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

1. Laojiao Pork Belly (老礪猪肉)

A famous Benxi dish made with tender pork belly slow-cooked in soy sauce and sugar, served with pickled vegetables.

Unique Ingredients: Uses locally sourced pork from surrounding farms.
Traditional Preparation: Follows a centuries-old recipe passed down through generations.
Aromatic Flavor: Distinctive, rich aroma and taste that sets it apart from other pork belly dishes.

A comforting rice porridge cooked with red beans, glutinous rice, and Chinese yam, often served during the Lantern Festival.

Local Tradition: Celebrated during Lunar New Year festivities in Benxi.
Nutritious and Hearty: Incorporates traditional Chinese ingredients with high nutritional value.
Warmth and Comfort: Satisfying and warming dish that brings people together during the festive season.

Fresh rice noodles served with stir-fried vegetables and meat in a savory sauce.

Fresh Ingredients: Uses locally grown rice for the noodles.
Scenic Atmosphere: Located near Xiaowan Mountain, offering a beautiful backdrop while dining.
Versatile Toppings: Offers various toppings, allowing you to customize your meal according to preference.

Delicate fish cooked with fresh ginger and green onions, served in a steaming basket.

Fresh Seafood: Uses freshly caught fish from the nearby coast.
Simplicity and Taste: Keeps the flavors simple, allowing the natural taste of the fish to shine through.
Healthy Dining Option: Steamed cooking retains essential nutrients while maintaining a light and flavorful dish.

Fresh oysters harvested from the mountains of Benxi and prepared in various ways, such as grilled or stir-fried.

Unique Origin: Oysters are harvested from the mountain streams instead of the ocean.
Taste and Texture: Offers a unique taste and texture compared to traditional oysters.
Sustainable Harvesting: Harvested in a way that preserves the ecosystem and promotes sustainable practices.

Stir-fried noodles with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, meat, and tofu.

Versatility: Offers numerous ingredient combinations to cater to different tastes.
Quick and Convenient: Can be found at street food stalls for a quick, affordable meal on-the-go.
Spicy Options: Some vendors offer spicy versions for those who enjoy the heat.

Soft and delicate tofu pudding served cold, often sweetened with sugar syrup.

Local Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally sourced soybeans for the tofu.
Refreshing Dessert: Ideal for cooling down on hot summer days.
Traditional Preparation: Prepared using methods passed down through generations.

Freshly made soy milk served hot or cold, sometimes with added sugar.

Healthy Beverage: A nutritious and filling drink that's low in fat.
Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods, preserving the natural flavors of the soybeans.
Versatile Ingredient: Can be used as a base for other dishes or enjoyed on its own.

Ducks cured with salt and spices for several days before being slow-cooked.

Traditional Preservation: A traditional method of preserving food in Benxi.
Tender and Flavorful: The salt curing process results in tender, flavorful meat.
Local Sourcing: Uses locally raised ducks for the dish.

Assorted skewers of meat and vegetables cooked on a barbecue grill.

Scenic Atmosphere: Enjoy the dish while taking in the beautiful views of the mountains.
Social Dining Experience: A social experience, sharing plates and conversation with friends or family.
Variety of Flavors: Offers a variety of meat and vegetable options to suit different tastes.

Fluffy fried rice cooked with a mix of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and sometimes seafood.

Versatile Ingredients: Offers numerous ingredient combinations to cater to different tastes.
Quick and Convenient: Can be found at street food stalls for a quick, affordable meal on-the-go.
Spicy Options: Some vendors offer spicy versions for those who enjoy the heat.

Fresh seaweed harvested from mountain streams and served as a side dish or snack.

Unique Origin: Seaweed is harvested from the mountain streams instead of the ocean.
Nutritious and Refreshing: A nutrient-rich, refreshing snack that's perfect for warm days.
Sustainable Harvesting: Harvested in a way that preserves the ecosystem and promotes sustainable practices.

Variety of locally grown mushrooms prepared in various dishes like stir-fries and soups.

Unique Ingredients: Uses a variety of local mushrooms not commonly found elsewhere.
Taste and Texture: Offers unique taste and texture compared to other types of mushrooms.
Health Benefits: Known for their medicinal properties and health benefits.

Traditional rice wine brewed in Benxi using local ingredients.

Unique Flavor Profile: Develops a distinct flavor profile due to the use of locally sourced rice and ingredients.
Cultural Experience: A chance to immerse oneself in local culture by participating in wine-making workshops.
Alcohol Content: Offers a stronger alcohol content compared to some other rice wines.

Fresh vegetables grown on the mountainsides of Benxi, used in a variety of dishes.

Unique Taste: Develops a unique taste due to the mountain soil and climate.
Freshness and Quality: Harvested at their peak freshness, ensuring high-quality flavors.
Sustainable Farming Practices: Grown using sustainable farming methods that preserve the local environment.