Lijiang Black Goat Hot Pot

Origin and Background

Lijiang Black Goat Hot Pot (丽江黑山羊火锅) originates from Lijiang (丽江), Yunnan Province (云南省), and is a specialty of the region. Most Black Goat Hot Pot restaurants are concentrated near Jinkai Square (金凯广场) in Lijiang. The black goats used are specially processed, raised at an altitude of around 2,500 meters, where they develop tender and flavorful meat with a balanced ratio of lean and fat.
Lijiang’s environment, with an average altitude of over 2,000 meters and mountainous terrain, nurtures rich grasslands due to abundant rainfall and ample sunlight in summer. The steep mountains and natural, unpolluted environment of Lijiang suit the adaptation of Black Goats, which are a prized breed selected and bred by the Naxi people (纳西族) since ancient times. Known for their high protein, nutritious, and delicious meat, Black Goats are cherished by the local Naxi people.
During Lijiang’s vibrant Torch Festival (火把节), celebrated enthusiastically by many ethnic groups, enjoying a hearty serving of Black Goat meat is considered a highlight. However, historically, there was a taboo against eating goat meat, reflecting a special cultural sentiment towards it.

Introduction to Black Goat Hot Pot

Hot Pot Introduction (火锅介绍)

Amidst the beauty of Lijiang’s mountains and waters, one of the most delicious local dishes is undoubtedly the series of Black Goat Hot Pots. The naturally tender and fresh meat fills the streets and alleys of Lijiang with its savory aroma. Visitors to Lijiang never fail to praise the distinctive flavor of Black Goat, making it another standout feature of the city.
Black Goats are ubiquitous in Lijiang’s streets and alleys, particularly famous for their hot pot dishes. The goats, raised at altitudes around 2,500 meters, have meat known for its tenderness and balanced texture, free from any gaminess. Enjoying a steaming hot pot of Black Goat in the slightly elevated altitude of Yunnan not only boosts energy and warms the body but also enhances immunity, helping to combat the challenges of high-altitude environments.
A visit to Lijiang without tasting Black Goat Hot Pot would be missing out on a significant culinary experience amidst such breathtaking scenery. Imagine sitting on a second-floor balcony in the ancient city, leaning against the railing with the best company, facing a bubbling hot pot accompanied by various vegetables and mushrooms—it’s an experience that truly calls for appreciation.

Cooking Methods (烹饪方法)

There are three main cooking methods for Lijiang Black Goat:
  1. Fresh Goat Meat with Radish (鲜羊肉配萝卜): Fresh goat meat is chopped into chunks and cooked directly in a pot, paired with radishes to absorb some of the gaminess and grease, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
  2. Braised Goat Meat (红烧羊肉): Fresh goat meat is braised with spices such as grass fruit (草果), star anise (八角), and fennel (小茴香), which eliminate the gaminess and enrich the taste.
  3. Hot Pot (火锅): This is a popular method in Lijiang, where the goat bones are stewed to make the broth, seasoned, and served with dipping sauces. Most restaurants follow this approach, adjusting flavors with their unique techniques. A particularly outstanding method is using fish aroma to balance the gaminess of the goat meat, known as the “Fish Goat Fresh” (鱼羊鲜), earning widespread acclaim at places like Puji Black Goat (普济黑山羊) and Lijiang Fish Goat Fresh (丽江鱼羊鲜).

Hot Pot Locations (火锅地点)

Lijiang Black Goat Hot Pot restaurants are scattered throughout the streets and alleys of Lijiang, with a significant concentration in “Black Goat Street” (黑山羊街) on Jinkai Street (金凯街), bustling with activity especially in the evenings. Notable establishments include:
  • Yipin Yang (一品羊)
  • Ashou (阿寿)
  • Puji (普济)
  • Ayidan (艾迪安)
  • Alaqiu (阿拉秋)
  • Yuanzhi (缘至)
Each offers unique characteristics and successful culinary experiences. “Puji Black Goat Restaurant” (普济黑山羊餐厅) is particularly confident in its flavors and service, evident from the numerous customer testimonials plastered on its walls, making it a must-visit for tourists. In the ancient city, smaller establishments are also present but tend to be pricier, offering a quaint environment with relaxed music—perfect for a leisurely hot pot experience, featuring places like “Naxi Black Goat” (纳西黑山羊) and “Moonlight Bar” (月光酒吧).

Hot Pot Ingredients (火锅食材)

While goat meat is the centerpiece of the hot pot, the accompanying ingredients add an extra layer of flavor. Popular choices among customers include:
  • Wild Mushrooms: Such as matsutake (松茸), porcini (牛肝菌), and agaric (鸡枞).
  • Aquatic Herbs: Like yanghua (洋花), a flexible water grass.
  • Tonghao Vegetables (茼蒿): Known for their unique taste and perfect match with goat meat.
  • Wild Yam (野生山药): A favored vegetable among locals.
  • Red-Skinned Potatoes (红皮土豆): Known as “Red Apricot Out of the Wall” (红杏出墙).