
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Xinyang, Henan, China
1. Xinyang Miantian Shuijuan (Xinyang Vermicelli in Soup Bowl)
Delicious rice vermicelli served in a clear soup, topped with pickled vegetables and pork slices. A must-try for its unique texture and flavor balance.
- Authentic Flavor: Prepared with traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced vegetables and meats to ensure the best quality
- Inexpensive yet Delicious: Affordable meal option for travelers on a budget
2. Xinyang Laoshan Xiaoye (Laoshan Small Pot Chicken)
Tender chicken cooked in a small pot with soy sauce, ginger, and other spices. Known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Healthy Option: Cooked in a minimal amount of oil, making it a healthier choice
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using ancient techniques passed down from Laoshan mountain monks
- Versatile Pairing: Can be paired with rice, noodles, or steamed buns for a complete meal
3. Xinyang Xieke (Xinyang Rice Cake)
Sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet or savory ingredients. A popular street food in Xinyang.
- Unique Texture: Has a chewy and sticky texture that contrasts well with its fillings
- Wide Variety of Fillings: Available with sweet or savory fillings such as red bean paste, pork floss, or sesame seeds
- Inexpensive Snack: An affordable and tasty snack to try while exploring Xinyang's streets
4. Xinyang Zhongshan Huojian (Zhongshan Pancake)
Thin and crispy pancake filled with sweet red bean paste or savory meat fillings. A popular snack in Xinyang's Zhongshan Market.
- Unique Filling Options: Offers both sweet and savory filling options to cater to different tastes
- Quick and Easy Snack: A quick and easy snack to grab on the go, perfect for busy travelers
- Affordable Street Food: One of the most affordable street food options in Xinyang
5. Xinyang Nongxia Shouji (Farmers' Village Dumplings)
Delicate dumplings filled with minced meat and vegetables, served with a vinegar-based dipping sauce. A staple dish in Xinyang's Farmers' Village.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional techniques and family recipes
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced ingredients for the best quality and taste
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy the dumplings in a rustic, village setting for an authentic experience
6. Xinyang Yuanjiu (Yuanjiu Rice Wine)
A popular rice wine made in Xinyang using traditional methods. Known for its smooth and mellow flavor.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Features a distinct flavor profile compared to other rice wines
- Historical Significance: Steeped in history, with a tradition dating back over 150 years
- Versatile Beverage: Can be enjoyed neat or used as a cooking ingredient for added depth of flavor
7. Xinyang Nongji Shuijiao (Farmers' Village Dumplings in Soup)
Soup dumplings filled with minced meat and vegetables, served in a clear broth. A popular dish in Xinyang's Farmers' Village.
- Authentic Flavor: Prepared using traditional recipes and techniques
- Warming and Comforting: A perfect dish for a cold day, as the soup helps to warm you up
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced ingredients for the best quality and taste
8. Xinyang Xiangjiao (Chrysanthemum Tea)
Sweet tea made from dried chrysanthemum flowers. Known for its calming and refreshing properties.
- Refreshing Beverage: Offers a refreshing taste, perfect for hot summer days
- Health Benefits: Contains antioxidants and helps to reduce stress and fatigue
- Cultural Significance: Has been a popular beverage in China for over 2,000 years
9. Xinyang Doufucha (Tofu Tea)
A silky smooth tofu drink served hot or cold. A popular beverage in Xinyang due to its soothing properties.
- Soothes Digestion: Helps to soothe digestion and reduce bloating
- Versatile Beverage: Can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on personal preference
- Healthy Option: Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for travelers
10. Xinyang Shuijuan Xiang (Soup Bowl Snacks)
A variety of snacks served in a soup bowl, including steamed dumplings, wontons, and other delicacies. A popular street food in Xinyang.
- Wide Variety of Snacks: Offers a wide variety of snacks to cater to different tastes
- Affordable Street Food: An affordable and tasty street food option for travelers on a budget
- Quick and Easy Snack: A quick and easy snack to grab on the go, perfect for busy travelers
11. Xinyang Zongzi (Zongzi Sticky Rice Dumplings)
Sticky rice dumplings filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, and chestnuts. A traditional dish commonly eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using ancient techniques and family recipes
- Wide Variety of Fillings: Offers a wide variety of fillings to cater to different tastes
- Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that holds cultural significance during the Dragon Boat Festival
12. Xinyang Laba Congee (Laba Rice Porridge)
Rice porridge made with various ingredients such as red beans, glutinous rice, and lotus seeds. A traditional dish often enjoyed on the eve of Chinese New Year.
- Cultural Significance: A traditional dish that holds cultural significance during the Chinese New Year
- Warming and Comforting: A perfect dish for a cold day, as it helps to warm you up
- Versatile Ingredients: Can be customized with various ingredients to suit personal preferences
13. Xinyang Laiwu Pockmarked Buns (Laiwu Tonghuang Bao)
Soft and fluffy buns with a unique pockmarked texture. A popular snack in Xinyang's Laiwu area.
- Unique Texture: Has a unique texture that sets it apart from other buns
- Quick and Easy Snack: A quick and easy snack to grab on the go, perfect for busy travelers
- Affordable Street Food: An affordable street food option for travelers on a budget
14. Xinyang Suanmeitang (Sour Plum Soup)
A refreshing soup made with sour plums and sugar. Known for its cooling properties and ability to aid digestion.
- Refreshing Beverage: Offers a refreshing taste, perfect for hot summer days
- Health Benefits: Contains antioxidants and helps to aid digestion
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using traditional techniques and recipes
15. Xinyang Zhongshan Shuijiao (Zhongshan Dumplings in Soup)
Dumplings filled with minced meat and vegetables, served in a clear broth. A popular dish in Xinyang's Zhongshan Market.
- Authentic Flavor: Prepared using traditional recipes and techniques
- Warming and Comforting: A perfect dish for a cold day, as the soup helps to warm you up
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses locally-sourced ingredients for the best quality and taste