
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
1. Wuxi Huangyan Shrimp
Delicious shrimps from Lake Taihu, served with a sweet and sour sauce. A must-try for seafood lovers.
- Freshness Factor: Shrimps are freshly caught from Lake Taihu
- Flavor Factor: Sweet and sour sauce gives a unique flavor profile
- Local Specialty Factor: A traditional dish of Wuxi, reflecting its rich culinary heritage
2. Wuxi Salted Duck
Salt-preserved duck from Wuxi, known for its tender meat and crispy skin.
- Preservation Factor: Ducks are salt-cured to preserve their quality
- Flavor Factor: Combination of salty and savory flavors
- Local Delicacy Factor: A popular dish enjoyed by locals for centuries
3. Lion's Head Meatballs (Shi Zhang Yeh)
Large meatballs made with pork and vegetables, served in a savory brown sauce. A favorite comfort food in Wuxi.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses traditional Chinese ingredients like gluten and mushrooms
- Texture Factor: Soft, tender meatballs with a slightly chewy texture
- Local Tradition Factor: Originated in Wuxi and has been enjoyed for generations
4. Wuxi Braised Fish Head (Yu Tou Hu)
Braised fish head cooked in a flavorful soy sauce broth. A hearty and satisfying dish.
- Cooking Technique Factor: Slowly braised to tenderize the fish head
- Flavor Factor: Rich, savory flavors from the soy sauce broth
- Local Specialty Factor: A popular dish showcasing Wuxi's culinary skills
5. Wuxi Fried Rice (Chao Fan)
Fried rice with shrimp, pork, and vegetables, seasoned with soy sauce. A classic Wuxi dish.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses fresh and flavorful ingredients like shrimp and pork
- Preparation Factor: Wok-fried to achieve a crispy texture
- Local Tradition Factor: A traditional dish enjoyed by locals for generations
6. Wuxi Steamed Rice Cake (Zong Zi)
Glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. A traditional dish enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival.
- Preparation Factor: Rice is steamed using bamboo leaves for flavor
- Cultural Significance Factor: Significant during the Dragon Boat Festival, symbolizing unity and harmony
- Local Tradition Factor: A traditional dish reflecting Wuxi's cultural heritage
7. Wuxi Fried Noodles (Chao Mian)
Fried noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables. A popular street food in Wuxi.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses fresh and flavorful ingredients like pork and vegetables
- Preparation Factor: Stir-fried to achieve a crispy texture
- Local Specialty Factor: A popular street food showcasing Wuxi's culinary skills
8. Wuxi Fried Pork (Shao Rou)
Fried pork slices seasoned with soy sauce and ginger. A simple yet delicious dish.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses high-quality pork and flavorful ingredients
- Preparation Factor: Deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture
- Local Specialty Factor: A simple yet popular dish reflecting Wuxi's culinary heritage
9. Wuxi Stewed Eel (Yu Xie)
Eels stewed in a clay pot with soy sauce and spices. A unique dish that showcases Wuxi's culinary skills.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses fresh eels, a local delicacy
- Cooking Technique Factor: Stewed slowly to tenderize the eel
- Local Specialty Factor: A unique dish showcasing Wuxi's culinary heritage and expertise
10. Wuxi Oyster Omelette (Jiao Zhan)
Omelette made with oysters, green onions, and coriander. A tasty and filling dish.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses fresh and flavorful ingredients like oysters
- Preparation Factor: Cooked with a slightly runny yolk for added richness
- Local Specialty Factor: A popular dish showcasing Wuxi's culinary skills and seafood resources
11. Wuxi Fried Gluten (Chao Mi Xian)
Glutinous rice flour sticks fried in oil until crispy. A classic Wuxi snack.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses traditional Chinese ingredient, gluten
- Preparation Factor: Fried to achieve a crispy texture
- Local Specialty Factor: A classic Wuxi snack showcasing the region's culinary skills
12. Wuxi Tofu Pudding (Dou Fu Nao)
Sweet tofu pudding served with a sugar syrup. A popular dessert in Wuxi.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses fresh, local tofu
- Preparation Factor: Set in a mold and served cold for a smooth texture
- Local Specialty Factor: A popular dessert showcasing Wuxi's culinary skills and tofu production
13. Wuxi Sweet Osmanthus Cake (Gua Bao)
Steamed buns filled with sweet osmanthus cream. A tasty and fragrant dessert.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses local, fragrant osmanthus flowers
- Preparation Factor: Steamed for a soft and fluffy texture
- Local Specialty Factor: A popular dessert showcasing Wuxi's culinary skills and local produce
14. Wuxi Lobster (Xie Ma Yao)
Delicious lobsters from Lake Taihu, often served with a garlic and ginger sauce.
- Freshness Factor: Lobsters are freshly caught from Lake Taihu
- Flavor Factor: Garlic and ginger sauce gives a unique flavor profile
- Local Specialty Factor: A traditional dish of Wuxi, reflecting its rich culinary heritage
15. Wuxi Fish Ball Soup (Yu Wa)
Soup made with fish balls, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. A comforting dish perfect for any meal.
- Ingredient Factor: Uses fresh and flavorful ingredients
- Preparation Factor: Cooked to create a rich and aromatic broth
- Local Specialty Factor: A comforting dish showcasing Wuxi's culinary skills and seafood resources