Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Shangzhou, Shaanxi, China
1. Lion's Head Meatballs (Shi Zhang Niu Tou Rou)
Tender and flavorful meatballs made from ground pork and water chestnuts, served in a savory brown sauce. A must-try dish of Shangzhou's local cuisine.
- Unique Ingredient: Water chestnuts give the meatballs a crunchy texture and help retain their shape.
- Regional Specialty: Lion's Head Meatballs are a popular dish unique to Shangzhou and Jiangsu Province.
- Culinary Technique: The meatballs are simmered gently in a flavorful brown sauce, enhancing their taste without overpowering the pork's natural flavors.
2. Shangzhou Steamed Buns (Shang Zhong Guo Baozi)
Soft and tender steamed buns filled with savory minced pork or sweet red bean paste. A perfect snack to enjoy on-the-go in Shangzhou.
- Steaming Process: The steaming process keeps the buns soft and fluffy, unlike their pan-fried counterparts.
- Versatility: Both savory and sweet options are available, catering to various taste preferences.
- Street Food Favorite: A popular street food in Shangzhou, easily found at local markets and snack stalls.
3. Shangzhou Fried Rice Cake (Shang Zhong Chun Yau)
A chewy and tasty dish made from rice flour cakes stir-fried with shrimp, pork, and vegetables. A classic Shangzhou street food.
- Chewy Texture: The unique texture of the rice cake sets it apart from other fried rice dishes.
- Street Food Tradition: A traditional Shangzhou street food, with a long history dating back centuries.
- Versatile Ingredients: Many variations exist, including vegetarian options and regional specialties.
4. Shangzhou Fried Noodles (Shang Zhong Chao Mian)
Thin noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of meat, served in a flavorful sauce. A popular dish found throughout Shangzhou.
- Versatile Ingredients: Many variations exist, catering to different taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Street Food Tradition: A traditional Shangzhou street food, with a long history dating back centuries.
- Fast and Delicious: Perfect for a quick meal on-the-go, as it can be prepared quickly and easily.
5. Shangzhou Steamed Fish (Shang Zhong Tou Si)
Whole fish steamed with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce. A delicate and flavorful dish that showcases the fresh seafood of Shangzhou.
- Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh local fish ensures a delicious and flavorful dish.
- Simple Preparation: Steaming the fish allows the flavors to develop without masking the natural taste of the fish.
- Regional Specialty: A popular dish in Shangzhou, showcasing the region's fresh seafood.
6. Shangzhou Stir-Fried Pork Belly (Shang Zhong Chao Zhu Rou)
Tender and crispy pork belly stir-fried with green peppers and soy sauce. A flavorful and indulgent dish that is a local favorite in Shangzhou.
- Indulgent Flavor: The tender and crispy pork belly pairs perfectly with the savory soy sauce.
- Simple Preparation: Stir-frying the dish quickly seals in the flavors while keeping it tender and juicy.
- Regional Specialty: A popular dish in Shangzhou, showcasing the region's delicious pork belly.
7. Shangzhou Soy-Milk Pudding (Shang Zhong Dou Niangao)
A sweet and creamy pudding made from soy milk, often served with a sugar syrup. A refreshing dessert perfect for hot summer days in Shangzhou.
- Traditional Dessert: A traditional Chinese dessert with origins dating back centuries.
- Cooling Effect: The soy milk pudding has a cooling effect, making it perfect for hot summer days in Shangzhou.
- Versatile Toppings: Many variations exist, with common toppings including red beans, sesame seeds, and peanuts.
8. Shangzhou Deep-Fried Tofu (Shang Zhong Kuai Fen Dou Fu)
Cubes of tofu coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried until golden brown. Served with a savory dipping sauce, it's a popular snack in Shangzhou.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy batter and deep-frying give the tofu an irresistible texture.
- Versatile Dipping Sauce: Many dipping sauces are available, from spicy chili oil to sweet soy sauce.
- Regional Specialty: A popular snack in Shangzhou, showcasing the region's love for deep-fried foods.
9. Shangzhou Sesame Ball (Shang Zhong Zi Ma Bao)
A sweet and doughy ball filled with black sesame paste. A popular snack in Shangzhou that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Sweet Filling: The sweet and nutty black sesame paste filling sets it apart from other doughy snacks.
- Chewy Texture: The chewy texture of the dough makes for a satisfying snack experience.
- Regional Specialty: A popular snack in Shangzhou, showcasing the region's love for sesame seeds.
10. Shangzhou Steamed Pork Buns (Shang Zhong Tou Si Baozi)
Soft and tender steamed buns filled with savory minced pork. A classic dish that is a staple of Shangzhou's cuisine.
- Steaming Process: The steaming process keeps the buns soft and fluffy, unlike their pan-fried counterparts.
- Versatile Ingredients: Many variations exist, including vegetarian options and regional specialties.
- Regional Specialty: A popular dish in Shangzhou, showcasing the region's culinary traditions.
11. Shangzhou Pickled Cabbage (Shang Zhong Suan Cai)
Crunchy and tangy pickled cabbage that serves as a popular side dish in Shangzhou. Its refreshing flavor complements many local dishes.
- Tangy Flavor: The pickling process gives the cabbage a tangy and refreshing flavor.
- Crisp Texture: The crunchy texture of the pickled cabbage adds a pleasant contrast to many dishes.
- Regional Specialty: A popular side dish in Shangzhou, showcasing the region's love for pickling and preserving foods.
12. Shangzhou Rice Cake with Soy Sauce (Shang Zhong Dou Niangao Suan Tang)
A savory dish made from rice cakes served in a flavorful soy sauce. A comforting and filling meal that is a local favorite.
- Comfort Food: The rice cake with soy sauce is a comfort food, perfect for cold winter days in Shangzhou.
- Versatile Ingredients: Many variations exist, catering to different taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Regional Specialty: A popular dish in Shangzhou, showcasing the region's culinary traditions.
13. Shangzhou Braised Eel (Shang Zhong Tu Dou)
Tender and flavorful eels braised in a savory soy sauce. A delicacy that is a must-try for seafood lovers visiting Shangzhou.
- Delicate Flavor: The delicate flavor of the eels pairs perfectly with the savory soy sauce.
- Slow Cooking Process: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
- Regional Specialty: A delicacy in Shangzhou, showcasing the region's unique culinary traditions.
14. Shangzhou Fried Dumplings (Shang Zhong Guo Jiaozi)
Fried dumplings filled with savory minced pork and vegetables. A popular street food that is easy to find in Shangzhou.
- Versatile Fillings: Many fillings are available, catering to different taste preferences.
- Street Food Tradition: A traditional Shangzhou street food, with a long history dating back centuries.
- Fast and Delicious: Perfect for a quick meal on-the-go, as they can be prepared quickly and easily.
15. Shangzhou Stir-Fried Glass Noodles (Shang Zhong Chao Jiu Si Fen)
Thin and translucent glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of meat or seafood. A flavorful and satisfying dish that showcases the region's culinary skills.
- Translucent Texture: The thin, translucent glass noodles add an interesting texture to the dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Many variations exist, catering to different taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Regional Specialty: A popular dish in Shangzhou, showcasing the region's culinary skills and love for stir-frying.