Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Yangzhou, China

1. Lion's Head Meatball (Shi Zhang Yew Rou),

Delicious meatball dish made from ground pork and served in a savory soy sauce. Try it at Guan Tai Lou Restaurant.

Unique Ingredients: Uses locally sourced pork, creating a distinct flavor
Historical Significance: Said to have been created during the Qing dynasty in Yangzhou
Cuisine Style: Typifies Yangzhou's traditional cuisine, known for its subtle flavors

Crispy mandarin pancakes filled with tender, succulent duck meat. Savor it at the iconic Jinlong Bridge Street.

Local Delicacy: A beloved dish in Yangzhou for generations
Presentation: Delivered on a bed of fresh vegetables, making it visually appealing
Flavor Profile: Balances sweet and savory tastes with a hint of spice

Fermented tofu served in a variety of ways, most commonly deep-fried. Give it a try at the vibrant Lihua Market.

Long, thin, deep-fried dough sticks served with soy milk or congee. Visit the bustling breakfast stalls at Slender West Lake.

Breakfast Tradition: A traditional Yangzhou breakfast dish
Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and doughy inside
Versatility: Can be enjoyed in various ways, such as soaked in soup or dipped in sauces

Shrimp marinated and cooked with fish sauce, giving them a unique flavor. Enjoy it at the scenic Tongzhou Ancient Street.

Sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with various fillings such as red bean paste or pork. Try it at the bustling Qian Xiang Market.

Traditional Snack: A traditional Chinese dish celebrated during the Dragon Boat Festival
Versatile Fillings: Offers a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes
Cultural Significance: Symbolizes unity and harmony, as each piece represents a family member sticking together

Tender eels simmered in a savory soy sauce and served with rice. Savor it at the picturesque Daming Temple.

Local Specialty: Eel is abundant in Yangzhou's rivers
Historical Connection: Daming Temple was a royal temple during the Tang dynasty
Flavor Profile: Savory and slightly sweet, with a delicate texture

Tender, slow-cooked pork belly served in a rich sauce. Try it at the elegant Dongpo Garden.

Celebrity Chef Connection: Inspired by the famous Song dynasty poet and gourmet, Su Dongpo
Slow Cooking Method: Uses a traditional slow-cooking method to tenderize the meat
Flavor Profile: Rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness

Soft and tender cakes made from glutinous rice flour, flavored with fragrant osmanthus flowers. Sample it at the quaint Tian Hou Temple.

Thin noodles stir-fried with various ingredients like shrimp, pork, and vegetables. Sample it at the lively Guan Tai Lou Restaurant.

Sticky rice cakes stir-fried with vegetables and seasonings. Try it at the bustling Qian Xiang Market.

Cold noodles served with a tangy vinegar sauce and various toppings. Enjoy it at the charming Tongzhou Ancient Street.

Local Specialty: A refreshing dish perfect for Yangzhou's hot summers
Versatile Toppings: Offers a variety of toppings such as cucumber, pickled vegetables, and peanuts
Flavor Profile: Tangy and refreshing, perfect for a quick snack

Fried dough twists coated in sugar and served with a sweet syrup. Savor it at the bustling breakfast stalls at Slender West Lake.

A warm, soothing dish made from red bean paste and served with rice. Try it at the elegant Dongpo Garden.

A whole duck salted and air-dried, preserving its unique flavor. Try it at the vibrant Lihua Market.