Tujia Cuisine in Western Hunan (Xiangxi): An Introduction

Xiangxi, a place full of mystery, has not only beautiful scenery, but also mouth-watering Tujia cuisine. Tujia cuisine in western Hunan has attracted the attention of countless people with its unique taste and preparation.

1. Long and unique history

Tujia cuisine in western Hunan originated from ancient times and comprises delicacies created by the Tujia, Miao and other ethnic minorities. It combines mountain-village culture, farming culture and the culture of ethnic minorities, and has a profound historical heritage. At the same time, Xiangxi Tujia cuisine also differentiates itself from other local cuisines with its unique cooking techniques and ingredient selection.

2. Heavy on oil and chili, giving it a spicy and rich flavor

Tujia cuisine in western Hunan pays great attention to taste. The Tujia people like to use heavy oil and spicy food to enhance the flavor and this love of spiciness originated from the humidity of the area as the spiciness helps fend off the uncomfortable humidity. The extensive use of chili pepper, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic and other seasonings gives Xiangxi Tujia cuisine a strong, spicy and numbing taste. This unique taste makes Xiangxi Tujia cuisine unique among the plethora of Hunan cuisines.

3. Natural ingredients with many health benefits

Western Hunan is mountainous, and therefore most of the food ingredients come from the mountains. Tujia people like to eat wild animals and game, such as wild boars, pheasants, wild ducks, etc. These ingredients are not only delicious, but also have high nutritional value. Tujia cuisine in western Hunan also pays attention to natural and healthy cooking methods, such as roasting, stewing, boiling, etc., which retains the original flavor of the ingredients.

4. Unique plating craftsmanship

The uniqueness of Tujia cuisine in western Hunan lies in its exquisite cooking techniques. For example, the Tujia people use various unique seasonings to prepare fragrant pickled cabbage; they process the ingredients in various ways such as stir-frying, frying, stewing, and boiling to give each dish its own unique taste; they use various sauces to marinate meat and make it more delicious; they use unique baking techniques to produce a variety of pastries and snacks. These techniques not only make Xiangxi Tujia cuisine uniquely charming, but also allow people to enjoy a beautiful visual feast while enjoying the food. As they always say, your eyes eat first!

5. Chock-full of tradition and rich in emotion

Tujia cuisine in western Hunan is not just a kind of food, it also carries the rich heritage of the Tujia people. For example, "Hot and Sour Potato Shreds". The "sour" in this dish represents the Tujia people's feelings about the ups and downs and hardships of life, while the "spicy" (or “hot”) represents the Tujia people's warm and generous character. Another example is "Family Portrait", or “Quanjiafu”. This dish brings together a variety of ingredients, implying reunion, contentment and happiness such as that which would be enjoyed in a family. Every Xiangxi Tujia dish contains deep cultural and historical meaning. While enjoying the delicious food, you can also experience a part of the Tujia lifestyle!

6. Cultural value

As an important part of the traditional Tujia culture, Xiangxi Tujia cuisine has irreplaceable cultural value. It not only carries the history and cultural heritage of the Tujia people, but also affects the cuisine and culture of the surrounding areas. By tasting Tujia cuisine in western Hunan, visitors can achieve an in-depth understanding of their culture and history and feel the wisdom and talent of the Tujia people. At the same time, the spread of Tujia cuisine in western Hunan has also promoted cultural exchanges and social integration between different regions.

Xiangxi Tujia Cuisine is famous for its unique taste, rich symbolism, exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural connotation. It crystallises the product of the Tujia people’s long history, and is one of the treasures of Chinese culinary culture. Walking into western Hunan, savouring this gourmet cuisine, and feeling the strong cultural atmosphere mesmerises visitors and seems to urge them to stay forever.

Here are some photos of popular Tujia delicacies:

三下锅 (Sanxiaguo)

娃娃鱼 (Salamander)

Photo credits: 汇图网