Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Nantong, Jiangsu, China
1. Xian'er Steamed Bun
A traditional Nantong dish made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet or savory fillings. Try it at Xian'er Jia in the Gubei District.
- Unique Filling: The unique filling options like red bean, sesame, and meat make this dish stand out.
- Handmade Tradition: Xian'er Steamed Buns are still handmade according to centuries-old techniques.
- Fusion Variations: Modern twists on the Xian'er Steamed Bun, like chocolate and marshmallow fillings, can be found in some restaurants.
2. Nantong Style Braised Duck
A popular dish made with ducks that are first boiled and then fried. Visit Xuanwu Restaurant in the Old City for a taste.
- Delicate Cooking Method: The careful balance of boiling and frying results in a tender, flavorful dish.
- Local Ingredients: Nantong's unique ingredients like Chinese yam and wolfberry are used to enhance the taste.
- Rich History: The dish has a rich history dating back to the Qing Dynasty, making it a cultural experience as well as a culinary one.
3. Dongshan Crab
A famous crab dish found in the Dongshan Scenic Area, known for its freshness and large size. Restaurants like Huaxia Seafood specialize in this delicacy.
- Freshly Sourced: The crabs are caught daily from the nearby sea, ensuring freshness.
- Gourmet Experience: Eating Dongshan Crab is more than just a meal, it's a gourmet experience due to its large size and delicate flavor.
- Variety of Preparations: Dongshan Crabs can be prepared in various ways, such as steamed, fried, or stir-fried with local vegetables.
4. Nantong Style Rice Noodles
A unique type of rice noodle dish characterized by its thin, flat noodles and flavorful broth. Try it at Jinshan Snack Street in the Gubei District.
- Thin, Flat Noodles: The distinctive thin, flat noodles make this dish stand out from other rice noodle dishes.
- Flavorful Broth: The rich, flavorful broth is made using a variety of ingredients like pork bones, chicken, and spices.
- Street Food Experience: Jinshan Snack Street offers a lively street food experience while enjoying this local dish.
5. Nantong Style Steamed Dumplings
Soft and tender dumplings steamed to perfection. Try them at Lvbo Yuan in the Gubei District.
- Soft and Tender: The soft, tender dough makes these dumplings a delight to eat.
- Variety of Fillings: From vegetables to meat, there are numerous filling options for these dumplings.
- Traditional Cooking Method: These dumplings are still made using traditional methods, maintaining the authentic taste.
6. Nantong Style Soya Bean Milk
A popular breakfast drink made from soybeans. Visit Xinxiang Snack Street in the Old City to taste this refreshing beverage.
- Freshly Made: The soya bean milk is freshly made each morning, ensuring a great taste.
- Variety of Flavors: You can find traditional, sugar-free, and flavored versions of this drink at Xinxiang Snack Street.
- Local Breakfast Spot: Xinxiang Snack Street is a bustling local breakfast spot where you can find various snacks along with the soya bean milk.
7. Nantong Style Stinky Tofu
A famous dish made from fermented tofu that has a strong smell but delicious taste. Visit Xuanwu Restaurant in the Old City for this unique dish.
- Strong Smell: The strong smell is due to the fermentation process, but don't let it deter you from trying this dish.
- Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: The stinky tofu has a crispy exterior and soft interior that makes for an interesting texture.
- Served with Sauce: The stinky tofu is often served with a savory sauce, adding to its flavor.
8. Nantong Style Fish Ball Soup
A hearty soup made from fish balls and various vegetables. Try it at Xinxiang Snack Street in the Old City.
- Hearty and Filling: The soup is both hearty and filling, making it a perfect meal choice.
- Variety of Fish Balls: You can find various types of fish balls, like shrimp or crab, in this dish.
- Cultural Significance: Fish ball soup is a popular street food in many Chinese cities and Nantong's version offers a unique twist.
9. Nantong Style Braised Pork Belly
A slow-cooked dish made with tender pork belly and flavorful broth. Try it at Xuanwu Restaurant in the Old City.
- Tender Pork Belly: The slow-cooking process makes the pork belly incredibly tender.
- Flavorful Broth: The rich, flavorful broth is made using a variety of ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and spices.
- Cultural Significance: Braised pork belly is a traditional dish with a long history in Chinese cuisine, adding to its cultural significance.
10. Nantong Style Stir-fried Shrimp
A popular dish made with fresh shrimp stir-fried with local vegetables. Try it at Huaxia Seafood in the Dongshan Scenic Area.
- Fresh Shrimp: The freshness of the shrimp is crucial to the taste of this dish.
- Local Vegetables: Various local vegetables are used in this stir-fry, adding a unique flavor profile.
- Gourmet Experience: Eating stir-fried shrimp at Huaxia Seafood offers a gourmet experience due to its location and high-quality ingredients.
11. Nantong Style Sweet Potato Pancake
A sweet snack made from shredded sweet potatoes. Try it at Jinshan Snack Street in the Gubei District.
- Sweet and Savory: The pancake can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or savory dish, depending on the toppings chosen.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of the pancake makes it a delight to eat.
- Local Snack Street: Jinshan Snack Street is a bustling local snack street where you can find various treats along with the sweet potato pancake.
12. Nantong Style Stewed Pork with Garlic
A garlicky dish made with tender pork and aromatic garlic. Try it at Xuanwu Restaurant in the Old City.
- Garlicky Flavor: The strong, garlicky flavor is a defining characteristic of this dish.
- Tender Pork: The pork is cooked until it's incredibly tender.
- Cultural Significance: Garlic has been an important ingredient in Chinese cuisine for centuries, adding to the cultural significance of this dish.
13. Nantong Style Deep-fried Pork Ribs
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, deep-fried pork ribs are a popular dish in Nantong. Try them at Lvbo Yuan in the Gubei District.
- Crispy Exterior: The crispy exterior of the pork ribs makes this dish irresistible.
- Tender Interior: Despite the crispy exterior, the interior of the pork ribs remains tender and juicy.
- Local Restaurant: Lvbo Yuan is a well-known local restaurant that specializes in this dish.
14. Nantong Style Rice Dumplings (Zongzi)
Sticky rice dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, beans, and chestnuts. Try them at festivals like Dragon Boat Festival.
- Variety of Fillings: The fillings can vary greatly, from sweet to savory.
- Traditional Festive Food: Rice dumplings are a traditional food enjoyed during festivals like Dragon Boat Festival.
- Cultural Significance: The practice of making and eating rice dumplings has a rich history and cultural significance in China.
15. Nantong Style Pickled Cabbage
A tangy and crunchy side dish made from fermented cabbage. Try it at Xinxiang Snack Street in the Old City.
- Tangy Flavor: The tangy flavor of the pickled cabbage makes it a great accompaniment to many dishes.
- Crispy Texture: The crunchiness of the cabbage adds texture to your meal.
- Local Snack Street: Xinxiang Snack Street is a bustling local snack street where you can find various treats along with pickled cabbage.