Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Zhangjiajie, China
1. Salted Fish with Rice Noodles (Yanyang Fen),
A local specialty with a unique blend of salty and spicy flavors, Yanyang Fen is a must-try dish in Zhangjiajie. Enjoy it at the popular eatery Xihu Sanbao Tang.
- Authentic Flavor: Served with traditional seasonings and fresh ingredients.
- Local Eatery: Experience the ambiance of a local restaurant in Zhangjiajie.
- Spicy Delight: A perfect combination of spiciness and savory taste.
2. Moon-shaped Glutinous Rice Cake (Yangmei Tangbao),
A sweet delicacy shaped like a crescent moon, Yangmei Tangbao is a popular dessert in Zhangjiajie. Indulge in this treat at the bustling night market near Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
- Unique Shape: The crescent shape is both visually appealing and symbolizes good fortune.
- Sweet Delight: A traditional dessert made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and sesame seeds.
- Night Market Experience: Taste the local delicacy while exploring the vibrant night market.
3. Bamboo Rice (Zhulin Fan),
Steamed rice cooked in bamboo shoots, Zhulin Fan is a traditional dish that showcases the local resources of Zhangjiajie. Savor this dish at Tianzi Mountain scenic area's restaurant.
- Cooked in Bamboo: The bamboo imparts a unique flavor to the rice.
- Traditional Recipe: An age-old cooking technique preserved for generations.
- Scenic Area Dining: Enjoy the dish with breathtaking views of Tianzi Mountain.
4. Spicy Chicken (La Ji),
A spicy and flavorful chicken dish that is a staple in Zhangjiajie. Experience it at the lively food street near the Grand Canyon of Southern China.
- Spicy Flavor: A perfect balance of spiciness and umami taste.
- Local Food Street: Taste the local dish amidst a bustling street food scene.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the dish while taking in the stunning views of the Grand Canyon.
5. Glass Noodle Soup (Congyou Tang),
A clear, flavorful soup with chewy glass noodles and various ingredients like mushrooms and vegetables. Sip on this comforting dish at restaurants in Yuanjiang Town.
- Clearly Broth: The transparent broth showcases the freshness of ingredients.
- Traditional Yuanjiang: Experience the traditional flavors of Yuanjiang Town.
- Comfort Food: A warming and comforting dish for cooler climates.
6. Smoked Fish (Chongyang Yu),
A delicacy made from the fish caught in the local rivers, Chongyang Yu is smoked to perfection and served at various restaurants around Zhangjiajie.
- Smoky Flavor: The smoky flavor adds a unique twist to the fish.
- Local River Fish: Fish sourced from the nearby rivers, ensuring freshness and authenticity.
- Versatile Dish: Can be enjoyed as a main dish or a snack.
7. Glutinous Rice Dumplings (Zongzi),
Traditional bamboo-wrapped glutinous rice dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat and vegetables. Enjoy these at festivals or special occasions in Zhangjiajie.
- Bamboo Wrapping: The bamboo wrapping adds a rustic touch to the dish.
- Traditional Festival Food: A traditional dish that marks important occasions.
- Variety of Fillings: Dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients, catering to different tastes.
8. Bamboo Tuber (Sushen),
A locally-grown tuber that is a staple food in Zhangjiajie. Taste this root vegetable at restaurants specializing in local cuisine.
- Local Staple: A key component of the local diet and a must-try.
- Simple Preparation: The tuber is simply boiled or steamed, allowing its natural flavors to shine.
- Versatile Dish: Can be enjoyed as a main dish or an accompaniment to other dishes.
9. Fermented Tofu (Zha Dan),
A traditional Zhangjiajie dish made from fermented tofu, served with chili oil and green onions. Savor this tangy delight at local eateries.
- Tangy Flavor: A perfect balance of sourness and spiciness.
- Traditional Recipe: A dish steeped in local tradition.
- Spicy Delight: Add chili oil for an extra kick.
10. Rice Congee with Preserved Vegetables (Chun Cai Zhou),
A hearty bowl of rice porridge with pickled vegetables and various toppings. Warm up with this comforting dish at breakfast in local tea houses.
- Comfort Food: A warming and filling dish for a chilly morning.
- Traditional Breakfast: Enjoy this breakfast staple like the locals do.
- Variety of Toppings: Customize your congee with a selection of toppings.
11. Chicken Feet with Preserved Vegetables (Jiding Ji),
A local specialty featuring chicken feet cooked in a tangy sauce with pickled vegetables. Savor this unique dish at restaurants in Zhangjiajie.
- Unique Texture: The chewy texture of the chicken feet adds an interesting element.
- Tangy Flavor: A perfect balance of sourness and savory flavors.
- Local Delicacy: An authentic taste of Zhangjiajie cuisine.
12. Fish Head Soup (Yu Tou Tang),
A hearty and flavorful soup made with fish head and various ingredients. Warm up with this comforting dish at restaurants in Zhangjiajie.
- Hearty Soup: A warming and filling dish for a chilly day.
- Local Ingredients: Fresh fish head sourced from local rivers.
- Flavorful Broth: The rich and flavorful broth is a highlight of this dish.
13. Steamed Fish (Zhu Yu),
A simple yet delicious dish featuring fresh fish steamed with ginger and green onions. Savor this dish at restaurants in Zhangjiajie.
- Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the fish is key to the flavor of this dish.
- Traditional Recipe: A simple yet elegant presentation of fresh fish.
- Versatile Dish: Can be enjoyed as a main dish or an accompaniment to other dishes.
14. Stir-fried Mushrooms (Shuang Zhong Xiang Gu),
A flavorful dish featuring various types of mushrooms stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce. Savor this vegetarian delight at restaurants in Zhangjiajie.
- Flavorful Mushrooms: A variety of fresh and flavorful mushrooms.
- Traditional Recipe: A simple yet tasty stir-fry using traditional techniques.
- Vegetarian Option: A hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish.
15. Braised Pork Belly (Zhu Rou Cu),
A rich and savory dish featuring braised pork belly cooked with soy sauce and various seasonings. Savor this decadent treat at restaurants in Zhangjiajie.
- Rich Flavors: A rich and complex flavor profile.
- Traditional Recipe: An age-old cooking technique that results in tender and succulent pork belly.
- Decadent Dish: A luxurious dish that is a indulgent treat.