Oh no, not again! Just eating Smelly Mandarin Fish when visiting Huangshan? Allow me, a local inhabitant, to enlighten you on the authentic Huangshan cuisine that locals truly enjoy. ð
- Huizhou Red-Braised Pork: Strictly speaking, this dish resembles theæ®é southern style of red-braised pork. However, our version is less sweet, offering a savory and tender texture that pairs perfectly with a bowl of steaming white rice. ð
- Huizhou Sauce Duck: This dish is a staple for our gatherings and receptions, albeit with a hefty price tag. A whole duck simmered in a rich sauce, it harmoniously integrates the flavors of saltiness, sweetness, and aroma. I particularly adore the crispy duck skin, which makes my mouth water every time I think of it. ð€€
- Spring Bamboo Shoots with Preserved Pork: This season, one must indulge in spring bamboo shoots, a natural gift from the southern mountains. Although pricey, even surpassing the cost of meat, their freshness is unanimously praised by all who have tasted them. Especially when stewed with preserved pork, the resulting broth is exquisitely delicious.
- Stir-Fried Fiddleheads: Available only during the spring, these seasonal vegetables were once a disliked delicacy in my childhood due to their slight bitterness. However, I have now discovered their allure, offering a crisp texture after stir-frying. They are a must-try for every household during the springtime.
- Fish Roe and Fish Bubble Stew: A favorite among fish lovers and even those who aren’t! The fish roe, with its salty and crumbly texture, pairs wonderfully with the slightly spicy broth, creating a meal that is truly satisfying when paired with rice.
- Huizhou Double-Sided Crispy Noodles: How did I just discover this lost masterpiece from Jixi cuisine? Few Huizhou restaurants offer it due to its intricate preparation. Akin to a Chinese pizza, it features crispy thin noodles topped with a delicious mix of bamboo shoots and dried tofu. Each bite is a delicious revelation.
- Preserved Vegetable Stir-Fried Lotus Root: Despite its unassuming appearance, this dish is a culinary gem. The freshness of the lotus root pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the preserved vegetables, creating a dish that I believe would be a hit among friends from Suzhou and Hangzhou.
- Plum-Flavored Pork Ribs: This dish, often considered a sweet treat, is a crowd-pleaser among all ages. While it has undergone some modifications, I recall the traditional version being a sweet and sour pork rib dish with a heavy vinegar taste, which was equally delicious.
- Soup-Drenched Clay Pot Cracker: The cracker is the essence of this dish, which should be crispy and fluffy. When doused with a savory sauce, the resulting dish offers a unique texture of half-soft and half-crispy, making it a quick sell-out on the dining table.
So, the next time you visit Huangshan, don’t just settle for the Smelly Mandarin Fish. Venture out and explore the rich and diverse cuisine that this beautiful region has to offer! #HuangshanFoodExploration #HuangshanTravel #HuangshanCuisine #HuizhouCuisineRecommendation #HuangshanTourism #100RestaurantsExplorationPlan
