Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Nanyang, Henan, China

1. Nanyang Roast Duck (南阳烤鸭)

Delicious roasted duck dish famous in Nanyang, known for its crispy skin and tender meat.

Authenticity: Served in traditional local restaurants preserving the original recipe
Taste: Distinctive flavor from locally-sourced ingredients and secret seasonings
Preparation: Skilled chefs meticulously prepare the dish, roasting it to perfection.

Fried rice dish with a unique blend of local ingredients such as mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Ingredients: Features locally-sourced ingredients giving it a distinct taste
Preparation: Skilled chefs stir-fry the rice with various seasonings for an unforgettable flavor.
Versatility: Can be paired with different main dishes, making it a versatile choice.

Delicious fish head stew served in a spicy and savory broth.

Taste: Spicy, savory broth enhances the flavor of the fresh fish.
Preparation: Slow-cooked to tender perfection while retaining the fish's natural flavors.
Authenticity: Traditionally served in local restaurants with a family-style atmosphere.

Cold noodle dish made with thin vermicelli and a vinegar-based sauce.

Taste: Refreshing and tangy taste from the vinegar-based sauce.
Texture: Thin vermicelli noodles have a unique texture that complements the dish.
Versatility: Can be paired with various toppings such as pickled vegetables and meat.

Tender pork belly dish cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce.

Flavor: Rich, savory taste from the braising sauce.
Texture: Tender pork belly melts in your mouth.
Preparation: Slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

Soup dish made with fish and a sour broth.

Taste: Unique sour taste from the special ingredients used.
Health Benefits: Known for its health benefits, especially for digestion.
Preparation: Cooked with patience and care to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

Steamed buns filled with a spicy sesame paste.

Taste: Spicy and savory filling contrasts nicely with the sweet, sticky bun.
Texture: Soft, fluffy bun and a crispy sesame coating.
Authenticity: Traditionally served as a street snack in Nanyang.

Sweet and nutritious barley soup with a hint of sesame flavor.

Assortment of pickled vegetables with a sour and tangy flavor.

Taste: Sour and tangy taste from the fermentation process.
Health Benefits: Known for their probiotic properties, aiding digestion.
Versatility: Can be served as a side dish or added to other dishes for extra flavor.

Sticky rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves.

Taste: Slightly sweet and sticky, with a nutty flavor from the glutinous rice.
Tradition: A traditional dish made during festivals in Nanyang.
Texture: Soft and sticky texture that melts in your mouth.

Cold tofu dish served with a spicy sauce.

Taste: Refreshing and cooling due to the cold tofu, paired with a spicy sauce.
Texture: Silky smooth texture of the tofu.
Versatility: Can be enjoyed as a light meal or snack.

Glutinous rice balls filled with sweet red bean paste.

Refreshing drink made from sour plums.

Taste: Refreshing and tart taste from the sour plums.
Health Benefits: Known for its health benefits, especially for digestion.
Versatility: Can be enjoyed as a standalone drink or paired with other dishes.

Steamed buns filled with a savory pork filling.

Taste: Savory and flavorful pork filling wrapped in soft, fluffy steamed buns.
Authenticity: Traditionally served as a street snack in Nanyang.
Versatility: Can be enjoyed as a meal or snack.

Fresh green beans stir-fried with garlic and chili.

Taste: Garlic and chili add a spicy, aromatic flavor to the green beans.
Texture: Crisp-tender texture of the fresh green beans.
Versatility: Can be served as a side dish or added to other dishes for extra flavor.