The natural conditions of Shanxi Province provide wide culinary materials for Shanxi Cuisine. Its basic features are saltiness and deliciousness. Shanxi Cuisine has 25 cooking methods, the most distinct being frying, stir-frying, roasting, braising and steaming. Its traditional dishes include Sweet and Sour Fish, Boiled Lamb and Hot Candied Yam.
　　
　　Shanxi staples are especially noted for their great variety, various cooking methods and exquisite garnishes. The top three noodles of Shanxi are Stretched Noodles, Chopped Noodles and Carved Noodles.
　　
　　
　　
　　Traditional Snacks
　　1. Steamed Doughball Made from Naked Oats
　　The Shanxi people make the flour of the naked oats grown on northern cold highlands in the province into small dough balls with boiling water, and then steam them. They are extremely delicious when eaten together with mutton and chili oil.
　　
　　2. Chopped Noodle
　　The willow-leaf shaped Chopped Noodles are garnished or fried. It has a delicious taste.
　　
　　3. Cat Ear
　　It is called this because its shape resembles a cat ear. Cat Ear is made of dough stewed in boiling water and then garnished or fried.
　　
　　4. Eight-Delicacy Soup
　　Also called Tounao, the syrup contains three fatty pieces of mutton, and tonic vegetables. Its aroma combines the smell of liquor, herb and mutton.