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

1. Kuqiang Pork

Delicious spicy pork dish from Dunhua, served with fresh vegetables and steamed buns.

Spiciness Level: Can be adjusted according to personal preference.
Freshness of Ingredients: High-quality local pork and fresh vegetables ensure a mouthwatering taste.
Cultural Significance: Traditional dish that represents the rich culinary heritage of Dunhua.

Refreshing cold noodle dish made with hand-pulled noodles and various toppings.

Hand-Pulled Noodles: Freshly prepared noodles that ensure a unique texture.
Variety of Toppings: Wide selection of toppings like pickled vegetables and spicy sauce to customize your dish.
Cooling Effect: Ideal for hot summer days, providing a refreshing sensation.

Healing porridge made with three grains (rice, barley, and millet) from the Sanjiang Plain.

Three Grains Blend: The combination of three local grains offers a unique taste and nutritional benefits.
Healing Properties: Believed to have medicinal properties, helping to strengthen the body.
Local Produce: Ingredients are sourced from local farmers in Sanjiang Plain.

Famous stinky tofu dish with a unique flavor and crispy texture.

Strong Aroma: Bold, pungent smell that is an acquired taste.
Crispy Texture: Deep-fried tofu cubes offer a satisfying crunch when you bite into them.
Local Specialty: A must-try for any visitor exploring the local cuisine of Dunhua.

Tasty kebabs made with locally raised lamb and seasoned with traditional spices.

High-Quality Lamb: Using local livestock that graze on the grasslands of Dunhua.
Traditional Spices: Infused with cumin, garlic, and coriander for a distinct flavor.
Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish while strolling through the vibrant streets of Dunhua.

Hotpot made with locally sourced wild boar meat and a variety of vegetables.

Wild Boar Meat: Gamey flavor that sets it apart from regular pork hotpots.
Cooking Method: Simmered in a pot filled with broth, creating an intense and savory taste.
Social Experience: A communal meal that brings people together while sharing stories and laughter.

Fluffy rice dish mixed with a variety of local mushrooms for a hearty meal.

Local Mushrooms: Foraged from the surrounding forests, offering unique flavors.
Cooking Technique: The rice is slowly cooked in a clay pot to absorb the flavor of the mushrooms.
Vegetarian Option: Perfect for vegetarians who want to enjoy local cuisine without meat.

Fresh fish steamed with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce for a simple yet delicious meal.

Freshness of Ingredients: Using only the freshest fish caught daily.
Simplicity in Preparation: Steaming enhances the natural flavor of the fish without overpowering it.
Healthy Choice: A light and healthy option for those watching their calorie intake.

Rich and hearty soup made with locally raised mutton and various vegetables.

High-Quality Mutton: Using local livestock that graze on the grasslands of Dunhua.
Slow Cooking: Simmered for hours to create a thick and flavorful broth.
Cultural Significance: A comforting dish that represents the rich culinary heritage of Dunhua.

Traditional dumplings filled with minced pork and vegetables, pan-fried to perfection.

Handmade Dumplings: Each dumpling is carefully crafted by skilled local chefs.
Crispy Bottom: The pan-fried bottom offers a satisfying crunch with each bite.
Filling Options: Choose from various fillings like pork, vegetables, or mushrooms.

Nourishing barley tea served hot or cold, depending on the season.

Local Produce: Barley is grown and harvested in the surrounding fields.
Health Benefits: Barley tea has numerous health benefits, including promoting digestion and reducing stress.
Cultural Significance: A popular drink enjoyed throughout the region for centuries.

Tender lamb skewers marinated in a flavorful sauce and grilled over an open flame.

High-Quality Lamb: Using local livestock that graze on the grasslands of Dunhua.
Flavorful Marinade: Infused with traditional spices like cumin and garlic for a distinctive taste.
Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish while strolling through the vibrant streets of Dunhua.

Fresh salad made with various wild herbs foraged from the surrounding forests.

Local Produce: Wild herbs are sourced from the forests of Dunhua.
Refreshing Flavor: The unique combination of wild herbs offers a refreshing and invigorating taste.
Health Benefits: Wild herbs are rich in vitamins and minerals, making this a nutritious dish.

Sweet sticky rice balls filled with red bean paste and coated in sesame seeds.

Traditional Pastry: A popular sweet treat that has been enjoyed for generations.
Sweet and Nutty Flavor: The combination of sticky rice, red bean paste, and sesame seeds creates a delightful flavor.
Portable Snack: Perfect for snacking on the go or as a dessert after a meal.

Tangy and savory fermented soybeans, often served as a side dish.

Local Ingredient: Soybeans are grown and harvested in the region.
Fermentation Process: The fermentation process enhances the flavors and texture of the soybeans.
Health Benefits: Fermented soybeans are rich in protein and probiotics, promoting gut health.