Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Xinzhou, China
1. Xinzhou Rice Noodles (新州米粉)
A classic dish made with thin rice noodles, served with pickled vegetables and a variety of meats or seafood.
- Authenticity: Prepared in traditional methods passed down for generations
- Flavor Profile: Balanced sweet, sour and savory flavors
- Versatility: Can be customized with a variety of ingredients
2. Fried Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼)
Thin, crispy pancake made primarily from wheat flour and scallions, often served with soy sauce or chili sauce.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
- Flavor: Savory and slightly sweet flavor from the scallions
- Historical Significance: Traditionally made during festivals, symbolizing unity and prosperity
3. Sweet Osmanthus Cake (杏鲍饼)
A delicate cake made from glutinous rice flour, filled with sweet osmanthus fragrance.
- Taste: Delicate and slightly sweet flavor
- Aroma: Distinctive, fragrant aroma from osmanthus flowers
- Authenticity: Traditional dessert in Xinzhou, made according to local recipes
4. Spicy Duck (辣子鸭)
Tender duck meat cooked with a spicy sauce made from chili peppers, Szechuan peppercorns, and soy sauce.
- Spiciness: Medium to high level of heat
- Taste: Complex flavors from the combination of spices and soy sauce
- Tenderness: Cooked to perfection, ensuring tender meat
5. Stewed Pork with Garlic (蒜香焖肉)
Pork stewed in a fragrant garlic sauce until tender and flavorful.
- Garlicky Flavor: Strong, aromatic garlic flavor
- Tenderness: Pork is cooked until tender and easily pulls apart
- Versatility: Can be enjoyed with rice, noodles or bread
6. Lion's Head Meatballs (狮子头肉)
Large meatballs made from ground pork and vegetables, served in a savory sauce.
- Texture: Tender and delicate texture
- Flavor: Savory, umami flavors from the sauce and pork
- Presentation: Traditionally served in a large, round shape resembling a lion's head
7. Glutinous Rice Dumplings (粽子)
Sticky rice dumplings filled with various fillings like pork, chestnuts or mushrooms, wrapped in bamboo leaves.
- Fillings: Variety of flavors depending on the filling chosen
- Texture: Sticky and chewy rice dumpling wrapper
- Historical Significance: Traditionally made during the Dragon Boat Festival
8. Braised Pork Belly (红烧肉)
Pork belly slow-braised in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and spices.
- Tenderness: Meltingly tender pork belly
- Flavor: Sweet and savory flavors from the braising sauce
- Versatility: Can be enjoyed on its own, or served with rice or noodles
9. Fish-Flavored Noodles (鱼香面)
Thin noodles stir-fried with a fragrant sauce made from fish, garlic, and ginger.
- Flavor: Fishy, aromatic flavor from the sauce
- Texture: Thin, chewy noodles
- Versatility: Can be found in various regions of China, each with its unique twist
10. Soybean Milk (豆浆)
A traditional drink made from soybeans and water, often served warm or cold.
- Taste: Mild, slightly sweet flavor
- Health Benefits: High in protein and essential nutrients
- Availability: Easily found at street food stalls and cafes
11. Sweet Osmanthus Wine (桂花酒)
A traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented osmanthus flowers.
- Taste: Sweet, fragrant flavor
- Aroma: Distinctive, floral aroma
- Historical Significance: Traditionally used in Chinese medicine and as a ceremonial drink
12. Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce (麻酱凉面)
Cold noodles served with a sesame sauce made from toasted sesame seeds and soy sauce.
- Texture: Cool, refreshing noodles
- Flavor: Nutty, slightly sweet flavor from the sesame sauce
- Seasonality: Best enjoyed during hot summer months
13. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
Fermented tofu with a strong odor, often deep-fried and served with chili sauce.
- Odor: Strong, pungent smell
- Taste: Mild, slightly savory flavor when deep-fried
- Experience: An acquired taste for those who enjoy strong flavors
14. Scallion Pancake Roll (葱油饼卷)
A scallion pancake rolled up like a wrap, filled with various ingredients such as pickled vegetables or meat.
- Fillings: Variety of flavors depending on the fillings chosen
- Texture: Crispy exterior and soft interior
- Versatility: Can be found at street food stalls and markets
15. Sweet Osmanthus Bread (桂花馒头)
Soft steamed buns filled with sweet osmanthus fragrance.
- Taste: Delicate and slightly sweet flavor
- Aroma: Distinctive, fragrant aroma from osmanthus flowers
- Authenticity: Traditional snack in Xinzhou, made according to local recipes