Hohhot is the capital of Inner Mongolia and the political, economic, scientific and cultural center of the region and is recognized as one of China's better-known historical cities.

The name Hohhot is Mongolian for "green city". It also has an abundance of dairy products.

The city has a continental monsoon climate and distinct four seasons with long, cold winters, short, hot summers, and violent weather changes in spring and autumn, which provides good conditions for the development of local food culture here.

Now, let's take a look at some unqiue food here. If you have time, you can have a try as they are so tasty.

Beizi [Photo/nmglyw.com]

Beizi is a kind of local specialty and looks like a pancake but bigger and thicker and can be round, square, triangular or rectangular. It tastes crisp on the outside and soft inside with a strong wheat fragrance. It is a very popular breakfast choice.

Milk tea [Photo/nmglyw.com]

Milk tea is a traditional Mongolian hot drink. The fresh milk is added to boiled black tea and stirred together. Salt is often added, and some people put in butter-fried rice and dairy products. The drink can soothe the stomach, quench one's thirst and help digestion. It can also be served as a soup for guests. A popular restaurant for this is "Gerile A Ma".

Oat noodles [Photo/nmglyw.com]

Oats are a low-yield crop with short growth period and are saline-alkaline and cold resistant. They are nutritious and have been a staple of farmers since the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589). They have been planted on a larger scale since the beginning of the Qing Dynasty and are a popular local dish. Two of the more popular restaurants are "Xibei" and "Banmudi".

Shao-mai (steamed dumplings) [Photo/nmglyw.com]

Shao-mai (steamed dumplings) is a traditional snack that has been popular in Beijing since the Qing Dynasty, when many restaurants used to claim that their Shao-mai were from Hohhot. This is something you shouldn't miss when visiting the city.

Braised noodles [Photo/nmglyw.com]

Braised noodles are popular in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hebei, and Henan provinces and the Inner Mongolia region and are made of flour, with green beans and meat served on the side. The Hohhot style noodles are thicker and quite tasty. One of China's most famous braised noodle restaurant chain is "Tieguoyiju", with headquarters in Hohhot.

Roast whole lamb [Photo/nmglyw.com]

Roast whole lamb is traditionally offered for special guests and often appears only for grand occasions, such as important meetings or weddings. The lamb skin is a glittering golden color and the meat is crisp on the outside and tender inside and suffused with a fresh smell.

Mutton eaten by hand [Photo/nmglyw.com]

Mutton eaten by hand is Hohhot's most famous dish. People use their hands to eat big chunks of mutton that are boiled in water and often hold the bones in one hand and use the other to pick the meat off and dip it in seasoning. This dish is often used as a treat for guests.