Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
1. Dongpo Pork (东坡肉)
Tender and flavorful pork dish named after local poet Su Dongpo. Try it at Dongpo Pai (东坡派), a restaurant with a long history dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
- Historical Significance: Dish is named after famous local poet Su Dongpo
- Unique Cooking Technique: Cooked in a unique way using rice wine and sugar for tenderness and sweetness
- Iconic Restaurant Experience: Dongpo Pai is a historic restaurant with a rich history dating back to the Ming Dynasty
2. Drunken Shrimp (醉翁虾)
Fresh shrimp marinated in local liquor and seasonings. Best tasted at Xiangjin Restaurant (香金酒楼) overlooking the beautiful Xixi National Wetland Park.
- Unique Marination Process: Shrimp marinated in local liquor to enhance its flavor
- Scenic Restaurant Location: Overlooking the beautiful Xixi National Wetland Park
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh local shrimp
3. Longjing Tea-smoked Duck (龙井烤鸭)
Delicious duck dish smoked with Longjing tea for a unique aroma and flavor. Try it at Liangzhu Yuelu Teahouse (梁朱越lookup茶馆).
- Iconic Smoking Method: Smoked with Longjing tea, a famous and high-quality local tea
- Scenic Teahouse Experience: Located in the beautiful Liangzhu Cultural Park
- High-Quality Ingredients: Uses premium duck meat
4. Shaoxing Rice Wine (绍兴酒)
Traditional Chinese rice wine with a unique aroma and taste. Visit the Shaoxing Rice Wine Museum (绍兴酒博物馆) for a tasting tour.
- Unique Brewing Technique: Uses local yeast and rice for a unique aroma and taste
- Historical Significance: Known as the 'Chinese Wine Capital'
- Tasting Experience: Visit Shaoxing Rice Wine Museum for a guided tasting tour
5. Shaoxing Braised Fish (绍兴清炖鱼)
Tender and flavorful fish dish simmered with soy sauce and local ingredients. Try it at Xiangjin Restaurant (香金酒楼).
- Unique Ingredients: Simmered with local ingredients like bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and gingko nuts
- Scenic Restaurant Location: Overlooking the beautiful Xixi National Wetland Park
- Flavorful Broth: Simmered in a rich and flavorful broth made from soy sauce and other seasonings
6. Shaoxing Fried Noodles (绍兴炒面)
Spicy and flavorful noodle dish made with local ingredients like pickled vegetables and tofu. Try it at Laiwu Laomian (来务老面).
- Unique Noodles: Thin, hand-pulled noodles made fresh daily
- Spicy Flavor: Served with a spicy sauce for an extra kick
- Traditional Cooking Technique: Hand-pulled noodles cooked quickly over high heat
7. Shaoxing Sweet Soup (绍兴糖水)
Sweet and refreshing soup made with local ingredients like longan, red dates, and barley. Try it at Xixi Wetland Park's local snack stands.
- Unique Ingredients: Includes local ingredients like longan, red dates, and barley
- Scenic Location: Available at local snack stands in Xixi Wetland Park
- Refreshing and Healthy: A popular refreshment, believed to have health benefits
8. Shaoxing Steamed Bun (绍兴包子)
Soft and fluffy steamed bun filled with local ingredients like pork or vegetables. Try it at the night market in downtown Shaoxing.
- Unique Fillings: Filled with local ingredients like pork, vegetables, or seafood
- Scenic Location: Available at the night market in downtown Shaoxing
- Soft and Fluffy Buns: Soft, fluffy buns steamed to perfection
9. Shaoxing Stewed Duck (绍兴烤鸭)
Tender and juicy duck dish cooked slowly with local spices. Try it at Xiangjin Restaurant (香金酒楼).
- Unique Cooking Method: Cooked slowly for several hours to ensure tenderness and flavor
- Scenic Restaurant Location: Overlooking the beautiful Xixi National Wetland Park
- Juicy and Tender Meat: Slow-cooked to perfection for a tender and juicy texture
10. Shaoxing Eel Soup (绍兴鳝鱼汤)
Tasty and nourishing soup made with local eels. Try it at Xixi Wetland Park's local snack stands.
- Unique Ingredient: Made with fresh local eels
- Scenic Location: Available at local snack stands in Xixi Wetland Park
- Nourishing and Tasty: A popular and tasty soup believed to have nourishing properties
11. Shaoxing Rice Ball (绍兴粽子)
Sticky rice dumplings filled with various ingredients. Try them during the Dragon Boat Festival at local markets.
- Unique Filling: Filled with various ingredients such as pork, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp
- Traditional Festival Food: Traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival
- Sticky Rice Texture: Made with sticky rice for a unique texture
12. Shaoxing Pickled Cabbage (绍兴酱菜)
Tangy and crunchy pickled cabbage. Try it as a side dish at many local restaurants.
- Unique Preservation Method: Preserved by pickling, giving it a tangy flavor
- Crunchy Texture: Retains a crunchy texture after being pickled
- Versatile Side Dish: Can be found as a side dish in many local restaurants
13. Shaoxing Rice Cake (绍兴粥饼)
Soft and sticky rice cake served with savory sauces. Try it at Laiwu Laomian (来务老面).
- Unique Texture: Soft and sticky texture made from glutinous rice flour
- Versatile Side Dish: Can be found as a side dish in many local restaurants
- Savory Sauces: Served with various savory sauces for dipping
14. Shaoxing Mushroom Rice (绍兴蘑菇饭)
Flavorful mushroom rice dish made with local ingredients. Try it at Xiangjin Restaurant (香金酒楼).
- Unique Ingredients: Made with a variety of local mushrooms
- Scenic Restaurant Location: Overlooking the beautiful Xixi National Wetland Park
- Flavorful and Hearty: A hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a meal
15. Shaoxing Rice Wine Chicken (绍兴酒鸡)
Tender chicken dish marinated in Shaoxing rice wine and cooked to perfection. Try it at Dongpo Pai (东坡派).
- Unique Marination Process: Marinated in local Shaoxing rice wine for added flavor
- Historical Restaurant Experience: Dongpo Pai is a restaurant with a long history dating back to the Ming Dynasty
- Tender and Flavorful Meat: Cooked to perfection for tender and flavorful meat