
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Quzhou, China
1. Phoenix Trees Cake (Feng Huang Shu Pian)
Delicate, aromatic cake made with glutinous rice flour and topped with sesame seeds. A traditional snack unique to Quzhou.
- Local Delicacy: Rare outside of Quzhou, making it a must-try for visitors.
- Aromatic Flavor: Infused with the scent of phoenix trees, giving it a unique and delicious taste.
- Traditional Recipe: Prepared according to an ancient recipe passed down for generations.
2. Quzhou Tofu (Qiushan Doufu)
Soft and silky tofu made from fresh soybeans, served with a flavorful soy sauce. This dish showcases Quzhou's culinary expertise.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made from locally sourced soybeans, ensuring the best quality.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared according to a centuries-old method, preserving its authentic taste.
- Soft Texture: The silky texture of the tofu melts in your mouth, offering a unique dining experience.
3. Wild Boar Hot Pot (Ye Shu Rou Guo)
A hearty dish featuring wild boar meat simmered in a spicy broth with various vegetables. A popular choice among locals and tourists.
- Wild Boar Meat: Gamey, robust flavor that sets it apart from regular pork.
- Spicy Broth: Infused with chili peppers and other spices, adding a kick to the dish.
- Social Experience: Enjoyed communally, fostering camaraderie among friends and family.
4. Quzhou Rice Noodles (Qiushan Mi Fen)
Thin rice noodles served in a clear broth with shredded meat and vegetables. A light yet flavorful dish that showcases local ingredients.
- Light Flavor: The delicate broth allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.
- Thin Noodles: Tender and easy to eat, perfect for slurping up every last bit of flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: Noodles can be customized with a variety of meat and vegetable options.
5. Quzhou Fish Ball Soup (Qiushan Yu Wa)
Tender fish balls swimming in a flavorful broth, served with green onions and soy sauce. A comforting dish enjoyed by many.
- Tender Fish Balls: Soft and chewy, the fish balls melt in your mouth.
- Flavorful Broth: Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, enhancing the overall taste.
- Comfort Food: Warm and satisfying, perfect for a chilly day or night.
6. Quzhou Spicy Duck (Qiushan Huo Ya)
Crispy duck served with a spicy sauce made from local chili peppers. A popular choice for those who enjoy spicy foods.
- Spicy Sauce: Made from locally grown and harvested chili peppers, giving it a unique flavor.
- Crispy Skin: The skin is perfectly crisp, while the meat remains tender and juicy.
- Authentic Flavor: Prepared according to a traditional recipe that has been passed down for generations.
7. Quzhou Pork Belly (Qiushan Zhu Rou)
Slow-cooked pork belly served with a sweet and sour sauce. A hearty dish that is popular among locals.
- Slow Cooking: Cooked slowly to ensure the meat is tender and flavorful.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: The balance of sweet and sour flavors complements the rich, savory pork belly.
- Hearty Portion: A generous serving, perfect for sharing or enjoying as leftovers.
8. Quzhou Stinky Tofu (Chou Dou Fu)
Fermented tofu with a strong odor but a delicious taste when fried and served with pickled vegetables.
- Strong Aroma: The pungent smell is a result of the fermentation process.
- Crispy Texture: The exterior is crisp and golden, while the interior remains soft and creamy.
- Spicy Sauce: Served with a spicy chili sauce that complements the stinky tofu perfectly.
9. Quzhou Oyster Omelette (Qiushan Ge Zi Dan),
A savory omelette filled with fresh oysters, served with a sweet and sour sauce. A popular seafood dish in Quzhou.
- Fresh Oysters: Locally sourced oysters ensure the best quality and flavor.
- Savory and Sweet: The combination of savory eggs and sweet and sour sauce creates a unique flavor profile.
- Versatile Ingredients: Oysters can be replaced with other seafood options, depending on preference.
10. Quzhou Pickled Vegetables (Qiushan Ci Tu),
A selection of pickled vegetables with a tangy and sour taste. A refreshing side dish to accompany any meal.
- Refreshing Taste: The tangy and sour flavor helps to cleanse the palate between dishes.
- Locally Grown Ingredients: Vegetables are grown locally and picked at peak ripeness for optimal taste.
- Versatile Side Dish: Can be paired with a variety of main dishes, from rice to noodles.
11. Quzhou Fried Rice (Qiushan Chao Fan),
Fluffy fried rice served with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, and vegetables.
- Fluffy Texture: The rice grains are separate and fluffy, ensuring an enjoyable eating experience.
- Versatile Ingredients: Can be customized with various protein and vegetable options.
- Hearty Meal: A filling dish that can satisfy even the hungriest of travelers.
12. Quzhou Rice Dumplings (Qiushan Zongzi),
Sticky rice dumplings filled with a savory filling such as pork or vegetables. A traditional dish enjoyed during festivals.
- Traditional Recipe: Prepared according to an ancient recipe, passed down through generations.
- Savory Filling: The savory filling adds depth and flavor to the otherwise plain rice dumplings.
- Festive Dish: Enjoyed during traditional festivals, adding to the cultural experience of Quzhou.
13. Quzhou Tea (Qiushan Cha),
A fragrant and aromatic tea made from local herbs and flowers. A refreshing beverage to enjoy throughout the day.
- Fragrant and Aromatic: Infused with various herbs and flowers, giving it a unique scent and flavor.
- Health Benefits: Known for its numerous health benefits, from boosting the immune system to aiding digestion.
- Cultural Significance: Tea plays a significant role in local culture and customs, adding to the overall experience of visiting Quzhou.
14. Quzhou Snail Soup (Qiushan Wen Gui Tang),
A hearty soup made with fresh snails and a variety of vegetables. A popular dish among locals.
- Hearty Soup: Warm and filling, perfect for a cold day or night.
- Fresh Snails: Locally sourced snails ensure the best quality and flavor.
- Vegetable Variety: A selection of vegetables adds texture, flavor, and nutrition to the soup.
15. Quzhou Soy Milk (Qiushan Dou Ni),
Fresh soy milk served hot or cold. A popular breakfast drink enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made from locally sourced soybeans, ensuring the best quality.
- Versatile Drink: Can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on personal preference and weather conditions.
- Traditional Beverage: A long-standing tradition in Quzhou, offering a glimpse into local customs and culture.