Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Hengzhou, China
1. Hengzhou Steamed Fish in Ginger and Green Onions
A classic Hengzhou dish featuring fresh fish steamed with ginger and green onions, offering a delicate balance of flavors. Try it at Xingyuan Restaurant.
- Fresh Ingredients: Locally-sourced fish ensures the freshest taste.
- Simple Preparation: Minimal seasoning lets the fresh fish flavors shine.
- Healthy Option: Steaming is a healthier cooking method compared to frying.
2. Lion's Head Meatballs in Sweet and Sour Sauce
Large, tender meatballs made from pork and served in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Find them at the famous Zhongshan Road Snack Street.
- Giant Size: The meatballs are larger than average, making them more filling.
- Balanced Taste: A perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors complements the meaty taste.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoying the dish at a bustling street food market adds to its charm.
3. Hengzhou Style Fried Rice with Dried Shrimp
Fluffy fried rice seasoned with dried shrimp and fragrant wok hei. Savor it at the bustling Yongfu Street Food Market.
- Use of Dried Shrimp: The addition of dried shrimp adds umami flavor to the dish.
- Wok Hei Aroma: The wok-fried rice has a distinctive smoky aroma that is hard to forget.
- Versatile Meal: Fried rice can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side, making it a convenient meal option.
4. Hengzhou Braised Pork Belly
Tender pork belly slow-cooked in a savory soy sauce and sugar broth. Visit the renowned Guanyin Tang for this dish.
- Slow Cooking Process: The slow cooking process ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly.
- Savory Sauce: The savory sauce is a delightful accompaniment to the dish.
- Comfort Food: This hearty dish offers ultimate comfort on a chilly Hengzhou evening.
5. Hengzhou Fried Noodles with Pickled Vegetables
Fried noodles tossed with pickled vegetables and a savory sauce. Find them at the lively Liugong Lane Food Market.
- Crisp Texture: The crispy noodles provide a nice contrast to the soft pickled vegetables.
- Tangy Flavor: The tangy flavor of the pickled vegetables adds an interesting twist.
- Quick Service: These noodles are prepared quickly, making them a great option for a quick meal.
6. Hengzhou Salted Duck
Whole duck that is salt-cured and roasted to perfection. Experience it at the historic Xiaoyaojiang Alley.
- Salt Curing Process: The salt curing process enhances the flavor of the duck.
- Perfect Roast: A perfectly roasted duck is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Shared Experience: Sharing a whole duck with friends and family creates a memorable dining experience.
7. Hengzhou Steamed Pork Buns
Soft steamed buns filled with tender pork. Try them at the famous Xingren Snack Bar.
- Soft Bun: The soft, delicate bun wraps around the savory pork filling.
- Tender Pork Filling: The tender pork filling is seasoned to perfection, making each bite delicious.
- Quick Snack: These buns make a convenient, tasty snack option.
8. Hengzhou Stir-Fried Water Shield
Crispy stir-fried water shield (a type of aquatic fern) with a spicy garlic sauce. Savor it at the bustling Yongfu Street Food Market.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of the water shield is delightful.
- Spicy Garlic Sauce: The spicy garlic sauce adds a kick to the dish.
- Healthy Option: Water shield is a nutritious vegetable that's low in calories.
9. Hengzhou Pancakes with Shrimp and Green Onions
Thin pancakes filled with shrimp and green onions, served with a savory dipping sauce. Try them at the popular Zhongshan Road Snack Street.
- Thin Pancake: The thin pancakes are delicate and easy to roll up.
- Fresh Shrimp: The fresh shrimp adds a satisfying crunch.
- Shared Experience: Rolling the pancake up and sharing bites with friends and family is fun!
10. Hengzhou Soy Milk Pudding
Smooth soy milk pudding served cold. Find it at the historic Xiaoyaojiang Alley.
- Cold Treat: The chilled dessert is refreshing on a hot day.
- Smooth Texture: The smooth texture of the pudding melts in your mouth.
- Healthy Option: Soy milk is a good source of protein and calcium, making this dessert nutritious.
11. Hengzhou Sesame Balls
Sweet sesame balls filled with red bean paste. Enjoy them at the famous Xingren Snack Bar.
- Sweet Treat: The sweet, sticky dessert is a delightful end to a meal.
- Red Bean Paste Filling: The red bean paste filling adds a rich flavor to the sesame balls.
- Portable Snack: These treats are easy to carry and enjoy on the go.
12. Hengzhou Steamed Dumplings with Pork and Cabbage
Soft dumplings filled with a savory pork and cabbage mixture. Find them at the bustling Yongfu Street Food Market.
- Soft Dumpling: The soft, tender dumpling skin encases the flavorful filling.
- Savory Filling: The savory pork and cabbage filling is delicious.
- Shared Experience: Sharing dumplings with friends and family is a fun tradition.
13. Hengzhou Spicy Cucumber Salad
Refreshing cucumber salad tossed with a spicy chili oil. Find it at the lively Liugong Lane Food Market.
- Cool and Spicy: The cool cucumber is balanced by the spiciness of the chili oil.
- Quick Snack: This refreshing salad makes a quick, tasty side dish.
- Healthy Option: Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making this dish hydrating.
14. Hengzhou Barley Congee
Warm, creamy rice porridge made with barley. Perfect for a comforting breakfast at the historic Xiaoyaojiang Alley.
- Comfort Food: The warm, soothing congee is perfect for cold mornings.
- Healthy Option: Barley is a good source of fiber and helps keep you feeling full longer.
- Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients like pork, eggs, or pickled vegetables to personalize your congee.
15. Hengzhou Fried Glutinous Rice Balls
Golden brown glutinous rice balls filled with sweet red bean paste. Enjoy them at the popular Zhongshan Road Snack Street.
- Sweet Treat: The sweet, sticky dessert is a delicious end to a meal.
- Golden Brown Texture: The golden brown exterior gives way to the soft, gooey filling.
- Portable Snack: These treats are easy to carry and enjoy on the go.