1. What are some must-try local dishes in Huzhou?
Some must-try local dishes in Huzhou include:1. Nanxun Douban Yu (Nanxun Bean Paste Fish): This is a signature dish of the Nanxun ancient town, where fish fillets are stir-fried with doubanjiang (fermented bean paste) and various spices.
2. Huzhou Salted Duck: This dish features a whole duck that has been marinated in a mixture of salt, soy sauce, and other seasonings for several days before being steamed or roasted.
3. Wansan Pork Ribs: This dish is made from braised pork ribs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from traditional local ingredients such as osmanthus flowers, chili peppers, and aged vinegar.
4. Yiju Mijiu Chicken: A popular dish in Huzhou, this chicken recipe combines the flavors of tender chicken with Chinese rice wine, ginger, and scallions. The chicken is first simmered in the rice wine before being stir-fried with garlic and other seasonings.
5. Huzhou Fried Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are fried to crispy perfection and then tossed with homemade spicy sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, and soybean paste.
6. Xinyou Doufu (Huzhou Fermented Bean Curd): This fermented tofu dish is a local specialty enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish. It has a strong fragrance and can be eaten on its own or paired with other dishes to add flavor.
7.Active’s Hot Pot: This hot pot restaurant specializes in spicy Sichuan-style hot pot dishes featuring fresh local ingredients such as river snails, beef tripe, vegetables, and more.
8. Hefeng Duck Soup: This hearty soup features duck meat slow-cooked with herbs like goji berries, angelica root, dried jujube fruit, mushrooms, and pork bones for a nutritious and flavorful dish.
9. Gusao Rice Cake: This dessert is made from glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste or sesame paste, and then steamed. They are often served during festivals and celebrations in Huzhou.
10. Yongan Iced Jelly: A refreshing summer treat, this dessert features a bed of colored jelly cubes topped with various fruits and a layer of shaved ice, served with syrup or condensed milk on the side. It’s a popular street food in Huzhou.
2. Is there a particular restaurant or street known for its food in Huzhou?
Yes, the Nanxun Ancient Town is known for its delicious local street food, including Bianshi, a type of thin pastry filled with meat or vegetables, and Xiangyouyu, a dish made with fish from the nearby Taihu Lake. The town also has many traditional restaurants serving regional specialties such as Wuchuan noodles and Jiahua chicken.
3. Are there any high-end restaurants in Huzhou specializing in local cuisine?
Some high-end restaurants in Huzhou that specialize in local cuisine include Wuzhen Water Village Restaurant, Jiangnan Qianwei Hotel Restaurant, and Huzhou Xishi International Hotel’s themed restaurant. These restaurants offer a range of traditional dishes from the Huzhou area, such as Wuzhen wine braised spare ribs, Steamed Thousand-layer Tofu, and West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce.
4. How easy is it to find vegetarian/vegan options in Huzhou?
It may be slightly challenging to find vegetarian/vegan options in Huzhou, as the city is not known for its plant-based cuisine. However, with a little effort and research, it is possible to find some vegetarian/vegan restaurants or dishes on menus at local Chinese restaurants. Some of the larger cities in China, such as Shanghai or Hangzhou, may have more options available. Health food stores and international supermarkets are also good places to look for vegetarian/vegan products.
5. Are there any popular food markets or night markets in Huzhou?
Yes, there are several popular food and night markets in Huzhou. Some of the most popular ones include:
1. Chengnan Road Night Market: Located in the city center, this market is known for its wide range of street foods including grilled skewers, fried snacks, and local specialties such as Taihu Lake hairy crabs.
2. Hefu Night Market: This market is known for its seafood dishes, including freshly caught fish, shellfish, and other delicacies from the nearby Taihu Lake.
3. Jiuhua International Food Street: This street features a variety of restaurants serving both Chinese and international cuisines. It also has vendors selling snacks and street foods.
4. Xiangwang Night Market: This is a popular spot for locals to enjoy a variety of street foods from different regions of China.
5. Huzhou Plaza Food Court: Located inside the Huzhou Plaza shopping mall, this food court offers a range of local and international cuisine options.
6. Maojiabang Organic Farmers’ Market: This market specializes in organic produce and homemade goods such as breads, jams, and honey.
7. Zhaoming Old Street Food Market: This old street is lined with small shops and stalls selling traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Some of these markets may have different operating hours or may only be open on certain days of the week, so it’s best to check before visiting.
6. Can you recommend any traditional food experiences, such as home-cooked meals with locals?
1. Have a traditional Japanese breakfast with a local family: Book a homestay or attend a cooking class where you can learn how to make a traditional Japanese breakfast, and enjoy it with your hosts.
2. Participate in an izakaya pub crawl with locals: Join a small group tour or find local recommendations for the best izakayas in town, where you can try various traditional dishes and drinks while socializing with the locals.
3. Visit a local farm and have a meal made with fresh ingredients: Many communities offer farm stays or farm-to-table experiences where you can help harvest fresh produce and enjoy a traditional meal cooked by the farmers themselves.
4. Attend a tea ceremony at a traditional teahouse: Book a cultural experience to learn about the rituals and customs of tea ceremonies, followed by enjoying matcha green tea and sweets.
5. Try homemade udon noodles at a rural village: Head to rural areas of Japan, like Takachiho or Yufuin, where you may find small family-run restaurants that make their own udon noodles from scratch.
6. Have dinner with monks at a temple lodging: Some temples in Japan offer shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) meals prepared by resident monks, providing an immersive cultural experience and delicious food.
7. Take part in communal dining at an onsen ryokan: In some hot spring resort towns, many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) offer communal dining experiences where guests can socialize over multi-course meals served on trays called horigotatsu.
8. Join a home-cooked meal experience through Cookly: Cookly is an online booking platform that offers cooking classes and home-cooked meal experiences all over Japan. You can choose from various dishes and cuisines to try with friendly local hosts.
7. Are there any regional specialties that should not be missed while visiting Huzhou?
Some regional specialties in Huzhou that should not be missed include:– Huzhou fish
– Creamy crab paste
– Xinan bamboo shoots
– Wuxing watercress
– Maqiao chestnuts and hazelnuts
– Yongxiu honey pomelo
– Anji white tea
Additionally, visitors can also try local dishes such as “Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables”, “Hanging Garden Duck”, and “Wuxing Steamed Fish Head”. These dishes showcase the unique flavors and cooking styles of the region.
8. What are some of the best seafood restaurants in Huzhou?
1. Pure Ocean Seafood Restaurant – Known for its fresh seafood and beautiful lakeside location.
2. Maolan Shanzhuang – Specializes in traditional Hangzhou-style seafood dishes.
3. Deyuelou Seafood Restaurant – Offers a variety of dishes featuring local Huzhou seafood.
4. Chenglonghu Fisherman Village – A popular spot for grilled freshwater fish and other seafood dishes.
5. Qiandao Lake Juhuayuan Seafood Restaurant – Located on the famous Qiandao Lake, known for its freshwater seafood and lake views.
6. Xueguan Shanzhuang – Serves up traditional Huizhou-style seafood dishes with a modern twist.
7. Jinshilin Jiujia Seafood Restaurant – A family-friendly restaurant that specializes in crab and shrimp dishes.
8. Bailiancheng Seafood Lijizaizhan – Popular for its hot pot style seafood dishes using fresh, local ingredients from Huzhou’s many lakes and rivers.
9. Is street food safe to eat in Huzhou?
Like any city in China, Huzhou has a wide variety of street food options that can be safe to eat as long as you take proper precautions.Here are some tips for safely enjoying street food in Huzhou:
1. Look for popular vendors: A crowded food stand is usually a good sign that the food is fresh and safe to eat. Locals tend to know which vendors have the best and safest offerings, so it’s always a good idea to follow their lead.
2. Check for cleanliness: Choose vendors who follow proper hygiene practices, such as wearing gloves or using clean utensils. Try to avoid stands with dirty preparation areas or where the food is left exposed to the elements.
3. Watch how the food is prepared: Observe how your food is being cooked and how ingredients are handled before ordering. If you see something that makes you uncomfortable, it’s better to move on to another vendor.
4. Stick with cooked foods: It’s generally safer to stick with cooked foods rather than raw ones when eating on the street in Huzhou. This reduces the risk of getting sick from contaminated water or uncooked meat.
5. Avoid tap water and ice: When buying drinks, choose bottled water instead of tap water and ask for no ice in your drink. This reduces the risk of getting sick from contaminated water.
6. Follow your gut: If something doesn’t look or smell right, or if you just have a bad feeling about a particular vendor, trust your instincts and go somewhere else.
By following these tips and using common sense, you can safely enjoy the delicious street food scene in Huzhou!
10. Which types of cuisine can be found besides Chinese food in Huzhou?
Besides Chinese food, you can find a variety of cuisines in Huzhou such as:– Cantonese cuisine
– Sichuan cuisine
– Hunan cuisine
– Jiangsu cuisine (including dishes from Hangzhou and Suzhou)
– Zhejiang cuisine (local specialties like “braised fish in vinegar” and “dongpo pork”)
– Shanghai-style dishes
– Western food options (such as Italian, French, Japanese, and Korean)
– Fast food chains (such as McDonald’s and KFC)
11. What is the typical price range for meals at restaurants in Huzhou?
The typical price range for meals at restaurants in Huzhou is around 20 to 50 yuan per person. However, prices may vary depending on the type of restaurant and the dishes ordered. Some high-end restaurants or specialty restaurants may have higher prices.
12. How common are Western-style fast-food chains and coffee shops in Huzhou?
Fast-food chains and coffee shops are relatively common in Huzhou, especially in more urban and developed areas. Some of the most popular fast-food chains in Huzhou include McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and Pizza Hut. As for coffee shops, there are many local cafes as well as global chains such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and Pacific Coffee Company. However, these establishments may not be as numerous compared to larger cities like Shanghai or Beijing.
13. Are there any well-known local food companies or brands based in Huzhou?
Yes, there are several well-known local food companies based in Huzhou, including:
1. Wujiang Silk Rice: This is a famous local rice brand in Huzhou known for its high quality silk-like texture and rich flavor.
2. Yichang Sauce: Yichang Sauce is a famous soy sauce brand that originated from Huzhou. It is known for its traditional brewing techniques and unique taste.
3. Xiazhuo Rice Wine: Xiazhuo is a renowned brand of rice wine produced in Huzhou. It has a long history and is made using traditional methods.
4. Jinfali Hot Spring Picked Vegetables: Jinfali is a well-known brand of pickled vegetables that are cooked using natural hot spring water, giving them a unique flavor.
5. Zhonghe Tofu: Zhonghe Tofu is a popular tofu brand in Huzhou, known for its soft texture and delicious taste.
6. Qingqingchui Tea: Qingqingchui Tea is a famous tea brand from Huzhou, specializing in green tea produced using traditional methods.
7. Piaoxiang Yaochi Noodles: Piaoxiang Yaochi Noodles are a local specialty of Huzhou, made with high-quality flour and mineral-rich water from nearby Yaochi Mountain.
8. Fuquan Vegetable Extract: Fuquan Vegetable Extract is a well-known local seasoning made from locally-grown vegetables and herbs.
9. Maya Milk Cake: Maya Milk Cake is a unique dessert from Huzhou made with milk sourced from the city’s famed dairy industry.
10. Zhuangyuan Pastries: Zhuangyuan Pastries are traditional snacks originating from Huzhou, known for their delicate appearance and sweet fillings.
14. What ingredients or flavors are unique to the cuisine of Huzhou?
Some ingredients or flavors that are unique to the cuisine of Huzhou include:
1. Braised Pork Belly: This dish is a specialty in Huzhou and is made by slowly braising fatty pork belly until it becomes very tender and flavorful.
2. Wansan Pork Jelly: A savory jelly made from stewing a mixture of pork, pork skin, and various herbs and spices.
3. Maoxie Pickled Fish: A popular dish originating from Huzhou, consisting of marinated fish fillets served with chili peppers and sesame oil.
4. White Fish Stuffed Wine Steamed Bun: A delicious steamed bun filled with glutinous rice, fresh white fish, and Shaoxing wine.
5. Dongpo Braised Eel: Eel cooked in a rich soy sauce-based marinade with ginger, scallions, and other spices.
6. Four-Joy Soup: A specialty soup made with four different types of seafood, usually mussels, oysters, shrimp, and crab meat.
7. Shuijiao Dumplings: These are traditional steamed dumplings filled with minced pork or vegetables served in a clear broth.
8. Lotus Root Soup: A nourishing soup made with lotus root slices, red dates, dried shiitake mushrooms, and other ingredients.
9. Yuxiang Eggplants: Fried eggplant slices stir-fried with garlic, chili peppers, scallions, and seasonings to create a balance of spicy and sweet flavors.
10. Wansan Rice Cake: A type of sticky rice cake coated in sweet bean paste and rolled in fragrant osmanthus flowers for added flavor.
15. Is it customary to tip at restaurants or cafes in Huzhou?
Yes, it is customary to leave a small tip of around 10% at restaurants or cafes in Huzhou. However, tipping is not mandatory and ultimately up to your discretion. Some high-end restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so be sure to check before leaving an additional tip.
16. Can accommodations arrange for meals to be delivered from local restaurants for guests?
Yes, accommodations can typically arrange for meals to be delivered from local restaurants for guests. This may depend on the specific accommodations and their policies, so it is best to inquire directly with the accommodations beforehand. Some may have partnerships with certain restaurants or offer delivery services themselves, while others may be able to provide recommendations or assist with ordering.
17. What are some traditional breakfast options available in cafes or eateries around Huzhou?
1. Congee (rice porridge)
2. Soybean milk and tofu
3. Fried dough sticks (youtiao)
4. Rice rolls (shaomai)
5. Steamed buns (baozi)
6. Scallion pancakes (cong you bing)
7. Tofu pudding (douhua)
8. Sticky rice bowls
9. Noodles with toppings such as minced pork or vegetables
10. Wonton soup
11. Chinese-style omelette
12. Deep-fried doughnut balls (jian dui)
13. Sesame flatbread sandwich filled with eggs and vegetables
14. Dumplings
15. Rice cakes steamed in banana leaves
16 Mung bean jelly salad
17. Tea eggs (hard-boiled eggs infused with tea flavor).
18. Are there any famous tea houses or tea gardens nearby where one can sample different types of tea from the region?
Yes, there are several famous tea houses and tea gardens in different regions where one can sample different types of tea. Some options include:1. Makaibari Tea Estate, Darjeeling: This estate is known for its high-quality Darjeeling teas, including black, white, and green teas. It also has a Tea Museum and a Tea House where visitors can learn about the history and production of Darjeeling tea while enjoying a cup.
2. Tittakhal Tea Estate, Assam: Located in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas, this estate offers a wide variety of Assam teas known for their malty flavors. Visitors can take guided tours of the gardens and taste fresh teas at the estate’s charming tea house.
3. Kangra Tea Gardens, Himachal Pradesh: This region is famous for its Kangra Valley Tea, which has a delicate floral aroma and a slightly sweet taste. The gardens here offer tastings as well as educational tours to learn about the cultivation and production process.
4. Sylhet Tea Gardens, Bangladesh: The Sylhet region produces some of the best black teas in South Asia. Visitors can visit any of the gardens here to experience traditional tea ceremonies and taste different types of teas.
5. Nuwara Eliya Tea Estates, Sri Lanka: Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is home to numerous tea estates that offer scenic views and delicious Ceylon teas that have a unique flavor profile due to the cool climate.
Overall, there are many historic and picturesque locations throughout South Asia that offer opportunities to sample various teas from the region while learning about their cultural significance.
19.Are there any recommended apps or websites for finding and ordering from local restaurants and food vendors in Huzhou?
There are a few apps and websites that you can use to find and order from local restaurants and food vendors in Huzhou:
1. Meituan: This is one of the most popular apps for ordering food in China. It has a wide range of options for restaurants and food vendors in Huzhou, with user reviews, ratings, photos, and menus available.
2. Ele.me: Similar to Meituan, Ele.me is another popular app for food delivery in China. It also offers a variety of options for local restaurants and food vendors in Huzhou, and allows you to track your order in real-time.
3. Dianping: This website and app provide information on local businesses, including restaurants and food vendors, based on user reviews and ratings. You can also make reservations through the app.
4. Huijia Food Delivery: This website offers delivery service from over 1,000 restaurants in Huzhou. They have an English version of their website, making it easier for non-Chinese speakers to navigate.
5. Sherpa’s: If you prefer Western-style food or international cuisine, Sherpa’s is a good option for delivery in Huzhou. They offer a variety of restaurants to choose from and have an English website as well.
In addition to these apps and websites, many individual restaurants may also have their own delivery service or take orders through other platforms such as WeChat or Taobao. It’s always a good idea to check if your favorite local restaurant has any online ordering options available.
20.What seasonal foods should someone visiting Huzhou during a specific time period try out that may not be available year-round?
If someone is visiting Huzhou during a specific time period, they may want to try out these seasonal foods:
1. Spring (March-May): Bamboo shoots, freshwater fish, and spring vegetables like spinach and lettuce.
2. Summer (June-August): Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, lotus root, and grilled fish or barbecue dishes.
3. Autumn (September-November): Wild mushrooms like matsutake and porcini, river snails, and chestnuts.
4. Winter (December-February): Braised pork belly with preserved vegetables, hot pot dishes, and winter melon soup.
5. Chinese New Year: Dumplings filled with shredded pork and vegetables, sweet glutinous rice cakes, and longevity noodles.
Note: Some of these seasonal foods may not be available year-round due to weather conditions or limited supply in certain areas. It’s best to check with locals or restaurants for the availability of these dishes during your visit.