Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Longba, Gansu, China
1. Longba Steamed Fish in Lotus Leaf
A traditional dish prepared by steaming fish wrapped in lotus leaf, retaining its natural flavor and aroma. Try it at the local market's seafood stalls.
- Fresh Ingredients: Utilizes freshly caught fish from nearby waters.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using a centuries-old local cooking technique.
- Natural Flavor Enhancement: Lotus leaf imparts a unique, subtle flavor to the fish.
2. Longba Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheongfun)
Thin rice noodles rolled around fillings such as barbecued pork and shrimp. Served with soy sauce and vinegar. Find them at local Cheongfun shops.
- Versatile Fillings: Offers a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes.
- Traditional Technique: Rolling the noodles requires skill and precision.
- Freshly Made: Each order is made fresh for optimal taste.
3. Longba Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu)
Fermented tofu with a pungent aroma, deep-fried until crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Available at street food stalls.
- Unique Aroma: Unforgettable strong smell that is characteristic of stinky tofu.
- Crispy Texture: Contrast between the crispy exterior and the smooth, creamy interior.
- Spicy Variations: Serving options include spicy chili oil for those who enjoy a kick.
4. Longba's Boiled Pork Dumplings (Shuijiao)
Soft dumpling skin wrapped around ground pork filling, boiled to perfection. Try them at local dumpling restaurants.
- Tender Skin: Thin and delicate dumpling skin that melts in your mouth.
- Flavorful Filling: Seasoned pork filling that is juicy and flavorful.
- Broth Dipping: Dip the dumplings in a light, flavorful broth for added taste.
5. Longba's Barbecued Squid on a Stick
Fresh squid grilled over an open flame, served with a sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for snacking at night markets.
- Fresh Ingredients: Utilizes locally caught squid.
- Quick Cooking: Grilled quickly to ensure tenderness and chewiness.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: A tangy sauce that complements the savory flavor of the squid.
6. Longba's Salt-baked Chicken (Yang Rou Peng)
Whole chicken seasoned with salt and baked in a clay oven. The result is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Enjoy it at local restaurants.
- Simplicity: Minimal seasoning allows the natural flavors of the chicken to shine.
- Cooking Method: Baking in a clay oven locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
- Sharing Dish: Perfect for group dining, as it is served whole.
7. Longba's Tofu Pudding (Doufu Na)
Soft tofu mixed with a sweet syrup and tapioca pearls. A popular dessert found in tea houses.
- Smooth Texture: Creamy, smooth tofu pudding.
- Tapioca Pearls: Chewy tapioca pearls add texture and flavor.
- Sweet Syrup: Lightly sweet syrup complements the tofu.
8. Longba's Red Bean Paste Buns (Dou Fu Nao)
Soft steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste. Enjoy them at local bakeries.
- Soft Bread: Soft, fluffy bread encasing the filling.
- Traditional Filling: Homemade red bean paste made from locally grown red beans.
- Portable Snack: Easy to carry and perfect for a quick bite on-the-go.
9. Longba's Spicy Sour Soup (Suan La Tang)
A hearty soup with a blend of spices, sour flavors, and various ingredients like pork and tofu. Try it at local eateries.
- Warming Soup: Helps to warm the body during cooler weather.
- Spicy and Sour Combo: The combination of spiciness and sourness creates a unique flavor profile.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with protein-rich ingredients like pork and tofu.
10. Longba's Stir-fried Green Vegetables (Chao Cai)
A simple dish featuring locally grown green vegetables stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce. Available at local restaurants.
- Fresh Ingredients: Utilizes fresh, locally grown vegetables.
- Minimal Cooking: Quick stir-frying retains the natural flavors and nutrients of the vegetables.
- Versatile Dish: Can be served as a side dish or a main course depending on the portion size.
11. Longba's Fried Rice (Cha Fan)
Fluffy rice stir-fried with ingredients like scrambled eggs, vegetables, and sometimes seafood. Available at local restaurants.
- Fluffy Rice: Soft, well-cooked rice that is easy to eat.
- Versatile Ingredients: Can be customized with various ingredients based on preference.
- Quick Meal: A quick, filling meal that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
12. Longba's Grilled Pork Skewers (Chuan Rou)
Tender pork pieces marinated in soy sauce and grilled over an open flame. Perfect for snacking at night markets.
- Tender Meat: Tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
- Marinated Flavor: The marinade infuses the pork with a rich, savory flavor.
- Portable Snack: Easy to eat while walking around the night market.
13. Longba's Pickled Vegetables (Suan Cai)
Various vegetables pickled in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices. Perfect as a side dish at meals.
- Preservation Method: Pickling helps to preserve the vegetables for longer shelf life.
- Spicy Flavor: The pickled vegetables have a tangy, spicy flavor.
- Health Benefits: Pickling retains the nutrients of the vegetables while adding probiotics from fermentation.
14. Longba's Sweet Potato Pancakes (Tang Bao)
Thin pancakes made from sweet potato dough, fried until crispy and served with a sweet syrup. Available at street food stalls.
- Unique Ingredient: Sweet potato gives the pancakes a unique flavor and texture.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior contrasts with the soft, tender interior.
- Sweet Dessert: A sweet dessert that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
15. Longba's Mushroom and Tofu Hotpot (Dongpo Huoguo)
A hot pot dish featuring various types of mushrooms, tofu, and other ingredients in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cold winter nights.
- Warming Dish: Helps to warm the body during colder weather.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with mushrooms and tofu, both rich in nutrients.
- Social Dining: A communal dish that encourages social interaction during dining.