🍽️ Lu Zhu Huo Shao

Pig offal and wheat cakes in thick broth, hearty old Beijing fare.

Lu Zhu Huo Shao is the most down-to-earth commoner's snack of old Beijing, born in the hutong alleys. Pork intestines and lungs are braised until soft, then chunks of unleavened baked bread are simmered together in the rich broth. Served with intestines and lungs at the bottom and soup-soaked bread, topped with garlic sauce, fermented bean curd and chili oil, the bowl is rich, heavy and smoky. Made from cheap ingredients, it was once a warming meal for rickshaw pullers and street traders. Today old Beijing lu-zhu shops stay packed; locals love the bold flavor, and visitors take it as a taste of old Beijing street life, best eaten hot with all the broth and ingredients.