Hunyuan Liangfen: Shanxi Cold Jelly Snack
1. What is Hunyuan Liangfen?
Hunyuan Liangfen is a famous cold-jelly snack from Hunyuan County in Datong, Shanxi Province. Popular across northern Shanxi, this refreshing dish is known for its smooth, slightly bouncy texture and tangy-spicy flavor. It’s one of the most-loved Chinese summer snacks and a must-try Datong street food.
2. Main ingredients and texture
The jelly is traditionally made from potato starch or pea starch. The starch is mixed with water to a slurry, poured into boiling water, and stirred constantly until it thickens. The cooked mixture is then poured into a mold to cool and set. The finished liangfen is soft, translucent, and pleasantly elastic—often described as silky and refreshingly cool.
3. How it’s served
Hunyuan Liangfen is cut into strips or blocks and dressed with a signature sauce. The sauce is the soul of the dish and typically includes salted water, Shanxi aged vinegar (a local, mellow sour vinegar), sesame oil, chili oil, chopped scallions, and cilantro. Many vendors add local specialties such as lotus beans (油炸蚕豆, fried broad/broad beans) and tofu gan (dried tofu) for extra crunch and depth.
4. Flavor and experience
The combination creates a smooth, slippery bite with a lively balance of sour, salty, and spicy notes. It’s especially prized for cooling and appetizing qualities on hot days. You’ll find liangfen sold at stalls and small shops throughout Hunyuan—almost every street offers this everyday snack and a popular option for welcoming guests.
5. Tips for visitors
When trying Hunyuan Liangfen, ask for a moderate amount of chili oil if you’re unsure about heat. Try it with lotus beans and tofu gan to experience local texture contrasts. If you’re into regional flavors, notice the distinctive tang of Shanxi aged vinegar, which sets this liangfen apart from similar cold jellies in other provinces.
6. Why try it?
As tourism in Shanxi grows, Hunyuan Liangfen attracts more visitors looking for authentic Datong street food. It’s an affordable, iconic taste of local culture—simple to enjoy and easy to share while exploring Hunyuan’s streets.
