At the table
Mix the cut pieces with the dressing and eat with chopsticks. Ask for less chili before the sauce is added; distinguish cold-dressed from hot stir-fried wantuan when ordering.
Contains buckwheat; some dressings contain sesame. Ask about the oil, seasoning and additions if you have dietary restrictions.
A plant-based-looking cold bowl does not establish the composition of its oil or sauce. Hot versions may include offal.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
This is the cold-dressed version. Sesame oil or seeds may be added. Hot stir-fried versions can contain bean sprouts or sheep offal.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Nutty buckwheat, tangy vinegar and garlic; chili heat depends on the dressing.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Smooth, firm and springy, with a fine-grained cut surface.
- How it’s made
- Buckwheat flour, salt and ginger powder form a batter that is steamed in shallow bowls and cooled before slicing.
This is the cold-dressed version. Sesame oil or seeds may be added. Hot stir-fried versions can contain bean sprouts or sheep offal.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Its origins are linked to Shanxi.
About this regional connection
Shanxi: Liulin County, Lüliang. Local names also include 碗脱 and 碗秃.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有柳林碗团吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A snack shaped by its bowl
The shallow steaming bowl gives wantuan its shape. Also called wantuo or wantu locally, it is an everyday Liulin snack served with vinegar and chili; flatbread or rice soup may accompany it.