Roujiamo

What is Roujiamo?

Roujiamo is a sandwich-like street food from Shaanxi, China. It consists of a round flatbread, called baijimo, sliced open and filled with chopped or minced meat that has been stewed for hours with spices. Pork is the most common filling, but beef and lamb are also used, especially in Muslim regions. The bread is made from wheat flour and yeast, and traditionally baked in a clay oven. The taste and texture can differ depending on the spices in the meat and the way the bread is cooked. Roujiamo is often compared to a hamburger, but its flavors and preparation are distinct.

Where does Roujiamo come from?

Roujiamo traces its roots to Shaanxi province in China. The bread, or 'mo', is believed to date back to the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC), while the tradition of stewed meat goes back even further, to the Zhou dynasty (1045–256 BC). Over time, this combination became a popular street food, especially in Xi'an and surrounding areas. Regional variations have developed as the dish spread across China, with different meats and seasonings reflecting local tastes and customs.

How is Roujiamo made?

To make roujiamo, a wheat flour dough is mixed with yeast and shaped into rounds. Traditionally, these are baked in a clay oven, which gives the bread a crisp exterior and soft interior. The meat, most often pork, is slowly stewed with various spices and seasonings until tender, then chopped or minced. The bread is sliced open and generously stuffed with the hot meat mixture. In some regions, the bread may be pan-fried instead of oven-baked, resulting in a different texture and flavor.

How and when is Roujiamo eaten?

Roujiamo is commonly eaten as a quick meal or snack, especially from street vendors in Shaanxi and cities like Xi'an. It is often paired with liangpi (cold noodles) and a local soft drink called Ice Peak. The sandwich is typically eaten by hand, making it convenient for people on the go. Its popularity has led to many regional versions, and it is now found in various forms across China. The filling and bread can vary, so each vendor may offer a slightly different taste experience.

Kinds of Roujiamo

While pork is the standard filling, beef is commonly used in Muslim areas of Xi'an, seasoned with cumin and pepper. In Gansu province, lamb is a popular alternative. The bread itself may be baked in a clay oven for authenticity, or pan-fried in other regions, which changes its flavor and texture. These variations reflect the local ingredients and culinary traditions of each area, making roujiamo a versatile and widely adapted dish.

What Roujiamo means

Roujiamo is considered one of the world's oldest types of hamburger, with a history that stretches back over two millennia. It is a staple of Shaanxi street food culture and is often cited as a symbol of the region's culinary heritage. Its widespread popularity has led to many adaptations, but the dish remains closely associated with its origins in Shaanxi. Roujiamo is a common everyday food, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Questions people ask about Roujiamo

Good reading and sources

• China Brazenly Claims it Invented the HamburgerEater, Article

• Roujiamo on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data