XI MEN ZHENG

If you can handle spicy food, you absolutely must try their chili oil. It's different from other places, and I love it. A bowl of soup, some chili oil, and some Guokui, it's really refreshing.

I went straight to the Qingming Riverside Park in Kaifeng. In order to eat five-spice bean paste fried dough sticks, I took a walk in the old city. 🅿Parking at Baogong Lake, which is also a section of the Bianhe River. ✔️Walk along the riverside plank road and you will reach Baogong Temple, where there are still many tourists ✔️Walked for a long time and passed the ancient city wall of Kaifeng, which was full of historical vicissitudes. 👍Arrived at the bean paste shop, it was very popular. When we lined up, bean paste and mung bean paste sold the fastest😍We drank Hu La Tang. The fried dough sticks were really fragrant. There are also lamb intestines that you can try🤭. #Kaifeng Tourism #Kaifeng Food #Baogong Lake #Beans #CityWalk City Tour

If you ask a long-time resident of Kaifeng where to find the most flavorful and satisfying breakfast, many will unhesitatingly point to the steaming, uniquely fragrant restaurants serving mutton intestine soup. Among the many restaurants, "Ximen Zheng" is a renowned name, the undisputed choice for experiencing this authentic Kaifeng flavor. What is "Mutton Intestine Soup"? As the name suggests, "mutton intestine soup" refers to the large and small intestines of a sheep. But these are far from ordinary animal offal. The people of Kaifeng process them with meticulous care, repeatedly washing, turning, and kneading to remove any unpleasant odors, leaving only clean, elastic intestinal walls. The essence lies in the fact that these cleaned intestines are stuffed with fresh sheep's blood, creating plump "blood sausages." After a long simmering in a rich broth, the intestines become soft and chewy, while the blood inside coagulates into chunks, resulting in a smooth and tender texture. Therefore, the star of an authentic bowl of mutton intestine soup is these blood-stuffed intestines. The Unique Charm of Ximen Zheng's Lamb Intestines 1. A Rich, Milky-White Broth: The broth is the soul of the lamb intestines. Ximen Zheng insists on using fresh lamb bones, lamb meat, and a variety of secret spices, simmering it over high heat for several hours. The broth has an enticing milky-white color, a rich and savory flavor, and no trace of gamey taste, only a strong lamb aroma. 2. High-Quality Ingredients, Meticulous Preparation: They have extremely high standards for ingredient preparation. The intestines are thoroughly cleaned and cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender yet chewy texture. The fresh and smooth lamb blood filling contrasts beautifully with the intestine casing. 3. Unique Flavor, Unforgettable Aftertaste: In addition to the basic intestines and broth, the bowl also includes lamb meat, offal, and other ingredients, making it very rich. Diners can add cilantro and chili oil according to their preference. Especially the spoonful of mutton fat chili oil—it's the finishing touch—fragrant but not overpowering. The sizzling aroma instantly released by the boiling broth elevates the entire bowl of soup, enhancing its complexity. 4. Street Life, Human Touch: Typically, "Ximen Zheng's" shop is small and the environment isn't particularly elegant, but it's precisely this lively, street-style atmosphere that constitutes part of its charm. In the early morning, the shop is packed with diners, the sounds of drinking soup and chatting filling the air, brimming with the authentic, down-to-earth atmosphere of Kaifeng. How to Enjoy a Bowl of Authentic Mutton Intestine Soup? · Basic Version: Order a bowl of pure mutton intestine soup to savor the most original flavor. · Upgraded Version: Order a "premium" or "full pot" option, which includes more types of mutton and offal. · Essential Pairing: · Guokui or Shaobing: Break a piece of unleavened guokui or crispy shaobing into small pieces and soak it in the soup. The flatbread, soaked in the delicious broth, is soft on the outside and chewy on the inside—a perfect accompaniment to any main dish. * Cilantro and Chili: First, sip the original broth to savor its umami. Then add cilantro for extra flavor, followed by a generous spoonful of spicy mutton fat to taste, experiencing the intensely spicy and satisfying experience. * Raw Garlic: Many gourmets enjoy it with a clove of raw garlic, believing that "eating meat without garlic is like missing half the flavor." Culture and Status Lamb Intestines are hailed as "Kaifeng's coffee," a breakfast to awaken the day's energy and a warming treat in winter. More than just a snack, it carries the culinary memories and street culture of the ancient capital of Kaifeng. "Ximen Zheng," as a leading example, with its consistent quality and authentic flavor, has become a must-visit for locals and tourists alike seeking the taste of the ancient capital. In summary, if you come to Kaifeng and want to experience the most authentic and distinctive local cuisine, then starting your day at "Ximen Zheng" with a bowl of steaming hot mutton intestine soup will definitely be an unforgettable culinary adventure. --- Friendly Reminder: · Mutton intestines are animal offal and are high in cholesterol. People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar should consume them in moderation. · The soup has a rich flavor, and first-timers may need a little time to adjust, but once you love it, you'll never forget it.