Historically, Dunhuang was a place where the people of nomadic tribes in northern China used to raise their horses, sheep and cattle. During ancient times in China, foreign and nomadic tribes were referred to as "Hu troops".

The integrated development of Han people's culture and that of "Hu people" has become a hallmark in the history of local dining culture since the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties.

Mutton braised cake has become a traditional folk cuisine of Dunhuang, and is characterized with dining traditions of "Hu people."