Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Tangshan, Hebei, China
1. Tangshan Roast Duck
Savor Tangshan's renowned roast duck, marinated in a secret recipe and cooked to perfection. Try it at Lao Beijing Roast Duck Restaurant.
- Unique Marinade: Tangshan's special marinade recipe, passed down for generations.
- Cooking Technique: Traditional roasting method preserves the crispy skin and tender meat.
- Historical Significance: Duck has been a popular dish in Tangshan for over 600 years.
2. Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)
Sweet glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame or red bean paste. A must-try at Xifu Tangyuan Shop.
- Filling Options: Choose between black sesame and red bean fillings.
- Traditional Method: Handmade using a centuries-old technique.
- Seasonal Availability: Tangyuan are best enjoyed during the winter season.
3. Shuijiao (Water Dumplings)
Delicious dumplings filled with pork and vegetables, boiled and served in a savory broth. Enjoy them at Shuijiao Grandma's Restaurant.
- Filling: A flavorful mix of pork and vegetables wrapped inside the dumpling.
- Traditional Recipe: Recipe has been passed down for generations within Tangshan.
- Broth: The clear broth enhances the flavor of the dumplings.
4. Tangshan Noodles with Sesame Sauce
Handmade noodles served in a rich sesame sauce. Try them at the iconic Liuchuan Restaurant.
- Homemade Noodles: Freshly made noodles are a staple of Tangshan cuisine.
- Sesame Sauce: The secret sesame sauce recipe is unique to Tangshan.
- Presentation: Noodles are artfully arranged in a bowl, making for an appealing dish.
5. Tangshan Fried Pancake
Thin pancake filled with green onions and minced pork, fried until golden brown. Visit Donghuamen Snack Street for this treat.
- Flavor Combination: The savory minced pork and crispy green onions create a harmonious flavor.
- Street Food Experience: Experience the local street food culture at Donghuamen Snack Street.
- Portability: The portable size makes it easy to enjoy on-the-go.
6. Tangshan Braised Pork Belly
Tender and juicy pork belly slow cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. Find it at Yuexi Shidun Restaurant.
- Cooking Technique: The slow cooking process ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork.
- Sauce: The unique sauce combines sweet and savory flavors.
- Presentation: Cubed pork belly is presented in a beautiful ceramic dish.
7. Tangshan Steamed Buns (Bao)
Soft and fluffy buns filled with savory pork or sweet red bean paste. Try them at Yonghe Bao Jian.
- Filling Options: Choose between savory pork or sweet red bean fillings.
- Traditional Technique: Bao are steamed, not fried, which preserves their soft and fluffy texture.
- Portability: Easy to eat on-the-go due to their portable size.
8. Tangshan Fried Rice Cake (Nangao)
Fried rice cakes tossed with scallions, soy sauce, and vinegar. Visit Yuexi Nangao for an authentic experience.
- Ingredients: Scallions, soy sauce, and vinegar give the rice cakes a savory flavor.
- Technique: The rice cakes are fried until they form a crispy exterior.
- Mealtime: Traditionally eaten as a breakfast or lunch dish.
9. Tangshan Pickled Vegetables
Crunchy and tangy pickles made from local vegetables. Sample them at the Tangshan Pickle Market.
- Freshness: The vegetables are picked fresh daily for optimal flavor.
- Tangy Flavor: A tangy, pickled flavor that complements many dishes.
- Seasonal Availability: Different vegetables are available throughout the year.
10. Tangshan Cold Noodles (Liangmian)
Cold noodles served with a vinegar-based sauce and toppings. Try them at the popular Liangmian Street.
- Temperature: Enjoying cold noodles on a hot day is refreshing and traditional.
- Toppings: Cucumbers, pickled vegetables, and peanuts add texture and flavor to the dish.
- Sauce: The tangy vinegar-based sauce is unique to Tangshan's cold noodles.
11. Tangshan Red Bean Pudding
Smooth and creamy red bean pudding, best enjoyed at Xifu Tangyuan Shop.
- Texture: The smooth texture of the pudding is a standout feature.
- Sweetness: Perfectly balanced sweetness from the red beans and sugar.
- Traditional Method: Made using a traditional, slow-cooking method.
12. Tangshan Steamed Fish (Yu Zhou)
Fresh fish steamed with ginger and green onions. Find it at Yuexi Shidun Restaurant.
- Freshness: Fish is sourced fresh daily for maximum flavor.
- Simplicity: The simplicity of the ginger and green onions allows the fish's natural flavors to shine.
- Cooking Technique: Steaming preserves the moisture and tenderness of the fish.
13. Tangshan Sour Dough Bread (Suan Mian)
Savory sourdough bread made from a centuries-old recipe. Enjoy it at the Suan Mian Shop.
- Tangy Flavor: A tangy flavor that complements many dishes.
- Centuries-Old Recipe: The recipe has been passed down for over 500 years.
- Versatility: Can be enjoyed as a snack or used to accompany other dishes.
14. Tangshan Pickled Cabbage (Suan Hu)
Crunchy and tangy pickled cabbage. Sample it at the Tangshan Pickle Market.
- Freshness: The cabbages are picked fresh daily for optimal flavor.
- Tangy Flavor: A tangy, pickled flavor that complements many dishes.
- Seasonal Availability: Different vegetables are available throughout the year.
15. Tangshan Sweet Potato Pancakes (Gou Tie)
Soft and sweet pancakes made from mashed sweet potatoes. Try them at the popular Donghuamen Snack Street.
- Sweetness: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is a standout feature.
- Portability: Easy to eat on-the-go due to their portable size.
- Traditional Technique: Made using a traditional, hand-rolled technique.