Zhending Ancient City, located in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province, is a renowned historical and cultural city with a profound cultural heritage. Besides its magnificent ancient architecture and long – standing history, it is also famous for its mouth – watering characteristic snacks. These delicacies not only showcase the unique flavor of the region but also carry the rich cultural connotations of the ancient city.

1. Zhending Mutton Paomo

Zhending Mutton Paomo is a traditional local specialty with a long history and exquisite production process. Fresh mutton is carefully stewed until tender and juicy. Then, it is paired with crispy paomo (pita bread pieces) and a variety of fragrant seasonings. With each bite, the rich flavors of the mutton, the aroma of the bread, and the savory soup blend together, leaving a long – lasting aftertaste.

2. Sweet – and – Sour Tenderloin

This is a classic traditional dish in Zhending. The sweet – and – sour tenderloin is brightly colored, with a tender and smooth texture. High – quality pork is coated with egg batter and deep – fried until golden and crispy. Then, it is drizzled with a special sweet – and – sour sauce, which is moderately sweet and sour, making it appetizing and perfect for accompanying rice.

3. Almond Tofu

Almond Tofu is a local – flavored traditional dessert in Zhending. It is made from high – grade almonds and fresh tofu, resulting in a delicate and smooth texture. After being topped with a special sweet sauce, it melts in the mouth, offering a sweet and refreshing taste that is truly unforgettable.

4. Zhending Eight – Bowl Dishes

The Zhending Eight – Bowl Dishes are said to have been created by Zhao Zilong, the famous general of Changshan. It consists of four meat dishes and four vegetarian dishes. The four meat dishes are made from carefully selected pork, including fore – shoulder meat, middle – rib meat, hind – quarter meat, and elbow meat, each with a unique name. The four vegetarian dishes are usually made of radish, kelp, vermicelli, and tofu. This combination of meat and vegetables is not only nutritious but also has a particular way of eating, allowing diners to enjoy a cultural feast.

5. Majia Braised Chicken

Majia Braised Chicken has a history of more than 300 years, dating back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. In 1869, the first – generation inheritor Ma Luofa named the family – inherited braised chicken “Majia Braised Chicken” and opened a store in Zhending Prefecture. After being praised by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1901, it once became a tribute. Made with a variety of precious seasonings, iodized salt, aged soup, and fine ingredients using traditional techniques, Majia Braised Chicken is high in protein, low in fat, and is known for its tenderness and softness, suitable for people of all ages.

6. Traditional Shaomai

Zhending Shaomai, especially Wang’s Shaomai, has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage in Hebei Province. The shaomai has a thin and translucent skin, filled with a generous amount of stuffing that looks shiny with oil. When bitten, it is fragrant and delicious, with a fresh soup inside. It is best served hot to fully appreciate its freshness.

7. Hele Noodles

Hele noodles became popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties. They are made using the “lever principle” to press the dough into noodles. These noodles are soft, smooth, and appetizing. They are easy to digest and affordable, making them a favorite among people of all ages.

In addition to the above – mentioned snacks, Zhending Ancient City also has many other delicious foods, such as Zhending 崩肝 (崩肝，a special dish made from liver), Reqie Wanzi (热切丸子，a kind of meatball), Ganglu Sesame Cake (缸炉烧饼，a type of baked cake), Pagao (扒糕，a buckwheat cake), and Old – fashioned Tofu (老豆腐，a kind of soft tofu). Each of these snacks is a symbol of the city’s food culture, waiting for visitors to taste and savor.

Table of Featured Snacks in Zhending Ancient City

Snack Name	Brief Introduction
Zhending Mutton Paomo	Made with fresh mutton, crispy pita bread pieces and a variety of seasonings. The mutton is tender, the soup is fragrant, and the pita bread absorbs the savory flavors of the soup and mutton.
Sweet – and – Sour Tenderloin	High – quality pork is coated with egg batter and deep – fried until golden. It is then drizzled with a special sweet – and – sour sauce. It has a bright color and a delicious sweet – and – sour taste.
Almond Tofu	Mainly made from almonds and tofu, it has a delicate texture and smooth taste. When paired with sweet sauce, it tastes sweet and refreshing.
Zhending Eight – Bowl Dishes	Composed of four meat dishes and four vegetarian dishes. The meat dishes use different parts of pork, while the vegetarian dishes include radishes, kelp, etc. It is nutritious and has a unique way of eating.
Majia Braised Chicken	With a history of over 300 years, it is made using a variety of precious seasonings and traditional techniques. It is high in protein and low in fat, with tender meat and tender bones.
Traditional Shaomai	Famous for its thin skin, generous stuffing and delicious soup inside. Wang’s Shaomai is a representative, which has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Hebei Province.
Hele Noodles	Pressed using the lever principle, the noodles are soft and smooth. When paired with rich meat soup, they are easy to digest and affordable.
Zhending Benggan (Braised Liver)	Originating from the Tang Dynasty, it is made from high – quality yellow beef liver through more than a dozen processes. It has a reddish – brown color and a fresh and fragrant taste when eaten.
Reqie Wanzi (Hot – cut Meatballs)	Cylindrical in shape and wrapped in lotus leaves, it needs to be sliced while hot. Made from fresh meat, sweet potato starch, etc., it has a rich taste and the fragrance of lotus leaves.
Ganglu Sesame Cake	The finished product is golden in color, with a crispy outer skin and a layered inner part. It is chewy and refreshing, and its production requires careful control of the heat.
Pagao (Buckwheat Cake)	Mainly made from buckwheat flour, it is made by stirring into a paste, shaping and then cutting into pieces. It is usually eaten with sesame oil, vinegar, garlic paste, etc., with a smooth and chewy taste.
Old – fashioned Tofu	Made from high – quality soybeans by boiling. It has a smooth taste and rich soup. It is usually eaten with seasonings and coriander, with a delicious taste.