Eating in China
Generated guide illustration: Enshi kang potatoes.

Enshi kang potatoes

恩施炕土豆Ēnshī kàng tǔdòu

Golden pan-fried potato pieces with garlic and chilies

Boiled potatoes are pan-fried and tossed with aromatic seasonings.

Heat
Region
Hubei
Type
Snacks
Street food
Order in Chinese

At the table

How to enjoy it

Let the hot potatoes cool slightly and eat in small bites.

A useful check

Contains sesame in this version. Confirm the pepper-salt blend and cooking oil if you have allergies or follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.

How it may vary

The chili-seasoned version has moderate heat, but chili and cumin can be omitted. Sichuan pepper adds a separate tingling sensation.

GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.

Ground cumin is optional, and chili can be omitted. Some preparations use both dried chilies and chili powder; scallion and chili rings are optional finishes.

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

Savory, with optional chili and cumin

Chili heat
Texture
Crisp outside and tender inside.
How it’s made
Peel and boil potatoes, cool, then pan-fry in rapeseed oil and toss with garlic, dried chilies and seasoning.

Ground cumin is optional, and chili can be omitted. Some preparations use both dried chilies and chili powder; scallion and chili rings are optional finishes.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Explore regional food

Associated with Hubei.

Ask if they have it first

ASK IF IT'S AVAILABLE

请问你们有恩施炕土豆吗?

Do you have this item?

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ

Story & history

Enshi’s Golden Potato Snack

Kang potatoes turn small potatoes into a snack with two contrasting textures. They are first boiled, then cooled and browned in a pan, leaving a crisp surface and soft centre. Garlic and seasonings are tossed in at the end; chili and cumin can vary. Closely associated with Enshi, the snack has also travelled to Wuhan’s snack streets and campus shops.

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