Shanxi Noodles Masterclass: From Knife-shaved Noodles to Cat Ear Noodles

山西，被誉为“中国面食之乡”，其面食文化源远流长，种类繁多，技艺精湛。山西面食的历史可以追溯到两千多年前，早在汉代就已形成了独特的面食制作传统。山西面食不仅种类丰富，形态多样，还因地域差异形成了不同的风味特色，晋北地区以刀削面闻名，而晋中地区则以猫耳朵为特色。

Shanxi, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Noodles," boasts a long-standing and diverse noodle culture with exquisite craftsmanship. The history of Shanxi noodles can be traced back over two thousand years, with a unique noodle-making tradition already established during the Han Dynasty. Shanxi noodles are not only abundant in variety and diverse in shape but also exhibit distinct flavor characteristics due to regional differences. The northern Shanxi region is renowned for its knife-shaved noodles, while the central Shanxi region is characterized by cat ear noodles (noodles shaped like cat's ear) .

刀削面：面食中的“功夫之王”

Knife-shaved Noodles: The "King of Kung Fu" Among Noodles

刀削面是山西面食的代表作之一，被誉为“中国十大面条”之一。它以独特的制作工艺闻名：师傅手持特制刀具，将面团削成薄片，面条如柳叶般飞入锅中，煮熟后外滑内筋，口感劲道。刀削面的制作不仅考验师傅的刀工，更是一场视觉与味觉的双重盛宴。

Knife-shaved noodles are one of the representative dishes of Shanxi noodles and are honored as one of the "Top Ten Noodles in China." They are famous for their unique production process: The chef holds a specially made knife and slices the dough into thin pieces, which fly into the boiling pot like willow leaves. After cooking, the noodles are smooth on the outside and chewy on the inside, offering a delightful texture. The making of knife-shaved noodles not only tests the chef's knife skills but also provides a double feast for the eyes and taste buds.

猫耳朵：小巧玲珑的“面食精灵”

Cat Ear Noodles: The Delightful "Noodle Elves"

猫耳朵是山西另一道经典面食，因形似猫耳而得名。制作时，将面团搓成小块，再用拇指捻压成猫耳形状，煮熟后搭配肉类或蔬菜炖煮，汤汁浓郁，口感Q弹。这道面食不仅美味，还充满了童趣，深受小朋友喜爱。

Cat ear noodles are another classic noodle dish from Shanxi, named for their resemblance to cat ears. To make them, dough is rolled into small pieces and then pressed and shaped into cat ears with the thumb. After cooking, they are stewed with meat or vegetables in a rich broth, offering a bouncy texture. This noodle dish is not only delicious but also full of childlike fun, making it a favorite among children.