1. What are the most popular local dishes in Leshan?
The most popular local dishes in Leshan include:
1. Mapo Tofu – a spicy, stir-fried tofu dish with Sichuan peppers and chili bean paste
2. Leshan Water-boiled Fish – a famous Sichuan style fish dish cooked in a spicy broth
3. Kung Pao Chicken – diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and spicy sauce
4. Dan Dan Noodles – noodles topped with minced pork, preserved vegetables, and chili oil
5. Mapo Beef – similar to mapo tofu but made with beef instead of tofu
6. Sichuan Hot Pot – a communal meal where various meats, vegetables, and noodles are cooked in a pot of spicy broth at the table
7. Suanni-roasted Duck – roasted duck stuffed with herbs and spices native to Leshan
8. Chongqing Noodles (Xiao Mian) – a classic Sichuan noodle dish served in a savory broth with various toppings such as braised pork or seasoned beef.
9. Maocai (spicy stew)- a stew made with various meats, vegetables, and spices cooked in a clay pot.
10. Tofu Flower Soup- delicate silken tofu shaped into flower-like patterns and served in a flavorful broth.
2. Are there any vegetarian restaurants near Leshan Jiazhouzhang Old Street?
Yes, there are a few vegetarian restaurants located near Leshan Jiazhouzhang Old Street, including:
1. Chenxuan Vegetarian Restaurant – Located within walking distance of the old street, this restaurant offers a selection of vegetarian dishes inspired by Chinese and Western cuisines.
2. Jingxin Vegetarian Restaurant – This restaurant is known for its delicious homemade vegetarian dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
3. Ziran Cafe & Kitchen – A cozy cafe serving vegetarian and vegan options, including salads, sandwiches, and smoothie bowls.
4. The Green Mango Vegetarian Restaurant – This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including traditional Sichuan dishes and Western-style fusion dishes.
5. Light Year Healthy Vegetarian Hotpot Restaurant – A popular spot for hotpot lovers, this restaurant also offers a wide range of vegetarian broth options and meat substitutes.
Please note that some of these restaurants may serve non-vegetarian dishes as well. It is recommended to check with the staff before ordering to ensure your dietary needs are accommodated.
3. Is it customary to tip at restaurants in Leshan?
Yes, it is customary to tip at restaurants in Leshan. A small tip of around 5-10% is appreciated for good service, but it is not mandatory. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so be sure to check before leaving an additional tip. Tips can be given directly to the server or added onto the total bill when paying with a credit card.
4. What is the average price range for a meal at a restaurant in this area?
The average price range for a meal at a restaurant in this area is likely between $15-$30 per person. However, prices can vary depending on the type of cuisine and level of dining experience. Some restaurants may have higher or lower prices within this range.
5. Can I find international cuisine options on Jiazhouzhang Old Street?
Yes, you can find international cuisine options on Jiazhouzhang Old Street, as it has a variety of restaurants and cafes serving dishes from different countries such as Italian, Japanese, Korean, and more.
6. Are there any food markets or street vendors selling local delicacies nearby?
There may be food markets or street vendors selling local delicacies nearby, depending on the location. It is best to check with locals or do some research to find out the offerings in a specific area. Some popular destinations for local street food include night markets, cultural festivals, and busy city centers.
7. Is there a specific must-try dish in Leshan that I shouldn’t miss out on?
One must-try dish in Leshan is the Leshan Spicy Bean Noodles, also known as “Leshan Ma Jiao Bing”. This dish consists of hand-pulled noodles, mixed with a spicy and flavorful pork and bean sauce. It is often topped with green onions, coriander, and other toppings to enhance the taste. This dish can be found at most local street food stalls or small restaurants in Leshan.
8. Do any of the restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the old street?
Yes, there are several restaurants in the old street area that offer outdoor seating with views. Some examples include Royal China Club, which has a terrace overlooking Baker Street; The Grazing Goat, which has a small outdoor patio overlooking New Quebec Street; and Fishworks Marylebone, which has sidewalk tables with views of Thayer Street.
9. Are there any famous traditional tea houses or teahouses with historical significance in this area?
Yes, there are several famous traditional tea houses with historical significance in this area. Some popular options include:1. Nanjing Chaguan (Nanjing Teahouse): This teahouse has a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty and is known for its beautiful garden setting, traditional decor and high-quality teas.
2. Pingjiang Street Teahouses: Located in Suzhou, these teahouses have a rich history dating back to ancient times and have been the meeting place for poets, writers and scholars for centuries.
3. Tongli Chaoshi (Tongli Teahouse): Situated in Tongli Ancient Town, this teahouse has been serving tea since the Tang dynasty (618-907) and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and delicate teas.
4. Qinfengguan Tea House: Built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), this teahouse is situated in Hangzhou’s West Lake area and offers beautiful views of the lake while you enjoy your tea.
5. Xihu Longjing Tea Museum Teahouse: Located within the famous Dragon Well Tea Village in Hangzhou, this teahouse is housed in a former royal palace and showcases the history and culture of Longjing tea through its exhibits and offerings of Longjing tea.
10. How late do restaurants typically stay open on Jiazhouzhang Old Street?
It varies depending on the restaurant, but most restaurants on Jiazhouzhang Old Street stay open until 10 or 11pm. Some may stay open later if there are customers, while others may close earlier if business is slow.
11. Are there any authentic Sichuan hotpot restaurants in the vicinity?
Yes, there are a few authentic Sichuan hotpot restaurants located in the vicinity. Some options include Chongqing Little Swan Hotpot, Mian Fan Hotpot, and Cheng Du Lao Kitchen.
12. Can I find organic or farm-to-table dining options around here?
Yes, there are many organic and farm-to-table dining options in this area. Here are a few examples:1. Cafe Gratitude: This restaurant offers 100% organic, plant-based meals made with local and sustainable ingredients.
2. The Farmer’s Table: Located on a farm, this restaurant offers seasonal menus featuring fresh produce from their own gardens and other local farms.
3. True North Kitchen + Bar: Known for its farm-to-table approach, this restaurant sources ingredients from local farmers and producers to create their menu.
4. Local Harvest Eatery & Pub: This restaurant uses locally-sourced and organic ingredients to create modern American cuisine.
5. Life Alive Urban Oasis & Organic Cafe: With a focus on healthy and sustainable food, this cafe serves up delicious organic bowls, smoothies, and more using locally-sourced ingredients.
We recommend doing some research or asking around for specific recommendations in your desired location for the freshest and healthiest dining options.
13. What kind of local snacks can I try while exploring Jiazhouzhang Old Street?
Jiazhouzhang Old Street, also known as Jiazhou Snack Street, is a popular tourist destination in Suzhou, China known for its traditional snacks and food stalls. Some of the must-try local snacks while exploring this old street include:
1. Gao bao (steamed bun with minced meat filling)
2. Shui jiao (boiled dumplings)
3. Tang yuan (boiled glutinous rice balls filled with sweet red bean or sesame paste)
4. Zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves)
5. Fried mantou (deep-fried buns)
6. Jianbing (Chinese-style crepe filled with savory and/or sweet ingredients)
7. Lü dou gao (green bean cake)
8. Cong you bing (pan-fried scallion pancakes)
9. Bao zi (steamed stuffed buns with various fillings such as pork or vegetables)
10. Wonton soup
11. Shengjian bao (pan-fried pork buns)
12. You tiao (fried dough sticks)
13. Guobaorou (crispy sweet and sour pork)
14. Is it safe to drink tap water in Leshan, or should I stick to bottled water at restaurants?
It is generally safe to drink tap water in Leshan, as it meets national drinking water standards. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, it may be safer for you to stick to bottled water just to be cautious. Most restaurants and hotels will provide bottled water for customers upon request.
15. Does the local food tend to be spicy or mild in flavor?
The local food tends to be spicy in flavor.
16. Are there any specialty seafood restaurants near Jiazhouzhang Old Street, being close to the river?
Yes, there are several specialty seafood restaurants near Jiazhouzhang Old Street that are close to the river. Some options include Lao Jiang Seafood Restaurant, Hai Yi Seafood Restaurant, and Feng Hai Wei Seafood Restaurant. These restaurants offer fresh local seafood dishes such as fish, shrimp, crabs, and oysters prepared in a variety of styles.
17. Can you recommend a good place for breakfast in this area?
Sure, there are a few great options for breakfast in this area:
1. The Breakfast Club: This cozy cafe serves up delicious breakfast dishes like pancakes, eggs benedict, and avocado toast.
2. Cafe Gratitude: If you’re looking for a healthy option, this vegan restaurant offers a variety of nutritious breakfast items such as smoothie bowls and chia seed pudding.
3. Fountain Coffee Room: Located inside the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, this classic diner-style spot is known for its famous banana pancakes and omelets.
4. Blu Jam Cafe: This popular neighborhood spot has an extensive breakfast menu with options like crispy french toast and creative egg dishes.
5. Sweet Butter Kitchen: With a charming rustic atmosphere, this cafe offers tasty breakfast staples like waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries.
No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to have a delicious start to your day in this area!
18. Do hotels and hostels nearby offer restaurant options as well?
It depends on the specific hotel or hostel. Some may have in-house restaurants, while others may not. It is best to check with the specific hotel or hostel for their dining options. Alternatively, there may be nearby restaurants in the surrounding area.
19. Is it possible to purchase fresh produce or ingredients from local markets and cook my own meals here?
It is possible to purchase fresh produce and ingredients from local markets and cook your own meals in some areas, but it may not be feasible in all locations. Some cities or towns may have local farmers’ markets or grocery stores that sell fresh produce and ingredients, while others may not have easy access to these options. Additionally, some accommodations such as hotels or hostels may not have cooking facilities available for guests to use. It is important to research the area you are staying in and the resources available before planning to cook your own meals.
20. Are there any recommended food tours or cooking classes available in Leshan?
Yes, here are some recommended food tours and cooking classes in Leshan:
1. Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Class at the Panda Base: This cooking class takes place at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Leshan, where you can not only learn how to cook delicious Sichuan dishes, but also see and interact with adorable pandas.
2. Local Market Tour and Cooking Class: This tour will take you to a traditional market to shop for fresh ingredients before heading back to a local family’s home for a hands-on cooking class of authentic Sichuan dishes.
3. Chengdu Street Food Tour: While not specifically in Leshan, this tour is a great option if you are staying or traveling through Chengdu (about an hour from Leshan). It will introduce you to the region’s famous street food scene and allow you to try many different local dishes.
4. Traditional Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Course: This cooking class is led by experienced chefs who will teach you how to cook classic Sichuan dishes using traditional techniques and ingredients.