Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China

Jiaxing, China, Jiaxing, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China

1. Xiangyu Tofu (香郁豆腐)

Silken tofu made from soybeans served with a savory broth and pickled vegetables, offering a unique texture and flavor combination.
  • Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional Jiaxing techniques passed down for generations.
  • Healthy Option: A lighter, healthier choice compared to many other local dishes.
  • Unique Texture: The soft and smooth texture of the silken tofu sets it apart from regular tofu.

2. Longjing Shrimp (龙)

Delicious shrimp flavored with Longjing tea from nearby West Lake, offering a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Fusion Cuisine: Combines traditional Chinese cooking methods with the local Longjing tea.
  • High Quality Ingredients: Uses premium, freshly caught shrimp and locally sourced Longjing tea.
  • Distinctive Flavor: The Longjing tea infusion gives the dish a distinctive aroma and taste.

3. Shuijingyuan Lobster (水井源虾)

Fresh lobsters cooked in a unique broth with ginger and green onions, showcasing the natural flavors of the seafood.
  • Authentic Seafood: Offers fresh, high-quality lobster caught daily from local waters.
  • Flavorful Broth: The flavorful broth made with ginger and green onions elevates the dish.
  • Culinary Legacy: Restaurant has been serving this dish for over a century, preserving a rich culinary tradition.

4. Hangzhou Dongpo Pork (杭州东坡肉)

Braised pork dish made with tender pork belly and glutinous rice in a sweet and savory sauce.
  • Famous Chef Inspiration: Named after the famous poet and chef Su Dongpo.
  • Rich Flavor: The combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors make this dish a local favorite.
  • Slow Cooking: The slow-cooked technique ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly.

5. Jiaxing Gongzao (嘉兴公皂)

Fried dough sticks served with a sweet and savory soy sauce dip, offering a satisfying snack or appetizer.
  • Local Specialty: A popular street food in Jiaxing, often enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
  • Versatile Accompaniment: Can be eaten as a snack or served alongside other dishes.
  • Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior and soft interior make for an enjoyable texture contrast.

6. Jiaxing Salted Duck (嘉兴盐鸭)

Traditionally prepared and flavorful salt-cured duck, offering a unique taste compared to other duck dishes.
  • Authentic Preparation: Prepared according to traditional Jiaxing methods.
  • Flavorful Meat: The salt curing process intensifies the flavor of the duck meat.
  • Crispy Skin: The crispy skin contrasts beautifully with the tender, flavorful meat.

7. Jiaxing Fried Rice Cake (嘉兴炒饭糕)

Sticky rice cakes stir-fried with vegetables and egg, offering a unique twist on traditional fried rice.
  • Local Variation: A unique take on the traditional Chinese dish of fried rice.
  • Sticky Texture: The sticky texture of the rice cakes adds a new level of enjoyment to the dish.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Various vegetables and proteins can be added to customize the dish.

8. Hai Cheng Steamed Fish (海程蒸鱼)

Steamed fish served with a soy sauce and ginger dressing, preserving the natural flavors of the fish.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally sourced fish.
  • Light and Healthy: A lighter, healthier option compared to many other dishes.
  • Flavorful Garnish: The soy sauce and ginger dressing adds a burst of flavor to the dish.

9. Tianmu Forest Mushrooms (天母松菌)

Wild mushrooms foraged from Tianmu Mountains, offering a unique flavor and texture compared to cultivated mushrooms.
  • Natural Harvest: Foraged from the pristine forests of the Tianmu Mountains.
  • Umami Flavor: Known for their rich, earthy umami flavor.
  • Rare Ingredient: A rare and sought-after ingredient in Chinese cuisine.

10. Jiaxing Stewed Tofu (嘉兴煮豆腐)

Soft tofu stewed in a flavorful broth with bamboo shoots and mushrooms, offering a hearty and comforting dish.
  • Comfort Food: A popular comfort food in Jiaxing.
  • Healthy Option: A lighter, healthier choice compared to many other local dishes.
  • Unique Broth: The flavorful broth is infused with the flavors of bamboo shoots and mushrooms.

11. Jiaxing Rice Noodle Roll (嘉兴米粉滚)

Rice noodle rolls filled with ground pork and vegetables, served with a savory sauce for dipping.
  • Local Specialty: A popular street food in Jiaxing.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Various vegetables and proteins can be used to fill the noodle rolls.
  • Unique Texture: The soft, delicate texture of the rice noodles sets it apart from other noodle dishes.

12. Jiaxing Sweet Dumplings (嘉兴甜馒头)

Sweet dumplings filled with a sweet bean paste and served with a sugary syrup, offering a delightful dessert option.
  • Local Dessert: A traditional dessert from Jiaxing.
  • Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of sweet bean paste and sugary syrup creates a delightful balance of flavors.
  • Soft Texture: The soft, doughy texture of the dumplings is complemented by the slightly chewy bean paste filling.

13. Jiaxing Sour Fish (嘉兴酸鱼)

Fish marinated in a sour broth made from vinegar and other ingredients, offering a unique flavor profile.
  • Unique Flavor: The sour broth gives the fish a distinctive taste.
  • Health Benefits: Consuming sour foods is believed to have health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Various types of fish can be used to prepare this dish.

14. Jiaxing Rice Vermicelli (嘉兴米粉)

Thin rice noodles served with a variety of toppings such as pickled vegetables and roasted peanuts.
  • Local Specialty: A popular street food in Jiaxing.
  • Versatile Toppings: Various toppings can be added to customize the dish.
  • Light and Refreshing: The cool, refreshing noodles make for a satisfying meal on a hot day.

15. Jiaxing Steamed Whole Fish (嘉兴蒸鱼)

Whole fish steamed with ginger and green onions, preserving the natural flavors of the fish.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally sourced fish.
  • Light and Healthy: A lighter, healthier option compared to many other dishes.
  • Flavorful Garnish: The ginger and green onions add a burst of flavor to the dish.