When people think of Chinese food, dishes like dumplings, hotpot, or Peking duck usually come to mind. But in Hebei Province, there is one snack that stands out above the rest: the Donkey Burger (驴肉火烧, lǘ ròu huǒ shāo). Considered Hebei’s most unique and iconic local food, it combines crispy flatbread with tender donkey meat, creating a flavor that surprises many first-time visitors.

🥟 What Is a Donkey Burger?

A Donkey Burger is not a hamburger, but rather a traditional Hebei street snack. It is made by slow-braising donkey meat with soy sauce, ginger, and spices until it becomes tender and flavorful. The meat is then stuffed into a huǒshāo, a baked flatbread that is crispy on the outside and soft inside. Some vendors also add green peppers, cilantro, or chili sauce for extra flavor.

Locals in Hebei often say: “In heaven there is dragon meat, on earth there is donkey meat.” This phrase reflects how highly donkey meat is valued for its rich yet lean taste.

📍 Where to Try Donkey Burger

• Baoding, Hebei: The birthplace of the Donkey Burger. Almost every street in Baoding has shops specializing in this snack, each with slightly different recipes.
• Shijiazhuang and Other Cities: Major Hebei cities also serve Donkey Burgers in restaurants and night markets.
• Beijing: Since Hebei is close to the capital, you can also find authentic Donkey Burgers in some Beijing snack shops.

💰 Price and Portion

A Donkey Burger is very affordable, usually costing $1.5–3 USD per piece depending on the shop and city. One burger is enough for a light snack, while two or three make a filling meal.

🥘 Best Way to Enjoy It

The best way to try a Donkey Burger is fresh from a local street vendor, where the flatbread is baked on the spot. Pair it with a bowl of hot donkey soup or bone broth, which many shops also serve. The contrast of crispy bread and juicy meat makes it a simple yet unforgettable experience.

✅ Final Thoughts

For travelers who want to explore Chinese cuisine beyond the usual dishes, the Donkey Burger is a must-try. It’s more than just food—it represents Hebei’s culture, history, and creativity in turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

So when you visit Hebei or even Beijing, don’t miss the chance to bite into this crispy, juicy specialty. It may become the most memorable snack of your trip.