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

1. Xiangshui Steamed Fish

Delicate fish steamed with local herbs and seasonings, showcasing the freshness of Jiangsu waters.

Tangy and savory rice noodles with local seafood in a spicy broth.

Authentic Recipe: Prepared using an age-old family recipe from Xiangshui
Seafood Freshness: Features the freshest seafood available in Xiangshui's markets
Spicy Broth: Boasts a rich and flavorful spicy broth that is unique to Xiangshui

Tender duck cooked in a brine of salt and spices, resulting in an unforgettable flavor.

Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional Jiangsu techniques
Tender Meat: Cooked to perfection, resulting in incredibly tender meat
Robust Flavor: Infused with rich flavors from the salt and spices used during preparation

Soft steamed buns filled with savory minced pork, a local street food favorite.

Freshly Made: Made fresh every day using traditional methods
Tasty Filling: Filled with juicy, seasoned pork that melts in your mouth
Portable Snack: Easy to grab and eat on the go, perfect for exploring Xiangshui's streets

Braised eel in a soy-based sauce, served over fragrant rice. A Jiangsu specialty.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally-caught eels for an authentic taste
Flavorful Sauce: Infused with a rich, umami-packed sauce that complements the eel
Cultural Significance: Represents the long history of eel farming in Xiangshui and Jiangsu region

Crispy fried dumplings filled with savory pork and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.

Authentic Taste: Made using a traditional Jiangsu recipe
Crispy Texture: Golden-fried exterior that gives way to tender, juicy filling
Dipping Sauce: Served with a tangy vinegar dipping sauce for added flavor

Tart and crunchy pickled vegetables, a popular accompaniment to many local dishes.

Stir-fried shrimp with aromatic garlic and ginger, served over steamed rice.

Sticky rice balls filled with savory fried rice, a unique Jiangsu street food.

Portable Snack: Easy to grab and eat on the go, perfect for exploring Xiangshui's streets
Tasty Filling: Filled with flavorful fried rice that is mixed with various ingredients
Sticky Rice Balls: Made from sticky rice, giving them a chewy texture

Smooth and silky tofu pudding, sweetened with sugar and served cold.

Traditional Dessert: A beloved Jiangsu dessert that has been enjoyed for generations
Cool and Refreshing: Ideal for cooling down during hot, humid summer days in Xiangshui
Mild Sweetness: Subtly sweet, allowing the natural flavor of the tofu to shine through

Crispy scallion pancakes made with flour and green onions, served with a dipping sauce.

Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with many of Xiangshui's local dishes
Crispy Texture: Golden-fried exterior that gives way to soft, tender layers within
Fresh Flavor: Infused with the aromatic flavor of fresh green onions

Tender duck blood cubes skewered and grilled over an open flame.

Authentic Street Food: A traditional Jiangsu street food that showcases local culinary techniques
Tender Texture: Cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite
Unique Flavor Profile: Features a distinct umami flavor that is unique to duck blood

A fragrant and potent rice wine made from locally-grown glutinous rice.

Local Ingredient: Uses glutinous rice grown in the Xiangshui region
Aromatic Flavor: Infused with a fragrant, floral aroma
Strengthening Beverage: Believed to have warming and strengthening properties in traditional Chinese medicine

Delicious sweet potato pie with a flaky crust and a creamy, sweet filling.

Sweet Treat: A satisfying dessert for those with a sweet tooth
Local Ingredient: Uses locally-grown and harvested sweet potatoes
Flaky Crust: Features a golden, flaky crust that contrasts with the creamy filling

Savory lotus root cake made from glutinous rice flour and lotus roots.

Local Ingredient: Uses locally-grown and harvested lotus roots
Savory Flavor: Boasts a savory flavor that is unique to Xiangshui's lotus root cakes
Cultural Significance: Represents the long history of lotus cultivation in Jiangsu region