Shanxi people usually eat very frugally, but when guests come, they will do their best to entertain them warmly. Set up multiple dining tables to set the meal, the guests sit down and the hosts accompany them. New bowls and chopsticks are usually given to the guests, and plenty of wine is consumed before the meal. The poor will serve two cold and one hot, four cold and one hot, four cold and four hot dishes; the rich will serve hot pot for sixty-six, eighty-eight, ten full seats, and double ten seats.

After the host warms the wine, he holds the pot with both hands and fills up the wine for the guests, which is called "tea, seven meals, eight wine and ten minutes". The guest should express his thanks by holding the cup in his hand: "I'll do it myself, I'll do it myself, you come first." The host raises his glass to drink, and the guest takes a small sip to show courtesy. During the dinner, the host frequently gave instructions, changed the positions of the dishes, and enthusiastically encouraged the meal. Guests should be careful to put their chopsticks down once each bite of food is taken. If they eat a lot continuously, they will be regarded as "poor feng shui" and "disobedient and disrespectful". Never eat until the wine is finished. In the past, Chinese food consisted of steamed buns, dumplings, and oil cakes. The steamed buns are served on a plate and placed in front of the guests. After the guest has finished eating, he puts his chopsticks on the bowl and pushes it forward slightly to show that he is full. Treat each other with tea after the meal. When visiting relatives and friends, homemade steamed buns and other foods are a must. Do not bring even numbers. The owner doesn't keep everything, but gives back home-made food or local products when he leaves. For red and white wedding feasts, dietary rules are more particular.

The general banquet will be divided between the general banquet and the chairman. The aunts, uncles and relatives of the mother's family will be the honored guests. No meal will be served until the honored guests are absent. The wine pot, wine cups, and chopsticks must be placed before others. The sitting order is from the right to the top, and the arrangement is in the order of elders. In the old days, the square table sat on three sides, leaving only one side unused. Such as weddings, housewarming, having a child, store opening, celebrations, birthdays, reunions, weddings, etc., pay attention to the rules of guessing and drinking. In the past, the old people made fists gently and gracefully, chanting and singing, and their eulogies were gorgeous and simple. When the wine party reaches its climax, the host drinks a toast with each guest in turn, which is called "beating the customs". When inviting someone to a meal, you should post an invitation in advance or come to the door to invite someone. This is commonly known as "anren". Special guests should be picked up before the meal. After most farmers' wedding feasts, they will distribute food to the neighbors in order to enhance friendship.

The accumulation of food culture in Shanxi

Shanxi’s unique food and eating habits form a unique culture. As one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation, starting from the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the northern and central parts of Shanxi It has become one of the areas where people from the Central Plains and ethnic minorities live together. Due to the integration of ethnic groups and ethnic cultures, various customs have been gathered in Shanxi, and Shanxi's food customs have become complex, diverse and mixed. At the same time, due to various reasons such as geography, climate, ethnicity, etc., it has become commonplace for people in Shanxi to eat whole grains. Millet, corn, buckwheat noodles, bean noodles, sorghum noodles, oatmeal noodles, and many varieties of pasta structures make Shanxi people's food composition very rich and colorful. These numerous food components, from production methods, varieties, shapes, craftsmanship, and cooking processes, have become a kind of food culture that spreads to all levels and corners of Shanxi society. Shanxi's unique pasta culture, Shanxi cuisine culture, etc. have been formed, which have a long history and are ever-lasting and have been passed down to this day.

Where the soil and water support the people, the unique food culture not only reflects Shanxi’s regional customs, but also is the best display of Shanxi’s simple folk customs. Pasta, mature vinegar, and fine wine are how Shanxi people express their love for life to the outside world. , and a warm welcome to guests. Shanxi's unique food is not only loved by locals, but also praised by people all over the country, especially pasta. In April 2007, the China Cuisine Association held a licensing ceremony in Beijing and officially awarded Shanxi the title of "Hometown of Chinese Pasta". The awarding of the "Hometown of Chinese Pasta" clarified the origin, representativeness and uniqueness of Shanxi's pasta.

Shanxi pasta culture is full of Shanxi’s strong local sentiments and profound cultural charm. Its inheritance and development are of great contemporary significance.

Shanxi specialty snacks

Enema, scar cakes, bowls, buckwheat noodles, tofu nao, Xiaoyi fire roast, Shouyang dried tofu, etc.

Shanxi specialty pasta

Shaved noodles, picked noodles, rubbed noodles, pulled slices, river leaks, poached fish, cat ears, oatmeal noodles, brains, dipped slices, etc.