There are various accounts of the origin of Shaxian Snacks, with the most widely accepted theory being that it originated from the snacks of the ancient Han people of the Central Plains and was introduced to Shaxian through several migrations southward. According to genealogical surveys, residents of various surnames in the Shaxian area are descendants of Han people who migrated from provinces such as Henan, Shanxi, and Hebei.
However, regardless of its origin, Shaxian Snacks perfectly embodies two aspects of Chinese snacks: refinement and convenience. The term "refinement" refers to the creation of relatively exquisite and elaborate food within a limited time. The "Bian Rou" (a type of wonton) in Shaxian Snacks particularly exemplifies this "refinement." It is reported that the filling for Bian Rou is mostly pounded with a wooden mallet. To turn each portion of lean meat into filling for Bian Rou, it requires about ten thousand strikes of the mallet. This repeated pounding makes the meat more tender and chewy, and also creates the unique flavor of Shaxian Bian Rou.
As for convenience, it goes without saying. For office workers who need a quick meal, they can casually walk into any Shaxian restaurant, and the food will be served within ten minutes. With a few bites, the entire meal can be finished in 20 minutes, saving both time and money.