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

1. Jilin Rice Noodles (吉林米线)

A popular dish that showcases Jilin's agricultural wealth. Made with thin rice noodles, vegetables, and a variety of sauces.

A traditional New Year's Day dish made with azuki beans, fruits, and various grains.

Cultural Significance: Served on Chinese New Year for its auspicious meaning.
Health Benefits: Rich in fiber and antioxidants from the fruits and beans.
Comfort Food: Warm and nourishing, perfect for cold Jilin winters.

A must-try dish for barbecue lovers. Features various types of meats, skewered and grilled over an open flame.

Flavorful Options: Diverse selection of marinated meats to choose from.
Social Experience: Ideal for group dining, promoting friendly interaction and conversation.
Freshness Guaranteed: Meats are usually locally sourced and prepared daily.

Delicate and flavorful crabs caught from the famous Changbai Hot Springs.

Fresh Seafood: Caught directly from the hot spring waters.
Health Benefits: Rich in minerals and nutrients from the hot spring waters.
Seasonal Availability: Available only during specific seasons, adding to its allure.

A tangy and flavorful side dish made from fermented cabbage and sesame seeds.

Traditional Preparation: Prepared using age-old techniques.
Long Shelf Life: Can be stored for months, perfect for travelers with limited time.
Versatile Use: Serves as a great accompaniment to many dishes.

A hearty and nourishing soup made with tender mutton and various vegetables.

Warming Qualities: Ideal for cold Jilin winters due to its warming properties.
Authentic Taste: Made with locally raised mutton, ensuring an authentic taste.
Health Benefits: Rich in protein and minerals.

A pickled fish dish with a unique sour flavor, often served cold.

Preservation Method: Fish is pickled using traditional methods to preserve it.
Adaptable Flavors: Can be flavored with various spices and seasonings.
Refreshing Taste: Ideal for hot summer days, offering a refreshing taste.

Tasty and tender venison skewers, a popular street food in Jilin.

A popular hot pot dish made with wild boar meat and an array of vegetables.

Exotic Meat: Offers a unique taste compared to domestic pork.
Social Experience: Ideal for group dining, promoting friendly interaction and conversation.
Nourishing and Warming: Perfect for cold Jilin winters due to its warming properties.

A traditional dish featuring tender and flavorful stewed duck served with rice.

Local Ingredients: Uses ducks raised locally.
Long Cooking Time: Requires a long cooking time to ensure tender, flavorful meat.
Comfort Food: A hearty and comforting dish for cold Jilin winters.

A refreshing and healthy drink made from sweetened barley.

Fried dumplings filled with a savory meat and vegetable filling.

Soft and tender lamb stewed in a flavorful sauce.

Locally Sourced: Uses lamb raised locally.
Long Cooking Time: Requires a long cooking time to ensure tender, flavorful meat.
Comfort Food: A hearty and comforting dish for cold Jilin winters.

A strong and aromatic alcoholic beverage made from barley.

Traditional Beverage: Has been enjoyed for centuries in Jilin.
Strength and Flavor: Offers a strong, flavorful taste due to its high alcohol content.
Warming Qualities: Ideal for cold Jilin winters due to its warming properties.

Tender and succulent pork belly stewed in a savory sauce.

Locally Sourced: Uses pork raised locally.
Long Cooking Time: Requires a long cooking time to ensure tender, flavorful meat.
Comfort Food: A hearty and comforting dish for cold Jilin winters.