Hunyuan Cold Jelly Noodles: A Summer Treasure in Shanxi （浑源凉粉）

1. Origins and History

Hunyuan Cold Jelly Noodles come from Hunyuan, at the foot of Mount Heng.
They have over one hundred years of history.
This dish reflects local wisdom for cooling down in the mountain climate.

2. Cultural Meaning

It is praised as the “Summer Treasure of Northern Shanxi.”
Locals see it as a signature snack of the region.
It carries the rustic and refreshing flavor of Shanxi’s mountains.

3. Ingredients and Features

The base ingredient is potato starch.
Toppings include crispy lotus beans, tofu strips, and secret chili oil.
The jelly looks like amber, shimmering and bouncy like soft jelly.
Its taste is refreshing, sour, and mildly spicy.

4. Cooking Method

The process is called “stir then chill.”
Starch slurry is stirred until gelatinized, then cooled and set.
After cutting into strips, it is chilled with ice for extra texture.

5. Flavor and Texture

The noodles taste smooth, chewy, and refreshing.
The sour flavor wakes you up instantly.
Lotus beans are crispy, tofu adds a satisfying bite.

6. How to Eat

The best way is pairing it with hot Hunyuan pies or flatbread.
Together, they make the perfect summer street food combo.

7. Where to Try

Every street in Hunyuan offers this snack.
Top spots include “Xiao Xifu Cold Jelly” and “Daxi Cold Jelly.”
A bowl usually costs 8 to 15 RMB.
When ordering, say “One bowl of Liangfen, please.”
If you dislike sour flavors, ask for “less vinegar.”

8. Travel Tips

The English name is “Hunyuan Cold Jelly Noodles” or “Shanxi Style Mung Bean Jelly.”
Remember, it is a cold and sour-spicy snack.
It is perfect for travelers who enjoy refreshing flavors.

9. Cooking at Home

Mix potato starch with water into a slurry.
Add alum to boiling water, then stir in slurry.
Cook until it turns clear and sticky.
Pour into a bowl, cool, and let it set.
Cut into strips, then add vinegar, soy sauce, and salt.
Top with fried lotus beans, tofu strips, cucumber shreds.
Finally, drizzle hot chili oil with peppercorns and sesame.

10. Final Note

Do not miss Hunyuan Cold Jelly on your Shanxi trip!
It is more than summer relief—it is a taste of mountain life.
Sit on a low stool, slurp a bright-red bowl, and enjoy Shanxi’s street charm.