Donkey Burger

The donkey burger is a cherished sandwich originating from Baoding and Hejian in Hebei Province, China. This local delicacy has also garnered a following in other regions of China, particularly in the northeast.

But what exactly is a donkey burger? It consists of chopped or shredded donkey meat—or occasionally offal—nestled inside a roasted, semi-flaky bread pocket known as huǒshāo or shao bing. This delectable treat can be enjoyed as a quick snack or as part of a larger meal, frequently accompanied by green chili peppers and cilantro leaves for added flavor.

There are two primary styles of donkey burgers:

1. Baoding Style: In this version, the meat is served hot inside a round huoshao.

2. Hejian Style: Here, the meat is served cold in a rectangular huoshao.

Donkey burgers are popular as street food, but they also feature on the menus of upscale restaurants. This dish boasts a rich history, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Locals in Baoding and Hebei have an expression that highlights the dish's revered status: "In Heaven, there is dragon meat; on Earth, there is donkey meat."