Situated in Jiangsu province, China, Yangzhou is a treasure trove for those passionate about food. With roots stretching back 2,500 years, this riverside city has developed a unique food identity. Yangzhou's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is well-earned, making it a prime spot for anyone keen on Chinese cooking.

Apart from its culinary fame, Yangzhou boasts beautiful gardens, tranquil lakes, and historic landmarks that showcase its rich cultural background. The city's manageable size and well-designed layout make it perfect for casual walks, allowing visitors to absorb its mix of old and new.

• Yangzhou stands out as a food lover's paradise, famous for its Huaiyang culinary tradition
• Signature local dishes include the city's namesake fried rice and hefty pork meatballs
• The best way to experience Yangzhou's food culture is through its lively markets and time-honored eateries

Why is Yangzhou food so good

Yangzhou's food scene centers around Huaiyang cuisine, a major style in Chinese cooking. This approach values fresh ingredients, subtle flavors, and careful preparation. The goal is to keep the natural tastes of ingredients intact, rather than overwhelming them with heavy seasonings or sauces.

The city's location near rivers and lakes shapes its cuisine, with freshwater fish and water-based products playing a big role in many recipes. Pork and chicken are also key proteins in Yangzhou cooking.

A hallmark of Yangzhou cuisine is the careful attention to cutting methods. How ingredients are sliced, diced, or minced can greatly affect a dish's final taste and feel. This precision shows the overall refinement of Huaiyang cooking.

What to eat in Yangzhou

Yangzhou Fried Rice

A trip to Yangzhou isn't complete without trying its famous fried rice. This colorful dish mixes rice, eggs, shrimp, pork, and various veggies. The secret to real Yangzhou fried rice is using day-old rice and quickly cooking the ingredients to keep their individual flavors and textures.

Big Pork Meatballs (Shizitou)

Despite the name, this dish has nothing to do with lions. It features large, soft pork meatballs cooked in a tasty broth. The meatballs are usually made with top-quality minced pork, flavored with ginger and scallions, then steamed until perfect. The result is a smooth texture that's incredibly satisfying.

Yangzhou-style Tofu

This dish shows how versatile tofu can be in Huaiyang cooking. Thin strips of dried tofu are cooked with ham, chicken, and mushrooms in a flavorful liquid. The tofu soaks up the rich tastes while keeping a nice chewy texture.

Three Heads Dishes

Yangzhou is known for its "three heads" dishes:

• Fish Head: A treat featuring the tender meat from a fish's cheeks and head, often in a sweet and sour sauce.
• Big Pork Meatball: The aforementioned pork meatballs.
• Pig's Head: A cooked pig face dish for more daring eaters.

Clay-baked Chicken

This dish has an interesting cooking method. A whole chicken is seasoned with spices, wrapped in lotus leaves, then covered in clay before being baked. The result is an incredibly soft and flavorful chicken that keeps all its juices.

Where to find good food in Yangzhou

Street Food Markets

For a genuine and wallet-friendly food experience, check out Dongguan Street or Dongquan Street. These busy areas are full of small eateries and food stalls offering a wide range of local specialties.

Some street foods you should try:

• Three-Dice Buns: Small, steamed buns with meat or veggie fillings
• Dried Beancurd Threads in Clear Soup: A light and tasty soup
• Sticky Candy: A sweet snack made from maltose syrup

Long-standing Restaurants

For a sit-down meal, try these local favorites:

1. Wanjiamei Restaurant: Known for its genuine Huaiyang dishes
2. Fuchun Teahouse: A historic place famous for its dimsum and tea
3. Yechun Teahouse: Another old restaurant serving traditional Yangzhou food

When to visit for food fans

While Yangzhou's food scene is lively all year, certain seasons offer unique food experiences:

• Spring (March-May): Great for trying fresh veggies and herbs in seasonal dishes
• Fall (September-November): Perfect for tasting hairy crab, a regional favorite

Stay away from the rainy season from mid-June to July, known locally as the "plum rain season," as it can make outdoor activities less enjoyable.

Advice for food adventures in Yangzhou

1. Pick up basic Mandarin phrases for ordering food
2. Be willing to try unfamiliar dishes
3. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients used in Yangzhou cooking
4. Think about joining a food tour for expert guidance
5. Follow local customs and dining etiquette

Useful Mandarin Phrases for Eating Out:

这个 (zhège) - This one
好吃 (hǎochī) - Tasty
账单 (zhàngdàn) - Check
谢谢 (xièxie) - Thanks

More than just food: Other things to see in Yangzhou

While food is a big draw, Yangzhou has other attractions worth checking out:

1. Slender West Lake: A pretty park with lovely gardens and historic structures
2. Ge Garden: A classic example of Yangzhou's garden design
3. Daming Temple: A Buddhist temple with a long past
4. Grand Canal: Take a boat ride on this ancient waterway

These places offer a great backdrop for walking off your meals and soaking up Yangzhou's rich culture.

FAQs

How can I get around Yangzhou easily?

Yangzhou is a fairly small city, making it simple to explore on foot or by bike. For longer trips, public buses and taxis are easy to find. The city bus system runs from 6 am to 6 pm every day and can take you to the main attractions.

Can vegetarians find good food in Yangzhou?

While Yangzhou cooking often includes meat and fish, vegetarian options exist. Many Buddhist temples in the area serve meatless meals, and you can find veggie versions of popular dishes like Yangzhou fried rice in some restaurants. It's helpful to learn the Mandarin phrase for "I'm vegetarian" (我是素食者 - Wǒ shì sùshí zhě) when ordering.

How much should I plan to spend on food in Yangzhou?

Yangzhou has eating options for all budgets. Street food and local spots can be very cheap, with meals costing as little as 20-30 RMB. Mid-range restaurants might charge 50-100 RMB per person, while fancy places can cost 200 RMB or more per person. Overall, Yangzhou is considered a good value for food lovers.