
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Meishan, China
1. Meishan Stewed Pork Belly (米山焖肉)
Delicious pork belly slowly simmered in soy sauce and spices, a must-try for meat lovers.
- Unique Taste: The sauce imparts a distinct and irresistible flavor.
- Slow Cooking: Long simmering process creates an unmatched tenderness.
- Local Ingredients: Ingredients sourced from Meishan contribute to the authentic taste.
2. Braised Pig Feet (瞎锅紫金蹄)
A popular street food, braised pig feet cooked in a savory sauce with preserved vegetables.
- Crispy Texture: The skin becomes deliciously crisp while the meat remains tender.
- Unique Flavor Profile: A blend of sweet, savory, and sour notes.
- Street Food Experience: Savor the dish at bustling night markets for an authentic experience.
3. Meishan Fermented Beancurd (米山腐竹)
Fermented beancurd dish with a tangy and umami flavor, popular as a side or snack.
- Tangy Flavor: The fermentation process gives the dish its unique and addictive taste.
- Health Benefits: Traditionally believed to aid digestion and boost immunity.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or ingredient in other meals.
4. Meishan Duck (米山烤鸭)
Roasted duck dish famous for its crispy skin and tender meat.
- Crispy Skin: The skin becomes deliciously crisp while the meat remains juicy.
- Hangzhou Influence: Influenced by Hangzhou duck preparation techniques.
- Popular Dish: A crowd favorite and must-try in Meishan restaurants.
5. Meishan Spicy Fish (米山辣鱼)
Spicy fish dish prepared with a flavorful chili sauce, best enjoyed with steamed rice.
- Spiciness: The chili sauce adds a fiery kick to the dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh fish is used to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- Local Spices: Spices from Meishan contribute to the dish's unique taste.
6. Meishan Smoked Pork (米山熏肉)
Smoked pork dish with a rich, smoky flavor and tender meat.
- Smoky Flavor: The smoking process imparts an unforgettable taste.
- Tender Meat: Slow cooking ensures the meat remains tender and juicy.
- Authentic Preparation: Traditional smoking methods maintain the dish's authenticity.
7. Meishan Rice Noodle Roll (米山米粉肠)
Fresh rice noodle rolls filled with meat or vegetables, served with a flavorful sauce.
- Versatile Fillings: Rolls can be filled with various ingredients such as pork, shrimp, or vegetables.
- Thin and Delicate Rice Noodles: The thin noodles are delicate yet chewy in texture.
- Flavorful Sauce: A flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chilies is traditionally served on the side.
8. Meishan Rice Cake (米山米糍)
Sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, steamed and served with a savory sauce.
- Sticky Texture: The sticky texture is unique and satisfying.
- Savory Sauce: A savory sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chilies complements the dish well.
- Local Ingredients: Ingredients sourced from Meishan contribute to the authentic taste.
9. Meishan Stinky Tofu (米山臭豆腐)
Fermented tofu dish with a strong odor but delightful taste when paired with pickled vegetables.
- Strong Odor: The strong smell is characteristic of the fermentation process.
- Unique Taste: Despite the strong odor, the taste is surprisingly pleasant.
- Local Variations: Variations in preparation methods contribute to unique regional flavors.
10. Meishan Pickled Cabbage (米山酱椰菜)
Pickled cabbage dish with a tangy and refreshing flavor, often served as a side dish.
- Tangy Flavor: The pickling process gives the dish its unique and addictive taste.
- Health Benefits: Traditionally believed to aid digestion and boost immunity.
- Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or ingredient in other meals.
11. Meishan Steamed Dumplings (米山饺子)
Steamed dumplings filled with minced pork and vegetables, served with a soy sauce dip.
- Tender Filling: The filling is tender and flavorful.
- Delicate Wrappers: The wrappers are thin, delicate, and hold together well.
- Steamed Preparation: Steaming keeps the dumplings moist and tender.
12. Meishan Sour and Spicy Soup (米山酸辣汤)
Soup dish with a sour and spicy flavor made from pickled vegetables and chilies.
- Spiciness: The chilies add a fiery kick to the soup.
- Sour Flavor: The sour flavor is achieved through pickling and the addition of vinegar.
- Health Benefits: Traditionally believed to aid digestion and boost immunity.
13. Meishan Spicy Eel (米山辣鱿)
Spicy eel dish prepared with a flavorful chili sauce, best enjoyed over steamed rice.
- Spiciness: The chili sauce adds a fiery kick to the dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eel is used to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- Local Spices: Spices from Meishan contribute to the dish's unique taste.
14. Meishan Rice Cake with Sesame Paste (米山麻浆饭)
Sticky rice cake served with a savory sesame paste and pickled vegetables.
- Sticky Texture: The sticky texture is unique and satisfying.
- Savory Sesame Paste: The sesame paste adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Local Ingredients: Ingredients sourced from Meishan contribute to the authentic taste.
15. Meishan Rice Wine (米山米酒)
Traditional rice wine made in Meishan using locally grown glutinous rice.
- Authentic Ingredients: Ingredients sourced from Meishan contribute to the unique taste.
- Smooth Texture: The smooth texture is characteristic of well-aged rice wine.
- Local Preparation Methods: Traditional preparation methods maintain the wine's authenticity.