As the first rays of morning sun spread across the Central Plains, the taste buds of Henan people are awakened by a unique aroma—that is Hulatang. As one of Henan’s most representative breakfast dishes, Hulatang has captured the hearts of countless food lovers with its distinctive spicy, numbing, fresh, fragrant, and thick flavor. It is not just a simple soup; it is an indispensable soul symbol in Henan’s culinary culture, carrying the profound historical heritage and the people’s love for life in this land. A steaming bowl of Hulatang not only dispels the morning chill but also instantly ignites the day’s vitality, becoming an unforgettable taste of home for countless Henan residents.
A Long History: The Origins and Legends of Hulatang
The origins of Hulatang are varied, adding a touch of legend to this seemingly ordinary breakfast. Some believe that the prototype of Hulatang might date back to the Tang Dynasty. Since pepper, its main spice, was only introduced to China in small quantities during the Tang Dynasty, the upper limit for Hulatang’s emergence should not be earlier than the Tang Dynasty. At that time, people from the Western Regions were called ‘Hu people’ by the Tang, and their food was referred to as ‘Hu food,’ which might be a clue to the origin of the ‘Hu’ in ‘Hulatang.’
The most widely circulated theory points to the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. Legend has it that Yan Song, a powerful minister of the Ming Dynasty, to curry favor with the emperor, obtained a secret recipe from a high monk in the folk, which was made into a soup with longevity-enhancing properties. The imperial chefs, following this recipe, added various traditional Chinese medicines and spices, meticulously simmering it. The emperor was delighted after tasting it and bestowed upon it the name ‘Imperial Soup.’ Later, the recipe for this ‘Imperial Soup’ spread to the common people, and through continuous improvement and evolution, it gradually became the Hulatang we know today. Although these legends carry a romantic flair, they undoubtedly add a profound historical and cultural depth to Hulatang, making it not just a food, but a flowing piece of history.
Unique Flavors and Main Schools: A Spicy and Fragrant Feast for the Palate
The charm of Hulatang lies first and foremost in its complex yet harmonious unique flavor. A bowl of authentic Hulatang typically uses beef or lamb broth as its base, with ample amounts of pepper and chili, complemented by a rich array of ingredients such as gluten, vermicelli, wood ear mushrooms, daylily, and peanuts. After long hours of simmering, the soup becomes thick. Upon tasting, one first experiences the pungent and numbing sensation brought by the pepper, followed by the fresh umami of the combined ingredients and the richness of the broth. This perfect blend of numbing, spicy, fresh, fragrant, and thick flavors makes Hulatang a highly recognizable delicacy.
In Henan, Hulatang is not monolithic; it has developed into several distinct schools, with Xiaoyao Town Hulatang and Beiwudu Hulatang being the most famous:
Xiaoyao Town Hulatang: Originating from Xiaoyao Town in Xihua County, Zhoukou City, it is renowned for its unique recipe and exquisite preparation techniques. Xiaoyao Town Hulatang is characterized by its bright red color, rich and mellow taste, moderate spiciness, tender meat, prominent spice aroma, and a more delicate texture, making it a favorite for many.
Beiwudu Hulatang: Originating from Beiwudu Town in Wuyang County, Luohe City, it has an even longer history. Beiwudu Hulatang is characterized by a slightly darker color, a richer and more robust flavor, lighter spice notes, larger meat chunks, and a more rustic and hearty texture, embodying a more ancient local charm.
In addition, there are other local specialties such as Kaifeng White Hulatang and Zhumadian Chicken Hulatang. Each school has slight differences in ingredient selection, spice ratios, and simmering methods, collectively forming the rich diversity of Henan Hulatang and catering to the taste preferences of different diners.
Cultural Significance and Life Scenes: The Nostalgia and Daily Life of Henan People
For Henan people, Hulatang is not just a food; it is a way of life, an emotional attachment, and even a cultural symbol. It is deeply rooted in the daily lives of Henan people, especially in their breakfast culture.
In the early morning, whether on the bustling streets of the city or in the small shops of rural markets, Hulatang stalls are always crowded. People stand or sit, holding a steaming bowl of Hulatang, paired with fried dough sticks (youtiao), pan-fried buns (shuijianbao), or scallion pancakes, starting their day. The rich aroma and warm taste not only dispel the morning chill but also instantly awaken dormant taste buds, injecting full energy into the new day, becoming an irreplaceable taste of home for countless Henan residents.
Hulatang also carries the nostalgia and memories of Henan people. Many Henan natives working away from home, whenever they think of hometown delicacies, Hulatang is always the first name that comes to mind. That familiar taste is the taste of home, the taste of childhood, the call of their homeland. It is not just a culinary delight but also a spiritual comfort, connecting wanderers with their native land.
In recent years, Hulatang has not only been listed as an intangible cultural heritage but has also gradually spread across the country and even the world, following the pace of Henan’s international communication. With its unique flavor and profound cultural connotations, it allows more people to understand and fall in love with Henan, becoming a brilliant calling card for Henan’s culinary culture.
Conclusion: Savor Hulatang, Experience the Authentic Flavor of Henan
A bowl of Hulatang encapsulates the Henan people’s love for life, their adherence to tradition, and their aspirations for the future. It is not just a breakfast; it is the essence of Henan’s culinary culture, a vivid portrayal of the unique charm of the Central Plains. From its mysterious origins and legends to its distinct flavors and various schools, and its irreplaceable position in the daily lives of Henan people, Hulatang tells the story of Henan with its unique charm.
We sincerely invite friends from all over the world to visit Henan, step into the breakfast shops on the streets, and personally taste a steaming bowl of Hulatang. Here, you will not only savor a delicacy but also experience a culture and feel the warm and hospitable atmosphere of the Henan people. Let this spicy, numbing, and fragrant Hulatang be your starting point to understand Henan, fall in love with Henan, and embark on an unforgettable culinary and cultural journey through the Central Plains.
