Discover Shanxi’s Hidden Culinary Treasure: Spicy Mixed Salad (麻辣拌)
Dear food explorers, if you’ve fallen in love with Sichuan’s Twice-Cooked Pork, get ready for the next irresistible Chinese flavor—Spicy Mixed Salad from Shanxi! This isn’t just your average salad or mixed dish; it’s a flavor explosion in a bowl.
1. Origin Story: A Creative Twist from Shanxi
Born in the university areas of Shanxi’s Datong, Spicy Mixed Salad was created in the early 2000s by students as a fun, quick, and flavorful version of “Spicy Hot Pot” . This dish is a symbol of the young generation’s creativity, a reflection of their love for fast, delicious, and affordable food.
2. Cultural Significance: The King of Campus Food
Spicy Mixed Salad is known as the “King of Campus Food” and “Shanxi’s Hidden Flavor Symbol.” It’s not just a nostalgic memory for students; it represents China’s fast-food culture, showcasing a young, free-spirited attitude full of surprises and bold combinations.
3. Key Ingredients: A Flavorful Combo
The base ingredients are customizable—you can choose from a wide variety of vegetables, tofu, meats, and noodles. The soul of this dish lies in the secret sauce, a blend of sesame paste for richness, chili for heat, and Shanxi’s famous aged vinegar for a tangy kick. The result? A mouth-watering mix, with sauce generously coating each ingredient.
Cooking Method: A Unique “Boil & Mix” Technique
Ingredients are briefly boiled in rich bone broth, then drained and tossed with the sauce. The sauce combines sesame paste, chili oil, garlic water, vinegar, and sugar—creating a flavor-packed coating that drenches every bite.
Flavor & Texture: A Symphony of Tastes
The flavor is incredibly complex! It’s a mix of spicy, sour, and sweet—with a rich, nutty sesame taste and a burst of garlic. The textures are equally exciting: crunchy vegetables, chewy noodles, and savory meats. Every bite brings a new surprise.
Best Way to Enjoy It: A Perfect Grab-and-Go Snack
This dish is best enjoyed while walking around, with a refreshing cold soda in hand! It’s the ultimate snack to curb cravings, a king of midnight snacks, and a haven for carb lovers.
Where to Try It: Local Hotspots in Shanxi
In Datong and across Shanxi, you’ll find it in local eateries and food markets. We recommend trying popular spots like Wang Lao Liu Spicy Mixed Salad or Zhang Shifu Spicy Mixed Salad—where a serving will cost you between 15-25 RMB. When ordering, just point at the ingredient cabinet and say, “These, mix into a bowl.” You can also adjust the spice level to your preference—“less spicy” or “extra spicy”!
Visitor Tips: What to Order and How to Say It
You can ask for this dish by its English name, “Spicy Mixed Salad,” or simply say “Malaban.” A heads-up: it’s a dish with bold, intense flavors, perfect for those who love DIY meals and strong spices.
Spicy Mixed Salad Recipe: DIY at Home
- Ingredients: Choose from sliced potatoes, lotus root, wide noodles, fish tofu, or lettuce. Wash and cut the ingredients.
- Boil: Quickly cook them in boiling bone broth and drain.
- Sauce: Mix sesame paste with warm water. Add chili oil, aged vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic water, and Sichuan peppercorn powder. Stir until smooth.
- Mix & Serve: Toss the sauce with the ingredients, sprinkle crushed peanuts and cilantro on top.
Don’t just stick to hot pot and Peking duck—next time you’re in Shanxi, grab a bowl of Spicy Mixed Salad from the street vendors and unlock a whole new side of Chinese cuisine. Tell the vendor “extra spicy!” and add this zesty, tangy, spicy delight to your must-try list. You won’t be able to forget it and will definitely crave more!
