Guokui
(Guo kui, 锅魁)
Guokui is a traditional flatbread originating from the Shaanxi province, now popular in various regions across China. Known for its large, thin, and crispy texture, guokui translates to "pot helmet," reflecting its distinctive shape when cooked.
The bread is typically large and round, resembling a flattened disc, with a crispy outer layer and a soft, chewy inside. In Shaanxi, there is also guokui type that is round in shape, more reminiscent of a bread loaf than a flatbread, about a foot in diameter, an inch in thickness, and weighs about 2.5 kg.
The preparation starts with making dough from wheat flour, water, and sometimes yeast or baking powder for leavening. Guokui can be either plain or filled with a variety of ingredients, such as minced pork, beef, or vegetables. It is traditionally cooked in a tandoor-like oven or on a griddle, giving it a unique smoky flavor and crispy texture. Read more
There are several varieties of guokui: Shaanxi guokui often contains spicy beef or lamb fillings and has a distinctive regional flavor; Hubei guokui is known for its thicker, softer texture and sometimes features sweet fillings; Sichuan guokui is typically spicy, filled with a mix of minced meat and Sichuan peppercorns, offering a numbing and hot taste; Chengdu guokui is usually thinner and crispier, often featuring various fillings like spicy pork or vegetables.
Guokui is not just a type of bread but a symbol of Chinese culinary tradition, often enjoyed as a snack or a quick meal. It is a staple in street food culture across different regions of China, showcasing its versatility and regional adaptations.
WHERE TO EAT The best Guokui in the world (according to food experts)
