chili powder, Sichuan pepper, crushed peanuts, and over ten other seasonings, creating a bold and appetizing flavor.
4. Cooking Process
Cooking is half the fun! First, heat the clay griddle and brush it with vegetable oil. Diners then spread their chosen ingredients across the surface. Using long chopsticks, flip the food continuously until it turns golden and slightly crispy. Dip the grilled food into the sauce before eating — the process is interactive and full of joy.
5. Flavor and Texture
After frying in oil, the ingredients become crispy outside and tender inside. The potato slices turn into crunchy, chip-like bites, while the beef stays juicy and fragrant. The spicy dipping sauce blends perfectly with the natural flavors, giving each bite a rich, layered taste.
6. How to Eat
The best way to enjoy it: pick up a freshly grilled piece, dip it into the sauce, and eat it hot! Locals love to pair it with a glass of Guizhou beer, chatting and grilling for hours. It’s not just a meal — it’s a slow, relaxing lifestyle experience.
7. Where to Try It
You can taste authentic Shuicheng Griddle Cooking at long-established local eateries in Shuicheng County (average 50–80 RMB per person) or along Liupanshui’s Night Snack Griddle Street. Visit in the evening for the most vibrant dining atmosphere. Order a “mixed platter” to sample a variety of ingredients.
8. Travel Tips
In English, “烙锅” can be translated as Shuicheng Griddle Cooking. When dining, wear dark clothes to avoid oil splashes. If you’re unsure about the heat level, ask the staff for a quick demo. A local tip — start with potato slices, as their starch enhances the flavor of ingredients grilled afterward.
9. Easy Home Version
You can easily make a home-style version using a regular frying pan. Slice ingredients thinly, add a little oil, and cook on medium-low heat. For dipping sauce, mix chili powder with sesame and cumin. Though it lacks the unique flavor of the clay griddle, you’ll still enjoy the fun of DIY cooking.
Join this sizzling culinary celebration in Shuicheng! Around a hot griddle, everyone becomes the master of their own flavor. When the cool night breeze meets the warmth of the grill and laughter blends with the sizzling sound of cooking, you’ll realize — the true delight isn’t just in the food, but in the joy of sharing this cozy, flavorful moment
