Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Shangrao, China

1. Shangrao Laba Congee (山阳啤粥)

A traditional rice porridge made during the Chinese New Year, featuring glutinous rice, red beans, and various nuts. It's a hearty comfort food.

Cultural Significance: A time-honored dish that embodies the essence of family gatherings during the Chinese New Year.
Unique Ingredients: Uses locally sourced red beans and glutinous rice, which contribute to its distinctive flavor.
Seasonality: Traditionally prepared during the Chinese New Year season but can be found in specialty restaurants year-round.

Delicious roasted chicken dish seasoned with a secret blend of spices. The chicken is known for its tender and juicy meat.

Taste Profile: Features a unique balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
Culinary Tradition: A local specialty with a long-standing reputation in Shangrao.
Preparation Method: The chicken is slow-roasted to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Spicy noodle dish made with a signature red sauce and topped with minced meat, vegetables, and crushed peanuts.

Spiciness: Features a fiery kick that's popular among spice lovers.
Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced chili peppers and other fresh vegetables.
Unique Taste: The red sauce gives the noodles a distinctive taste that sets it apart from other regional dishes.

A flavorful rice noodle soup dish served with various ingredients such as pork, vegetables, and eggs.

Nutritional Value: A filling meal that provides a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
Culinary Technique: The soup is simmered for hours to create a rich and flavorful broth.
Local Specialty: A beloved dish that showcases the culinary skills of Shangrao's chefs.

Thin and crispy sweet potato pancakes made from grated sweet potatoes. They are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Traditional Recipe: Follows an age-old recipe passed down through generations.
Light and Crispy Texture: The pancakes are light, crispy, and melt in your mouth.
Health Benefits: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, making these pancakes a healthier snack option.

Soft and fluffy steamed buns filled with a savory pork or vegetable filling. They are the perfect handheld snack.

Softness: The buns have a soft, tender texture that's irresistible.
Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced ingredients for the filling and dough.
Versatility: Available in various fillings, catering to different tastes.

Fried rice cakes made from glutinous rice flour and filled with a savory pork or vegetable filling.

Texture: The chewy texture of the rice cakes contrasts nicely with the crispy exterior.
Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced ingredients for both the filling and the rice cakes.
Easy Portability: Ideal for eating on-the-go due to its compact size and convenient packaging.

A spicy rice dish made with vegetables, minced pork, and rice noodles. It's a popular choice for those who love heat.

Spiciness: Features a fiery kick that caters to spice lovers.
Culinary Technique: The dish is stir-fried over high heat, resulting in a smoky and flavorful taste.
Versatility: Can be adjusted to different spice levels based on personal preference.

A variety of pickled vegetables such as cucumbers, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms. They are a popular side dish.

Preservation Method: The vegetables are pickled to preserve them for a longer period.
Flavor Profile: The pickling process imbues the vegetables with a tangy and sour flavor.
Health Benefits: Pickled vegetables are rich in probiotics, promoting gut health.

A stewed fish dish made with fresh local fish, vegetables, and aromatics. It's a hearty and flavorful meal.

Freshness: Uses only the freshest locally caught fish.
Culinary Technique: Slow-cooked in a clay pot to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the fish.
Nutritional Value: A lean source of protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Round balls made from glutinous rice flour and filled with a sweet or savory filling. They are often served during festivals.

Texture: The soft and chewy texture of the rice balls is satisfying.
Versatility: Available in various fillings, catering to different tastes.
Cultural Significance: Traditionally served during festivals and important gatherings.

A silky smooth tofu pudding made with fresh soy milk. It's often enjoyed as a dessert or snack.

Creaminess: The tofu pudding has a silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
Local Ingredients: Made with fresh local soybeans and milk.
Health Benefits: Tofu pudding is a good source of protein and calcium.

A traditional Chinese tea made with red dates and other aromatics. It's known for its sweet and warm flavor.

Taste Profile: Features a sweet, warming, and slightly bitter taste.
Health Benefits: Red dates are rich in antioxidants and help boost the immune system.
Cultural Significance: A popular drink during winter months for its warming properties.

Steamed rice cooked inside bamboo tubes, resulting in a fragrant and fluffy texture.

Fragrant Aroma: The bamboo tubes impart a natural aroma to the steamed rice.
Cooking Technique: Steamed inside bamboo tubes for even cooking and a unique flavor.
Nutritional Value: A healthy and filling grain-based dish.

Sweet potatoes that are roasted over an open flame. They have a slightly smoky flavor and caramelized exterior.

Flavor Profile: The sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness enhanced by the smoky flavors from roasting.
Health Benefits: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Portability: Ideal for eating on-the-go due to their portable nature.