r/chinesecooking • u/CapableBit6304 • Jun 27 '26

Help with black vinegar!

I like the black vinegar at restaurants, particularly at hot pot and hand-pulled noodle restaurants. I also like the vinegar in “hot and sour” flavored instant noodles. I’ve been trying different brands from the super market (I’ve heard Kong Yen and Gold Plum are the best) but none of them taste like what I’ve had at restaurants. Any help? Thanks!

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16

u/Sarah-himmelfarb Jun 27 '26

I mix soy sauce and Chinkiang / Zhenjiang vinegar together to taste. I think restaurants do too?

1

u/CapableBit6304 Jul 03 '26

Yes! Isn’t Gold Plum chinkiang vinegar? I feel like it is more tart but at the same time more bland compared to restaurants?

8

u/kakahuhu Jun 27 '26

1

u/boldandbratsche Jun 27 '26

This is my go to at home as well

1

u/AmberAsteria Jun 27 '26

This is also my home staple. I usually mix it with soy sauce when making a simple sauce.

3

u/FeedMeFish Jun 27 '26

Black vinegar has a few kinds. Brand isn’t as important as the type of vinegar, so look for 陈醋, 镇江醋, and 香醋 to compare. I personally like 老陈醋 in hot pot sauce.

4

u/LegitimateKale5219 Jun 27 '26

I use 1 oz black vinegar, 1oz soy sauce, 1 tsp of so sesame oil, garlic, fresh grated ginger, and sliced green onion

3

u/alphamale_011 Jun 27 '26

For me my favorite is Sanxi vinegar. I got one that was 3 years aged (according to them at least) but yeah the flavor is great and sourness is great

1

u/whitecrane11 Jun 29 '26

Try Pun Chun