Donkey Burger (Lürou Huoshao)

What is a donkey burger?

Lǘròu huǒshāo is a sandwich of chopped or shredded donkey meat or offal stuffed into a huǒshāo, a roasted, semi-flaky bread pocket.[1] It is eaten as a snack or as part of a meal.[1]

Where in China is it eaten?

It is a local specialty of Baoding and Hejian in Hebei province.[1] It can also be found elsewhere in China, especially in the northeast.[1]

How it is made and eaten

1. Bake a huoshao bread pocket. Baoding style uses round huoshao, and Hejian style uses rectangular ones.[1]
2. Chop or shred cooked donkey meat.[1]
3. Fill the warm bread. Baoding style uses hot meat, while Hejian style puts cold meat in warm bread.[1]
4. Add green chili pepper and coriander, which both styles often include.[1]

What does it taste like?

We did not find a reliable published tasting description to quote, so we are not inventing one.

History and culture

The donkey burger has been traced to the Ming dynasty.[1] Baoding and the rest of Hebei have a well-known saying: "In Heaven there is dragon meat, on Earth there is donkey meat" (天上龙肉，地上驴肉).[1] It is a popular street food and also appears on high-end restaurant menus.[1]

Where to try it in China

Baoding and Hejian in Hebei, for the two classic styles.[1]

How to order it

Donkey burger is lǘròu huǒshāo (驴肉火烧). Add green chili with jiā qīngjiāo (加青椒).

How much does it cost?

Donkey meat prices have risen in recent years as China's donkey numbers have fallen sharply.[1] We have not verified a current price.

🎥 Watch us find it

We have not published verified footage of donkey burger (lürou huoshao) yet. See all our China street-food videos.

FAQ

Is a donkey burger really made with donkey?

Yes. It is chopped or shredded donkey meat or offal in a roasted bread pocket.

What is the difference between Baoding and Hejian style?

Baoding style uses round bread and hot meat. Hejian style uses rectangular bread and cold meat.

Where is the donkey burger from?

Baoding and Hejian in Hebei province.

What does the saying about dragon meat mean?

"In Heaven there is dragon meat, on Earth there is donkey meat" praises donkey as the best meat on Earth.

How old is the donkey burger?

It has been traced to the Ming dynasty.