Dàlián Pàomó is a hearty Shaanxi bread soup. A flat, dense bread (mo) is torn into small pieces by the diner and simmered in a rich mutton or beef broth with vermicelli. The bread absorbs the flavorful broth while maintaining a satisfying chewy texture. It is Shaanxi's most beloved comfort food.
Paomo is the most iconic food of Xi'an and all of Shaanxi. The ritual of tearing the bread — each diner tears their own — is considered part of the experience. Locals judge a paomo restaurant by the quality of the broth and the bread. The best paomo uses hand-made bread with a dense, chewy texture that can absorb broth without falling apart.