Anhui Local Cuisine and Restaurants

A Brief Introduction to the Local Delicacies

Anhui cuisine can be divided into three distinct regional styles. Southern Anhui (including Huangshan and Huizhou) is renowned for its use of fermented ingredients, wild mountain delicacies, and rich, savory flavors. Northern Anhui (including Huainan, Fuyang, and Suzhou) is known for hearty wheat-based dishes, lamb, and roast chicken, offering bold flavors that are especially satisfying in colder weather. Central Anhui (including Hefei and Anqing) blends the culinary traditions of the north and south, featuring dishes that are both savory and delicately prepared.

What Famous Local Food to Eat

Southern Anhui (including Huangshan and Huizhou)

Top 1: Braised Salted Mandarin Fish (Chou Guiyu )/徽州臭鳜鱼

Braised Salted Mandarin Fish (Chou Guiyu), a Signature Dish of Huizhou Cuisine. This iconic dish is prepared through a traditional wooden-barrel fermentation process, known for its distinctive aroma. Though the fermented smell can be quite strong at first, those brave enough to try it are rewarded with a delicious surprise. Once braised, the fish develops a firm yet tender texture, and its rich, savory flavor quickly overtakes the initial scent—perfectly capturing the famous saying: “It smells stinky, but tastes amazing.”

Top 2: Yipin Pot: A Huizhou Culinary Treasure/一品锅

Yipin Pot is a true gem of Huizhou cuisine and often serves as the grand finale of a banquet. This luxurious dish features a rich medley of premium ingredients such as abalone, shark fin, hen, shiitake mushrooms, sea cucumber, and pork tripe. Carefully stewed to perfection, each layer reveals its own distinct flavor and texture, all immersed in a deeply savory broth. Revered alongside Fujian’s famous Fo Tiao Qiang, Yipin Pot is a feast of flavors that showcases the depth and elegance of traditional Chinese cooking.

Top 3: Huizhou Odorous Bean Curd (Mao Tofu)/ 毛豆腐

This local specialty features tofu covered with white mold from fermentation, then pan-fried until golden. It is crispy outside and tender inside. Served with spicy chili sauce, it’s a flavorful snack often sold by street vendors carrying shoulder poles, filling the alleys with the scent of sizzling tofu.

Top 4: Huangshan Sesame Biscuit (Crab-Shell Shaped Biscuit)/ 黄山烧饼

Huangshan Sesame Biscuit is Crisp and golden; these biscuits resemble crab shells in appearance. The flaky exterior encases a savory-sweet filling of preserved mustard greens and pork fat, creating a rich and layered taste. Freshly baked and fragrant, they’re one of the most popular and portable souvenirs from Huangshan.

See more local food in Huangshan

Northern Anhui (including Huainan, Fuyang)

Top 5: Huainan Beef Soup/ 淮南牛肉汤

Huainan Beef Soup is one of the signature dishes of northern Anhui. The soup is made by slowly simmering beef bones for hours, creating a rich, flavorful broth with a milky-white appearance. It is typically served with tender slices of beef, silky sweet potato vermicelli, and thin sheets of tofu skin. The Huainan-style version features a light yet deeply savory broth that highlights the natural flavor of the beef, while the Fuyang-style is richer, with added beef fat and a spicier kick from chili peppers. For the most authentic experience, enjoy it with a freshly baked crispy sesame flatbread (shaobing), whose crunchy texture perfectly complements the delicious soup.

Top 6: Fuliji Roast Chicken / 符离集烧鸡

Fuliji Roast Chicken is one of the signature specialties of northern Anhui and is recognized as one of China's Four Famous Chickens. It is made from locally raised chickens that are carefully cleaned before being slow-braised in a fragrant broth seasoned with a blend of 13 spices, including star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves. The finished chicken has a golden-brown skin, tender meat that easily falls off the bone, and a rich, aromatic flavor that penetrates every bite.

Its traditional preparation technique has been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. If you travel north from Hefei to Suzhou (Anhui), don't miss the opportunity to stop at the century-old shops in Fuliji Town, where the aroma of freshly made roast chicken fills the streets. It also makes one of the most popular local specialties to take home as a souvenir.

Central Anhui (including Hefei and Anqing)

Top 7: Steamed Pork with Indica Rice Flour / 籼米粉蒸肉

Steamed Pork with Indica Rice Flour is an indispensable dish on the Lunar New Year's Eve dinner table in Anqing. It is made with premium local pork belly from southern Anhui, sliced into even pieces and coated with coarsely ground indica rice flour. The rice is first stir-fried with star anise, cinnamon, and other spices until golden brown, then stone-ground into coarse granules before being mixed with the pork. The meat is carefully arranged in a traditional clay bowl and steamed over high heat for about 30 minutes. The finished dish features soft, flavorful rice flour that absorbs the rich juices from the pork, while the pork belly becomes tender and succulent without being greasy. The delicate sweetness of the rice blends perfectly with the rich aroma of the meat, creating a comforting and unforgettable local delicacy.

Top 8: Wuwei Smoked Duck / 无为板鸭

Wuwei Smoked Duck, also known as Wuwei Braised Smoked Duck, is a traditional specialty of Wuwei in Anhui Province. It is made from locally raised ducks, which are first marinated for several hours with salt, Sichuan peppercorns, and a blend of seasonings. After marinating, the duck is briefly scalded with boiling water to tighten the skin, then hung in a well-ventilated place to air-dry. The dried duck is then smoked over a mixture of tea leaves and wood chips, giving it a beautiful golden color and a distinctive smoky aroma. Finally, it is slowly braised in a pot of master stock (laolu), allowing the rich flavors to penetrate the meat. The finished duck has a golden-brown appearance, crispy skin, tender and juicy meat, and a rich, savory flavor that makes it one of Anhui's most famous traditional delicacies.

Where to Try Typical Food / Recommended Restaurant

Top 1: Laojie Diyi Lou Restaurant(Huangshan)/ 老街第一楼

When it comes to restaurants, Laojie Diyi Lou Restaurant is your primary choice. Located at the entry of eastern Old Street, Laojie Diyi Lou Restaurant is the representative building in the street. It’s also the place where most traditional Hui dishes are served. If you visit Old Street in Tunxi, you should go there. The hall is furnished in an antique style. Anhui dishes are its most famous cuisine, featuring its own unique cooking style. Also, the prices are very reasonable. The special dishes include Deep-fried tofu, Braised mandarin fish in soy sauce, Huangshan soup, and Ruyi Chicken.

• Features: Deep-fried tofu, Braised mandarin fish, Fried bean curd, Huangshan soup, and “auspicious chicken.”
• Address: Near the Memorial Archway, No.247 Tunxi Old Street, Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Top 2: HUANG SHAN LAO MA(HUASHANLUDIAN)/黄山老妈·传家菜·徽州土菜(华山路店)

If you’re looking to enjoy authentic Huizhou home-style cooking, Laoma Restaurant is a top choice. The environment is clean and elegant, and the service is warm and attentive. Its signature dish, braised stinky mandarin fish, is known for its single central bone and tender, flavorful meat. The plum spareribs offer a sweet and tangy flavor that whets the appetite, while specialties like rice wine cakes and stone-ground tofu are also well worth a try.

• Features: Stinky Mandarin Fish (Huangshan Chou Guiyu), Plum spareribs, Stone-ground tofu, Rice wine cakes
• Address: No. 30-1 Huashan Road (next to Huangshan International Hotel, at the intersection of Mengyuancun Road), Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Top 3: Danfenglou Restaurant(Huangshan) / 丹凤楼

Founded in the second year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty (1876), Danfenglou has a rich history spanning 147 years. For over a century, it has faithfully preserved and passed down the authentic cooking techniques of traditional Huizhou cuisine. On the first floor, the restaurant features a display of sample dishes, allowing diners to choose their favorites based on the actual presentations.

• Features: Stinky Mandarin Fish (Huangshan Chou Guiyu), Charcoal grilled meat, Stir-fried peanut sprouts, Secret-Recipe Clay Pot Chicken, Deep-fried tofu,
• Address: No. 38, Huayuanbei New Village, Liyang Town, Tunxi District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province

Top 4: Tongqinglou Restaurant (Hefei)/ 同庆楼

Founded in 1925, Tongqinglou is one of Anhui's most celebrated time-honored restaurants and is often hailed as the "No.1 Restaurant in Jiangnan." With several branches across Anhui, it is renowned for its refined cooking, extensive menu, elegant dining environment, and attentive service. The flagship restaurant features 84 private dining rooms, making it a popular choice for family gatherings, business banquets, and special occasions.

• Features: Braised Pork Belly, Tofu with Crab Roe, Crab Roe Lion's Head Meatballs, Braised Duck in Soy Sauce, Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings), and the classic Hu Shi's One-Pot.
• Address: 200 meters west of Mengdu Hotel, No. 245 Jinzhai Road, Hefei.

Top 5: Luzhou Taitai Restaurant (Hefei)/ 泸州太太

Luzhou Taitai is one of Hefei's most popular local restaurant chains, well known for serving authentic Anhui cuisine at affordable prices. A favorite among both locals and visitors, the restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring classic Hui dishes alongside specialties from other regions of China. With generous portions, consistently high-quality food, prompt service, and excellent value for money, it is an ideal place to experience local flavors. Many branches also serve late-night meals until 4:00 a.m., making it a popular supper destination.

• Features: Stinky Mandarin Fish, Crispy Eggplant, Goose Liver Egg Custard, House Special Roast Chicken, Sizzling Potato Slices, and Chongqing-Style Three-Flavour Fish.
• Address: No. 96 Suzhou Road, Luyang District, Hefei.

Top 6: Jiuhua First Restaurant (Chizhou)/ 九华一楼

Located near the entrance to Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area, Jiuhua First Restaurant is one of Chizhou's best-known local restaurants. Designed in traditional Huizhou architectural style, the restaurant features elegant interiors, dozens of private dining rooms, and a grand banquet hall accommodating more than 500 guests. With a menu of over 80 dishes, it is an excellent place to enjoy authentic local cuisine after exploring Jiuhua Mountain.

• Features: Braised Pork Belly, Stinky Mandarin Fish, Chicken with Stone Fungus, and Wild Topmouth Culter Fish, all prepared using fresh local ingredients and traditional Anhui cooking techniques.
• Address: Jiuhua First Restaurant, Jiuhua New Street, Kecun, Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area, Chizhou.

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• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, hotels, food, etc.
• Weather: best time and seasons to visit Anhui
• Top attractions: well-selected top attractions in Anhui
• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, festivals, etc.
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Anhui
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
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• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Anhui
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