
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Xin’an, China
1. Xin'an Fried Dumplings (小盐酥)
Delicious steamed dumplings filled with pork and cabbage, fried to golden perfection. A must-try in Xin’an's bustling night market.
- Authentic Flavor: Made with a traditional family recipe passed down for generations.
- Unique Fried Texture: Crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior create an irresistible combination of textures.
- Popular Street Food: Enjoy these dumplings while immersed in the vibrant night market atmosphere.
2. Xin'an Spicy Cold Noodles (凉皮), Xiangfu Alley
Refreshing cold noodles served in a tangy, spicy sauce. The perfect dish for a hot day in Xin’an.
- Traditional Recipe: A centuries-old recipe originating from the bustling alleyways of Xiangfu.
- Spicy and Refreshing: The perfect balance between heat and coolness, ideal for beating the summer heat.
- Local Street Food Experience: Enjoy these noodles in Xiangfu Alley, where vendors have been serving them for generations.
3. Xin'an Sweet Rice Balls (糯米球)
Sweet rice balls filled with red bean paste or sesame seed paste. A popular dessert in Xin’an.
- Traditional Dessert: A beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries in Xin’an.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The soft, chewy texture of the rice balls contrasts beautifully with the smooth fillings.
- Dessert Street Vendor: Find these dessert vendors scattered throughout Xin’an's vibrant street markets.
4. Xin'an Stir-fried Green Beans (绿豆豉)
Crispy, stir-fried green beans seasoned with soy sauce and garlic. A tasty side dish that goes well with many meals.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple ingredients like fresh green beans, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Crispy Texture: The beans are stir-fried to perfection, resulting in a delightfully crispy texture.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with many other Xin’an dishes, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
5. Xin'an Steamed Fish (清蒸鱼)
Tender steamed fish served with ginger, green onions, and soy sauce. A light and flavorful dish that showcases the fresh seafood of Xin’an.
- Fresh Seafood: Fish is sourced daily from local fisheries, ensuring maximum freshness.
- Light and Flavorful: The fish is lightly seasoned to let its natural flavors shine through.
- Traditional Cooking Method: Steaming allows the fish to retain its moisture and delicate flavor.
6. Xin'an Smoked Duck (冒烟鸭)
Tender, juicy smoked duck served with a sweet and savory sauce. A crowd-pleaser in Xin’an's upscale restaurants.
- High-quality Ingredients: Only the finest ducks are used to ensure a tender, juicy texture.
- Unique Smoking Technique: The duck is smoked using a traditional smoking technique that adds depth of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the meat.
- Upscale Dining Experience: Enjoy this dish in one of Xin’an's upscale restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience.
7. Xin'an Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
Fermented tofu with a strong aroma and crispy exterior. A popular street food in Xin’an.
- Strong Aroma: The tofu has a strong, pungent smell that many find off-putting but adds depth of flavor.
- Crispy Texture: The tofu is deep-fried until it develops a crispy exterior and gooey, melted interior.
- Street Food Experience: Find this popular street food in Xin’an's bustling night markets.
8. Xin'an Sesame Oil Braised Pork (麻油炒肉)
Tender pork belly cooked in fragrant sesame oil and soy sauce. A comforting dish that showcases Xin’an's love for bold flavors.
- Fragrant Sesame Oil: The dish is cooked in sesame oil, adding a unique and aromatic flavor.
- Tender Pork Belly: The pork belly is slow-cooked until it becomes tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Popular Comfort Food: A hearty dish that is perfect for a cold day or as a comfort food after a long journey.
9. Xin'an Rice Noodle Rolls (肠粉)
Thin rice noodles wrapped around fillings like pork, shrimp, or vegetables. A versatile and popular dish in Xin’an.
- Versatile Fillings: Choose from various filling options to suit your taste preferences.
- Thin and Tender Noodles: The rice noodles are thin and tender, making each bite a delight.
- Casual Street Food Experience: Find these delicious rolls in Xin’an's casual street food stalls.
10. Xin'an Steamed Rice Cake (粽子)
Sticky rice cakes steamed in bamboo leaves. A traditional dish enjoyed during festivals in Xin’an.
- Traditional Festive Dish: A popular dish during the Dragon Boat Festival and other local holidays.
- Sticky Texture: The sticky texture of the rice cake makes it a satisfying and comforting dish.
- Cultural Experience: Learn about Xin’an's culture by enjoying this traditional dish during festivals.
11. Xin'an Soy Milk (豆浆)
Fresh soy milk served hot or cold. A popular breakfast item in Xin’an.
- Traditional Breakfast: A traditional breakfast choice, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh soybeans, ensuring a creamy and delicious taste.
- Versatile Beverage: Enjoy it hot or cold, depending on the weather.
12. Xin'an Bamboo Tube Rice (筒竹饭)
Sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes and served with pickled vegetables. A unique dish that showcases Xin’an's love for bamboo.
- Unique Cooking Technique: Cooked in bamboo tubes, which imparts a subtle flavor and texture to the rice.
- Sticky Texture: The sticky texture of the rice complements the tangy pickled vegetables perfectly.
- Bamboo-themed Dish: Xin’an's abundant bamboo resources are showcased in this unique dish.
13. Xin'an Pickled Vegetables (酱菜)
A variety of vegetables pickled using a sweet and tangy pickling sauce. A popular side dish in Xin’an.
- Tangy Flavor: The tangy flavor of the pickles adds a refreshing contrast to many dishes.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with a variety of Xin’an dishes, from steamed fish to stir-fried green beans.
- Cultural Significance: Pickling is an important part of Xin’an's culinary heritage and culture.
14. Xin'an Tea (新安茶)
Famous for its delicate aroma and unique flavor, Xin’an tea is a must-try for any visitor.
- Delicate Aroma: The fragrant aroma of the tea leaves is one of its most distinctive qualities.
- Unique Flavor: The tea has a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other teas.
- Rich Cultural Significance: Tea plays an important role in Xin’an's history, culture, and economy.
15. Xin'an Bamboo-steamed Bun (竹筒包子)
Soft steamed buns filled with various fillings like pork, shrimp, or vegetables. A popular street food in Xin’an.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: The soft, fluffy texture of the buns makes them a delight to eat.
- Versatile Fillings: Choose from various filling options to suit your taste preferences.
- Bamboo-themed Dish: Xin’an's abundant bamboo resources are showcased in this unique dish.