Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Huainan, China
1. Huainan Xiaotongyuan
A traditional Huainan snack made from glutinous rice flour and peanuts, shaped like turtles. Solves the challenge of satisfying sweet and savory cravings.
- Unique Shape: Turtle-shaped snack that is not commonly found in other regions
- Traditional Recipe: Prepared according to a centuries-old recipe passed down through generations
- Ideal Snack: Perfect for quick, on-the-go snacking or as a souvenir
2. Tangcu Yuezi
Deep-fried glutinous rice balls filled with red bean paste. Solves the challenge of offering a satisfying and flavorful dessert.
- Filling: Red bean paste filling adds a sweet and aromatic touch
- Crispy Exterior: Golden, crispy exterior contrasts with the soft and gooey interior
- Street Food: Commonly found at street food stalls for easy access and affordable pricing
3. Zhao Huang Tongyuan
Golden glutinous rice balls served in a sweet ginger soup. Solves the challenge of offering a comforting and warming dish.
- Sweet Ginger Soup: Warm, soothing ginger broth complements the chewy rice balls
- Comfort Food: Ideal for chilly days or when feeling under the weather
- Traditional Medicine Properties: Ginger is believed to have medicinal properties, helping with digestion and immune system support
4. Fenghuang Tang
A fragrant tea made from a blend of several types of flowers. Solves the challenge of offering a refreshing and aromatic beverage.
- Floral Blend: Unique combination of jasmine, osmanthus, and other flowers
- Refreshing: Serves as a refresher on hot summer days or after spicy meals
- Local Artistry: Crafted by skilled artisans in Huainan, showcasing local tea culture
5. Huainan Laobing
Steamed bun filled with braised pork belly. Solves the challenge of offering a filling and flavorful meal.
- Tender Pork Filling: Tender, juicy pork belly is slow-cooked to perfection
- Steamed Bun: Soft, fluffy steamed bun provides the perfect wrapper for the filling
- Street Food: Found at street food stalls and restaurants for quick, affordable dining
6. Liu'an Guapian
A type of green tea known for its delicate taste and health benefits. Solves the challenge of offering a healthy beverage option.
- Green Tea Leaves: Young, tender leaves are carefully picked and processed to preserve their freshness
- Health Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and known for its ability to aid digestion
- Local Artisanal Tea: Crafted by skilled tea masters, demonstrating the art of Liu'an tea production
7. Huainan Zongzi
Rice dumplings filled with various ingredients like pork, mushrooms, and red beans. Solves the challenge of offering a festive dish during Dragon Boat Festival.
- Variety of Fillings: Different fillings cater to various taste preferences
- Traditional Wrap: Tied using bamboo leaves, preserving the traditional method of preparing zongzi
- Festive Dish: A must-try during Dragon Boat Festival celebrations in Huainan
8. Huainan Youyang Noodles
Thin noodles served with a clear broth and various toppings like pickled vegetables and minced pork. Solves the challenge of offering a hearty and flavorful meal.
- Thin Noodles: Delicate, thin noodles that are easy to slurp and enjoy
- Clear Broth: Refreshing broth with a light flavor profile
- Local Cuisine: Represents Huainan's unique culinary traditions and flavors
9. Huainan Baozi
Steamed buns filled with meat or vegetable filling. Solves the challenge of offering a quick and tasty snack.
- Variety of Fillings: Both meat and vegetarian options available to cater to various dietary preferences
- Steamed Bun: Soft, fluffy steamed bun provides a tasty wrapper for the filling
- Street Food: Found at street food stalls and restaurants for quick, affordable dining
10. Huainan Tangcu Ding
Deep-fried glutinous rice balls filled with red bean paste and covered in sesame seeds. Solves the challenge of offering a sweet and crunchy dessert.
- Sesame Seeds: Golden, crunchy exterior covered with sesame seeds
- Red Bean Paste Filling: Soft, gooey red bean paste filling adds a sweet and aromatic touch
- Street Food: Commonly found at street food stalls for easy access and affordable pricing
11. Huainan Zhenzi
Sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. Solves the challenge of offering a filling and savory dish.
- Bamboo Leaves: Steamed using traditional bamboo wrapping technique
- Sticky Rice: Chewy and flavorful, providing a satisfying meal
- Local Ingredients: Prepared using locally-sourced bamboo leaves and sticky rice
12. Huainan Xiangcun Jidan
Fresh eggs from free-range chickens. Solves the challenge of offering a high-quality and nutritious food item.
- Free-Range Chickens: Eggs come from chickens that roam freely, resulting in richer flavors
- Nutritious: Offers a natural and high-quality protein source
- Local Farm Fresh: Available directly from local farms, ensuring freshness and quality
13. Huainan Zhang Wonton
Wontons served in a savory broth with noodles. Solves the challenge of offering a filling and comforting meal.
- Freshly Made Wontons: Handmade wontons filled with tasty minced pork
- Savory Broth: Rich, flavorful broth that complements the wontons and noodles
- Local Specialty: Represents a unique aspect of Huainan's culinary heritage
14. Huainan Sesame Oil Fried Rice Cake
Rice cake stir-fried with vegetables and topped with sesame seeds. Solves the challenge of offering a flavorful and filling side dish.
- Sesame Seeds: Golden, crunchy exterior covered with sesame seeds
- Fresh Vegetables: Vegetables add a refreshing and colorful touch to the dish
- Local Ingredients: Prepared using locally-sourced rice cakes and fresh vegetables
15. Huainan Xiangcun Laba Doufu
Tofu made from soybeans grown in Huainan, fermented for a year and served with red beans. Solves the challenge of offering a healthy and flavorful dish.
- Long Fermentation: Year-long fermentation process enhances its flavors and nutritional value
- Healthy and Nutritious: Rich in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients
- Local Soybeans: Made from locally-grown soybeans, demonstrating the region's agricultural bounty