At the table
Use a spoon for the broth and chopsticks for the meat and tofu sheets.
Let hot broth cool before sipping. Chili oil can make the soup spicy.
Additions and chili oil vary; ask whether your serving includes offal.
The beef and broth can be shared, but the documented red-chili oil is spicy; offer only if the child tolerates chili and the serving can be made mild.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Possible additions include tofu sheets and mung-bean cakes.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Salty, savory and spicy
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Rich broth and varied additions.
- How it’s made
- Simmer beef and bones, then serve sliced meat with broth and red oil made from fried dried red chili and beef fat.
Possible additions include tofu sheets and mung-bean cakes.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Anhui.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有淮南牛肉汤吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
How Huainan beef soup became a city breakfast
Huainan beef soup became a familiar city breakfast through cultural exchange. Hui residents brought traditions of eating beef and beef soup; cooks paired the broth with local tofu sheets, bean cakes and sweet-potato noodles. Coal mining drew workers to Huainan in the 1930s, helping the soup spread. Morning stalls often serve it with sesame flatbread.
