
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
1. Xiangyu Cake (象鱼饼)
A famous local snack made from rice flour and sugar, shaped like a fish. It's crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- Traditional Recipe: Preserves an age-old recipe passed down through generations.
- Unique Shape: Distinctive fish shape adds to its local charm.
- Deliciousness: Its crispy-soft texture and sweet flavor make it a must-try.
2. Fish Ball Noodles (鱼球面)
A popular street food consisting of chewy fish balls in a spicy broth served with noodles.
- Spiciness: The broth's spiciness sets it apart from other noodle dishes.
- Fish Balls: Handmade fish balls are a unique and tasty feature.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy it at bustling street food stalls for an authentic experience.
3. Dongting Lake Crab (洞庭湖蟹)
Delicious crab caught from Dongting Lake known for its sweet and tender meat.
- Freshness: Crabs are freshly caught from the nearby lake.
- Preparation Methods: Various cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, and stir-frying showcase its flavor.
- Local Specialty: Considered one of the best crabs in Jiangxi Province.
4. Gongfu Tea (工夫茶)
Traditional Chinese tea made with a specific brewing process that emphasizes the tea's flavor.
- Artisanal Skills: Requires skilled Gongfu tea masters to prepare.
- Precise Brewing Process: Involves a precise brewing process that brings out the tea's full flavor.
- Cultural Experience: Provides an immersive cultural experience in tea appreciation.
5. Ganji Shrimp (干鸡虾)
Salt-cured shrimps with a unique umami flavor that are popular in Jiujiang.
- Preservation Method: Traditional salt-curing method preserves the shrimp's taste for a long time.
- Umami Flavor: Its distinctive umami flavor sets it apart from other seafood.
- Local Ingredient: Uses locally sourced shrimp, making it a regional specialty.
6. Shui Zhu Yu (水煮鱼)
A steamed fish dish cooked with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce, showcasing the freshness of the fish.
- Simplicity: Its simplicity lets the fresh fish's flavor shine.
- Cooking Technique: Steaming preserves the fish's natural moisture and flavor.
- Freshness: Fish is typically very fresh due to Jiujiang's location near the sea.
7. Baiquan Dan Gao (白诛廣餡)
A traditional rice cake made during the Lantern Festival, filled with sweet red bean paste.
- Traditional Recipe: Preserves an age-old recipe from the Qing Dynasty.
- Festival Food: A traditional food enjoyed during the Lantern Festival.
- Unique Sweetness: The sweet red bean paste filling adds a unique twist to its taste.
8. Xiangyu Jiaozi (象鱼饺子)
A dumpling filled with fish paste and vegetables, often served during the Chinese New Year.
- Traditional Recipe: A traditional dish made during Chinese New Year.
- Fish Paste Filling: Uses Xiangyu Cake fish paste as its filling, giving it a unique flavor.
- Cultural Significance: Symbolizes prosperity and abundance in Chinese culture.
9. Jiujiang Beef (九江牛肉)
Tender beef slices cooked with fresh local vegetables and spices, served in a hot pot.
- Tenderness: The beef is sliced thin and is very tender.
- Fresh Local Ingredients: Uses fresh local vegetables and spices.
- Hot Pot Experience: Enjoy the dish in a hot pot for an interactive dining experience.
10. Jiujiang Fried Rice (九江炒饭)
A flavorful fried rice dish made with local ingredients such as shrimp and vegetables.
- Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced seafood and vegetables.
- Flavor Combinations: Features unique flavor combinations not found in other regions.
- Authenticity: Offers an authentic taste of Jiujiang's local cuisine.
11. Jiujiang Noodles (九江面)
Thick hand-pulled noodles served with a variety of sauces and toppings.
- Hand-Pulled Noodles: Noodles are hand-pulled, giving them a unique texture.
- Variety of Toppings: Offers numerous toppings such as vegetables, meats, and sauces.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the noodles at street vendors for a truly local experience.
12. Jiujiang Snacks (九江小吃)
Assortment of local snacks such as deep-fried dough sticks, candies, and sweet potatoes.
- Local Variety: Features a diverse range of local snack options.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy these snacks at street vendors for an authentic experience.
- Affordability: Most snacks are affordable and make great souvenirs.
13. Jiujiang Congee (九江粥)
A hearty rice porridge made with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, and meats.
- Hearty Comfort Food: Provides a comforting and filling meal option.
- Local Ingredients: Uses fresh local seafood, vegetables, and meats.
- Variety of Flavors: Offers a wide variety of flavors and toppings to choose from.
14. Jiujiang Sausage (九江腊肉)
A traditional local sausage made with pork and various spices.
- Traditional Recipe: Preserves an age-old recipe passed down through generations.
- Unique Spiciness: Features a unique blend of spices that give it a distinctive flavor.
- Local Specialty: Considered one of the best local sausages in Jiangxi Province.
15. Jiujiang Sweet Osmanthus Cake (九江桂花饼)
A traditional cake made with glutinous rice flour, osmanthus flowers, and sugar.
- Traditional Recipe: Preserves an age-old recipe from the Ming Dynasty.
- Unique Flavor: Features a sweet and fragrant osmanthus flavor.
- Cultural Significance: A popular dessert during the Mid-Autumn Festival.