Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Taishan, China
1. Taishan Noodles
Hand-pulled noodles served in a flavorful broth with various toppings such as beef or vegetables. Savor the chewy texture and rich taste.
- Unique Noodle-making Technique: Unlike regular noodles, Taishan noodles are hand-pulled, giving them a unique chewy texture.
- Variety of Toppings: Taishan Noodles can be customized with various toppings like beef, vegetables, or even seafood.
- Broth Flavor: The flavorful broth is a blend of local spices and seasonings that set Taishan Noodles apart from other regional noodle dishes.
2. Taishan Dumplings
Delicious dumplings filled with a savory pork and vegetable filling, served steamed or pan-fried. Enjoy the contrasting textures of doughy wrapper and juicy filling.
- Handmade Dumplings: Taishan Dumplings are handmade daily, ensuring freshness and consistency in taste.
- Cooking Methods: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings offer different textures and cooking techniques to explore.
- Filling Ingredients: The filling consists of a mix of local pork, cabbage, and aromatic vegetables, making each bite flavorful.
3. Taishan Stinky Tofu
Fermented tofu with a pungent aroma and crispy exterior, served with pickled vegetables and chili sauce. The unique flavor is worth trying for the adventurous eater.
- Fermentation Process: The stinky aroma comes from the fermentation process, which gives Stinky Tofu its unique flavor.
- Crispy Texture: Despite the soft interior, the exterior of the tofu becomes crispy during frying, offering a nice contrast in textures.
- Spicy Sauce: The chili sauce adds a spicy kick to the dish, complementing the pungent flavor of Stinky Tofu.
4. Taishan Soy Milk
Freshly made soy milk with a smooth and creamy texture. Perfect for a refreshing breakfast or snack.
- Freshness: Taishan Soy Milk is made fresh daily, ensuring a high-quality taste.
- Smooth Texture: The smooth and creamy texture sets Taishan Soy Milk apart from store-bought options.
- Locally Grown Soybeans: The soybeans used in Taishan Soy Milk are locally grown, contributing to its rich and distinctive flavor.
5. Taishan Glutinous Rice Ball Soup
Sticky rice balls filled with sweet or savory fillings served in a clear soup. The contrasting textures and flavors make for an enjoyable dish.
- Glutinous Rice Balls: The sticky rice balls provide a chewy texture that complements the smooth soup.
- Sweet or Savory Fillings: Both sweet and savory fillings are available, allowing for a customizable dining experience.
- Clear Soup Broth: The clear broth is made from local ingredients and herbs, adding depth to the dish.
6. Taishan Pork Belly Skewers
Marinated pork belly skewers grilled over an open flame. The crispy exterior and tender interior make for a flavorful snack.
- Marinade: The marinade is a secret family recipe that gives the pork belly skewers their unique flavor.
- Grilling Technique: Grilling over an open flame adds a smoky flavor and creates a crispy exterior.
- Tender Interior: Despite being grilled, the pork belly remains tender and juicy.
7. Taishan Tofu Pudding
Soft tofu pudding served cold with a sweet syrup. The silky texture and mild flavor make it a refreshing treat.
- Texture: The soft, silky texture of the tofu pudding is unlike anything else.
- Sweet Syrup: The sweet syrup adds flavor without overpowering the subtle taste of the tofu pudding.
- Cold Serving: Serving cold makes it a refreshing dessert, perfect for hot summer days.
8. Taishan Rice Noodle Rolls
Thin rice noodles wrapped around a filling of meat or vegetables. Dip in a tangy sauce for a satisfying snack.
- Thin Rice Noodles: The thinness of the rice noodles adds to their bite and texture.
- Variety of Fillings: Choose from a variety of fillings like pork, shrimp, or vegetables.
- Tangy Sauce: The tangy sauce complements the flavor of the rice noodle rolls and adds an extra kick.
9. Taishan Fish Ball Soup
Fish balls served in a clear soup with vegetables. The light flavor makes it a suitable dish for all ages.
- Light Flavor: The fish balls have a mild flavor, making the dish suitable for all ages and palates.
- Clear Soup Broth: The clear broth is made from local ingredients and herbs, adding depth to the dish.
- Vegetables: Vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
10. Taishan Fried Oysters
Fresh oysters coated in a crispy batter and fried. The contrasting textures make for an enjoyable dish.
- Fresh Oysters: Only fresh oysters are used, ensuring the best possible taste.
- Crispy Batter: The crispy batter provides a nice contrast to the tender oysters.
- Frying Technique: Frying at the right temperature ensures the oysters stay juicy and the batter is crispy.
11. Taishan Oyster Omelette
A savory omelette filled with fresh oysters, served with a sweet sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes for an unforgettable dish.
- Fresh Oysters: Only fresh oysters are used, ensuring the best possible taste.
- Savory and Sweet Flavors: The savory omelette contrasts with the sweet sauce, offering a unique flavor experience.
- Cooking Technique: Cooking over high heat creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
12. Taishan Shrimp Rolls
Thin shrimp rolls filled with minced shrimp and vegetables. Enjoy the freshness of the ingredients in each bite.
- Fresh Ingredients: Only fresh shrimp and vegetables are used, ensuring a high-quality taste.
- Thin Rolls: The thinness of the rolls makes them easy to eat and adds to their bite and texture.
- Variety of Fillings: Choose from a variety of fillings like shrimp, crab, or vegetables.
13. Taishan Pork Chop Rice
A classic dish consisting of a breaded and fried pork chop served over rice. The crispy exterior and juicy interior make for an satisfying meal.
- Breading Technique: The breading technique creates a perfect balance between the crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Juicy Pork Chop: Despite being fried, the pork chop remains juicy and flavorful.
- Rice Quality: The rice is cooked to perfection, complementing the flavors of the pork chop.
14. Taishan Teochew Porridge
A comforting bowl of rice porridge with various toppings like seafood or vegetables. The mild flavor and warm texture make it perfect for any time of day.
- Mild Flavor: The mild flavor makes the dish suitable for all ages and palates.
- Variety of Toppings: Choose from a variety of toppings like seafood, vegetables, or even preserved eggs.
- Warm Texture: The warm and comforting texture of the porridge makes it perfect for any time of day.
15. Taishan Fried Rice Cake
Rice cakes stir-fried with vegetables and topped with a fried egg. The chewy texture of the rice cake contrasts with the softness of the egg.
- Chewy Texture: The chewy texture of the rice cakes adds an interesting element to the dish.
- Vegetables: Various vegetables are used, adding color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
- Fried Egg: The fried egg adds a rich flavor and contrasting texture to the dish.