Eating in China
Generated food guide illustration of Water-Basin Lamb.

Water-Basin Lamb

水盆羊肉Shuǐpén yángròu

Clear lamb soup with tender meat, often served with crescent flatbread

Water-basin lamb is a clear lamb soup associated with Dali, Pucheng and Chengcheng in Shaanxi’s Weinan area. Lamb and bones are cooked with aromatics, then sliced lamb is served in a large bowl of clear broth, often with coriander. A crescent-shaped flatbread and chili oil may be offered on the side.

Heat
Region
Shaanxi
Type
Dishes
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GET TO KNOW THE DISH

What goes into it?

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

Dali and Pucheng broth styles emphasize Sichuan peppercorns, while Chengcheng style emphasizes fennel. A crescent flatbread can be served separately or filled with lamb; chili oil is optional.

Recipes vary by restaurant.

How does it taste?

The clear lamb broth is aromatic and savory; chili oil can be added at the table.

Chili heat
Texture
Tender cooked lamb is served in clear broth. Crescent flatbread is a separate accompaniment in some servings.
How it’s made
Blanch lamb and lamb bones, then cook them together with aromatic spices to make a clear broth. Slice the cooked lamb into a bowl with the broth and coriander. Crescent flatbread and chili oil may be served alongside.

Dali and Pucheng broth styles emphasize Sichuan peppercorns, while Chengcheng style emphasizes fennel. A crescent flatbread can be served separately or filled with lamb; chili oil is optional.

A CONNECTION TO PLACE

Origin & regional roots

Explore regional food

Associated with Shaanxi.

About this regional connection

Shaanxi: Opened Xi’an Learning Platform page associates the dish with Dali, Pucheng and Chengcheng in Shaanxi’s Weinan area; distinct from Xi’an paomo.

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