Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Zhuji, China
1. Xiu Xian (Shrimp and Pork Dumplings)
Delicate dumplings filled with succulent shrimp and pork, boiled in broth and served with a tangy vinegar dip. Try them at Xiaowang Dumpling House.
- Unique Filling: Unlike traditional dumplings, these have a shrimp and pork filling, offering a unique flavor combination.
- Boiled Broth: The broth in which the dumplings are boiled adds an extra layer of taste to the dish.
- Tangy Vinegar Dip: The tangy vinegar dip complements the savory flavors of the dumplings, creating a harmonious balance.
2. Fish in Chili Sauce (Yu Xiang Cai)
Tender fish cooked in a fragrant chili sauce made from fermented beans and garlic. Experience it at Grandma's Kitchen restaurant.
- Fermented Beans: The use of fermented beans in the chili sauce gives the dish a complex, umami flavor.
- Garlic Aroma: The aromatic garlic in the chili sauce enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Tender Fish: The fish used is always tender, ensuring a delightful texture in every bite.
3. Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumplings)
Pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings filled with various ingredients like sausage, mushrooms, and red beans. Enjoy them during the Dragon Boat Festival at local markets.
- Variety of Fillings: The variety of fillings used in Zongzi makes each one unique and flavorful.
- Sticky Rice Texture: The sticky texture of the rice gives these dumplings a distinct, satisfying bite.
- Traditional Festival Food: Zongzi are a traditional dish enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival, making them a must-try for cultural immersion.
4. Lion's Head Meatballs (Shi Zhang Yue Rou)
Soft and tender meatballs made from ground pork served in a savory sauce. Try them at Chengdu Restaurant.
- Ground Pork: The use of ground pork makes the meatballs incredibly tender and easy to eat.
- Savory Sauce: The sauce is rich in flavor, enhancing the taste of the meatballs.
- Soft Texture: The soft texture of the meatballs makes them a delight to eat.
5. Salted Fish Fried Rice (You Yang Zi Fan)
Fragrant fried rice cooked with salted fish and vegetables. Savor it at local street food vendors.
- Salted Fish: The salty flavor of the salted fish gives the dish a unique taste.
- Fragrant Rice: The rice used is always fragrant, adding to the overall aroma and taste of the dish.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoying this dish at a street food vendor offers an authentic local experience.
6. Dongpo Pork (Dong Po Rou)
Tender pork belly braised in wine and spices. Savor it at Dongpo Pork Restaurant.
- Tender Pork Belly: The tender pork belly melts in your mouth, offering a delicious texture.
- Wine Braised: The wine used in the braising process imparts a rich flavor to the dish.
- Spicy Option: For those who enjoy spiciness, there is an option to add chili peppers for added heat.
7. Red Cooked Fish (Hong Shi Yu)
Soft fish cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce made from sugar, soy sauce, and chili peppers. Try it at Red Cooked Fish Restaurant.
- Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The sweet and spicy sauce provides a perfect balance of flavors.
- Soft Fish: The fish used is always soft, ensuring a delightful texture.
- Traditional Cooking Method: Red cooking is a traditional Chinese method of slow-cooking food in soy sauce and other seasonings.
8. Pork Blood Cake (Zhu Zhou)
Savory cakes made from congealed pork blood, served with soy sauce and green onions. Try them at local street food vendors.
- Unique Ingredient: The use of pork blood gives these cakes a unique flavor and texture.
- Soy Sauce and Green Onions: The soy sauce and green onions add flavor to the otherwise mild taste of the cakes.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoying these cakes at a street food vendor offers an authentic local experience.
9. Three Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
Tender chicken cooked in a fragrant sauce made from ginger, garlic, and basil. Try it at Three Cup Chicken Restaurant.
- Fragrant Sauce: The combination of ginger, garlic, and basil creates a fragrant sauce that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken used is always tender, ensuring a delightful texture.
- Three Ingredients: The use of only three main ingredients (chicken, ginger, garlic) keeps the dish simple and flavorful.
10. Sweet and Sour Pork (Tang Cu Yu Xiang)
Crispy pork pieces served in a sweet and sour sauce. Try them at Sweet and Sour Pork Restaurant.
- Crispy Pork: The crispy texture of the pork adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: The sweet and sour sauce provides a perfect balance of flavors.
- Traditional Chinese Dish: Sweet and sour pork is a classic Chinese dish, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Zhuji.
11. Mapo Tofu (Ma Po Dou Fu)
Spicy tofu dish with ground pork and vegetables in a fragrant chili sauce. Try it at Mapo Tofu Restaurant.
- Spicy Chili Sauce: The spicy chili sauce adds heat to the dish, making it a flavorful option.
- Tofu Texture: The soft texture of the tofu contrasts beautifully with the ground pork and vegetables.
- Soy Sauce Flavor: A dash of soy sauce enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
12. Kung Pao Chicken (Gong Bao Ji Ding)
Spicy chicken dish stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and Sichuan peppercorns. Try it at Kung Pao Chicken Restaurant.
- Spicy Flavor: The spiciness of the dish comes from chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.
- Peanuts: The crunchy peanuts add a delightful texture to each bite.
- Sichuan Peppercorns: Sichuan peppercorns create a unique numbing sensation in the mouth.
13. Stewed Fish Head (Shu Zi Huo Zhou)
Delicate fish head cooked slowly in a fragrant sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, and green onions. Try it at local seafood restaurants.
- Fish Head: The flavorful meat from the fish head is a delicious treat.
- Fragrant Sauce: The soy sauce, ginger, and green onions create a fragrant sauce that complements the fish head perfectly.
- Slow Cooking: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
14. Braised Pork Belly (Shao Rou)
Tender pork belly braised in soy sauce and spices. Try it at local restaurants specializing in this dish.
- Tender Pork Belly: The tender pork belly melts in your mouth, offering a delicious texture.
- Soy Sauce Flavor: The soy sauce used gives the dish a rich and savory flavor.
- Spicy Option: For those who enjoy spiciness, there is an option to add chili peppers for added heat.
15. Stir-Fried Glass Noodles (Liang Mian)
Light and flavorful stir-fried noodles made from glass noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. Try them at local street food vendors.
- Glass Noodles: The translucent glass noodles add a unique texture to the dish.
- Vegetables and Protein: You can choose from various vegetables and proteins to customize your dish.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoying these noodles at a street food vendor offers an authentic local experience.