Henan Local Cuisine and Restaurants

Henan cuisine, also known as Yu Cuisine, is one of China's traditional culinary traditions, with a history dating back centuries. By the Song Dynasty, it had already developed into a refined style of imperial cuisine known for its balanced flavors and meticulous preparation. Henan dishes emphasize carefully selected ingredients, harmonious combinations of flavors, rich and savory broths, and attractive presentation.

What Famous Local Food to Eat

Top 1: The most unique cuisine: the Water Banquet of Luoyang / 洛阳水席

The Luoyang Water Banquet is a traditional local feast with a history spanning over a thousand years. Originating in the Tang Dynasty, it was once served exclusively at imperial banquets before becoming an essential part of local celebrations such as weddings and important family gatherings. Its distinctive “flowing banquet” style reflects the warmth and hospitality of the people of Luoyang. Together with the Peony Festival and the Longmen Grottoes, the Water Banquet is regarded as one of the “Three Wonders of Luoyang.”

The Water Banquet has two meaning as follows: all the hot dishes are all cooked with soups and juices; and b) the dishes are served continuously one after another like the running water.

Features of the Water Banquet include: the cuisine covers a wide and good selection of cooking materials, including birds, beasts, fish and vegetables. Any vegetable planted in the field can be made into dishes. Usually, vegetables are cooked with meat. The dishes you order depend on your budget; The dishes are all cooked with and soups and juices and rich in tastes, such as sour, peppery, sweet and salty; The order of serving dishes are strictly specified. All the cooking materials are well selected and blended, and the dishes are neither undercooked nor overcooked. The Water Banquet can be classified into three kinds that are tailored to different groups, namely high-class, middle-class and low-class.

The Peony Banquet is considered the most representative form of the Water Banquet, featuring signature dishes such as Peony Fish, Peony Shrimp, and Peony Eggs, which beautifully embody the artistry and refinement of Luoyang cuisine.

Top 2: Peony Banquet / 牡丹宴

The peony, China’s national flower and the city flower of Luoyang, holds a special place in Chinese culture. The Peony Banquet is a signature feast of Luoyang that showcases the artistry and creativity of Chinese cuisine. Each dish is inspired by the shape, color, and fragrance of the peony, transforming the flower’s elegance into exquisite culinary creations.

The banquet features a wide variety of dishes with diverse flavors, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. As one of the representative forms of Luoyang’s famous Shuixi (Water Banquet), it boasts a history of over a thousand years. Among its most renowned dishes are Peony Fish, Peony Shrimp, and Peony Swallow Vegetable, each beautifully crafted and rich in cultural symbolism.

Top 3: Four Nested Delicacies / 套四宝

Four Nested Delicacies (Tao Sibao) is one of Kaifeng’s most famous traditional dishes and is often regarded as a masterpiece of Henan cuisine. Its name symbolizes good fortune and harmony throughout the four seasons, making it a popular dish for festivals and family celebrations. The dish combines chicken, duck, pigeon, and quail, with each bird carefully stuffed inside the next. Remarkably, all bones are removed while the birds remain intact. Diners enjoy the distinct flavors of duck, chicken, pigeon, and quail in succession, creating a rich and unforgettable culinary experience. The preparation requires exceptional knife skills and precise cooking techniques, and advance reservations are often recommended.

Top 4: Carp with Crispy Noodles / 鲤鱼焙面

Carp with Crispy Noodles is one of the most iconic dishes of Kaifeng and is widely recognized as one of the Ten Classic Henan Dishes. Believed to have evolved from imperial cuisine of the Northern Song Dynasty, the dish pairs sweet-and-sour Yellow River carp with golden noodles that are fried until they become as thin as silk. The tender fish, crispy noodles, and tangy sauce create a unique contrast of textures and flavors. It is one of the most representative dishes of Kaifeng and a must-try specialty for visitors.

Top 5: Bianjing Roast Duck / 汴京烤鸭

Bianjing Roast Duck is a traditional specialty of Kaifeng, whose ancient name was Bianjing during the Northern Song Dynasty. Prepared using carefully selected duck and traditional roasting techniques, the dish is known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich aroma. It is typically served with thin pancakes, shredded scallions, and cucumber, allowing diners to assemble their own wraps. With a history dating back centuries, Bianjing Roast Duck is considered one of the signature dishes of Kaifeng and an important part of Henan’s culinary heritage.

Top 6: Fried Eight Pieces / 炸八块

Fried Eight Pieces (Zha Bakuai) is one of the most famous traditional dishes from Changyuan in Henan Province. Made primarily with chicken, the dish undergoes a meticulous process of marinating, seasoning, and deep-frying. The finished dish is golden in color, crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. Traditionally, the chicken is cut into eight pieces, from which the dish takes its name. A popular banquet dish in Henan, it is often associated with prosperity and good fortune and is frequently served during festivals and family celebrations.

Top 7: Braised Mutton with Scallions / 葱扒羊肉

Braised Mutton with Scallions is one of the signature dishes of Henan cuisine and the most famous representative of the Congba (scallion-braised) cooking style. With a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, it has remained a beloved classic throughout Henan for centuries. The dish is prepared using carefully selected lean cuts from the fore and hind legs of the lamb, prized for their tender texture and balanced flavor. Local scallions are added to enhance the aroma, while slow braising allows the richness of the mutton and the sweetness of the scallions to blend together. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a thick, savory sauce and a long-lasting aftertaste.

Top 8: Gushi Goose Stew / 固始鹅块

Gushi Goose Stew (Gushi Ekuai) is a famous traditional dish from Gushi County in Xinyang, southern Henan. With a long history and strong local reputation, it is one of the region's best-known specialties. Gushi is widely known as the “Hometown of Geese in China,” and the locally raised Gushi geese are prized for their tender meat and rich flavor. The dish is typically prepared by chopping goose meat into large pieces and simmering it with aromatic spices until the meat becomes succulent and flavorful. Rich yet not greasy, Gushi Goose Stew is considered a must-try delicacy and an important part of Xinyang's culinary heritage.

Top 9: Daokou Braised Chicken / 道口烧鸡

Daokou Braised Chicken (Daokou Shaoji) is one of Henan's most famous traditional specialties and a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage. Originating in Daokou Town of Huaxian County, it is widely regarded as one of China's Four Famous Chickens and is often mentioned alongside Peking Duck and Jinhua Ham. Prepared with a blend of more than twenty spices, the chicken is known for its reddish-golden color, rich aroma, and exceptionally tender meat. The meat easily falls from the bone while remaining moist and flavorful, creating a savory taste that has made it a favorite at family banquets and festive celebrations throughout Henan.

Top 10: Henan Stewed Noodles / 河南烩面

Henan Stewed Noodles (Henan Huimian) is one of the province's most iconic dishes and is widely regarded as the culinary calling card of Henan. Recognized as one of China's Ten Famous Noodle Dishes, it boasts a long history and is celebrated for its rich flavor and hearty ingredients. The dish features wide, belt-like hand-pulled noodles served in a milky-white broth made by simmering lamb bones for hours. It is typically topped with sliced lamb, shredded tofu, kelp, and chili oil made with rendered lamb fat. The rich broth, chewy noodles, and tender meat create a deeply satisfying combination.

Zhengzhou-style Huimian is the most famous variation and is considered the classic representative of the dish. Well-known local restaurants include Heji, renowned for its traditional lamb huimian, and Xiaoji, famous for its Three Delicacies Huimian, which incorporates premium ingredients such as sea cucumber and squid.

Top 11: Hulatang (Spicy Pepper Soup) / 胡辣汤

Hulatang is a beloved breakfast staple in Luoyang, known for its thick, flavorful broth, smooth texture, and rich nutrition. Made primarily from flour, meat, and beans, the soup is seasoned with a blend of spices that give it its signature heat and aroma. It’s often enjoyed with fried dough sticks (youtiao) or pancakes, making for a hearty and energizing morning meal.

Where to Try Typical Food

Luoyang

Zhenbutong Restaurant / 真不同饭店

A time-honored brand in Luoyang, Zhenbutong Restaurant features traditional Chinese-style décor and is renowned for serving the city’s famous Luoyang Water Banquet. From cold dishes to hot soups and main courses, each dish is served one after another in a smooth, flowing rhythm. The waitstaff, dressed in Tang Dynasty attire, introduce the historical stories behind each dish, creating an immersive dining experience that feels like a journey back in time. The flavors of the banquet are predominantly sour and spicy, offering a true taste of Luoyang’s culinary heritage.

• Recommended: Peony Swallow Dish, known for its beautiful presentation resembling blooming peonies; Egg Pancakes, thin and fragrant; Pork Slices in Soup, tender and flavorful; and Eight Treasures Fried Rice, a colorful mix of sweet and savory ingredients. Luoyang Pork Slices, Braised Crispy Pork, Sour Bean Paste Noodles, Crispy Fried Meatballs, and Rice Wine “Full River Red”.
• Tel：0379-63952609;0379-63995080
• Address: No. 359, Zhongzhou East Road, Laocheng District, Luoyang City, Henan Province

Guanji Shuixi Old Restaurant (Xianguo Street)/ 管记水席老店（仙果市街）

Tucked away in a small alley, this long-established eatery is a hidden gem loved by locals. It serves authentic traditional Luoyang Water Banquet dishes prepared with time-honored recipes that preserve the original flavors of old Luoyang. The portions are generous and the prices reasonable, making it a popular choice among diners. Be prepared for a wait during peak hours, as the restaurant often has long lines.

• Recommended: Pork Slices in Soup, Crispy Fried Meatballs, Eight Treasures Rice, Peony Swallow Dish.
• Tel：13937951844
• Address: 200 meters south of Laoji Vegetable Market, No. 12, Xianguoshi Street, Laocheng District, Luoyang City, Henan Province

Majesan Beef Soup Restaurant / 马杰山牛肉汤馆

Majesan Beef Soup Restaurant is a long-established halal eatery known for its affordable prices and authentic Luoyang flavor. It’s a favorite among locals, often packed with customers from morning to night. True to local custom, the restaurant doesn’t provide spoons—you’re meant to lift the bowl with both hands and savor the rich beef broth in hearty gulps, paired with a piece of crispy guokui bread. The combination of tender beef and fragrant soup delivers the genuine taste of Luoyang’s “beef soup culture.”

• Recommended: Beef Soup, Bread Strips, Homemade Beef Meatballs, Guokui Bread, Stewed Noodles, Cold Sliced Beef, Bread Soaked in Soup, Meatball Soup, Stir-Fried Meatballs, Pork Slices in Soup.
• Tel：18537993337
• Address: No. 235, Qiming East Road, Chanhe Hui District, Luoyang City

Kaifeng

Diyilou Restaurant / 开封第一楼

Diyilou Restaurant is one of Kaifeng's most famous time-honored restaurants, with a history spanning more than a century. Renowned for its traditional flavors and longstanding reputation, it has become a popular dining destination for both locals and visitors. The restaurant features a spacious interior with classic Chinese decor, creating an atmosphere that reflects the charm of old Kaifeng.

Its signature soup dumplings (Guantangbao) are especially popular, featuring delicate, thin wrappers filled with generous portions of meat and rich, flavorful broth. In addition to the famous dumplings, the restaurant serves a wide variety of authentic Kaifeng and Henan specialties, all at reasonable prices. Combining traditional cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and local culinary heritage, Diyilou Restaurant is widely regarded as one of the best places to experience the flavors of Kaifeng.

• Recommended: Guantangbao (soup-filled dumplings), Tao Sibao (Four Nested Delicacies), Sweet-and-Sour Carp with Crispy Noodles (Tangcu Liyu Beimian), and Sanxian Tang (Three Delicacies Soup).
• Tel：0371-25998655
• Address: No. 8, Sihou Street, Longting District, Kaifeng City

Youyixin Restaurant / 又一新餐馆

Youyixin Restaurant is a genuine time-honored restaurant with a history dating back to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. Over the years, it has welcomed many renowned historical figures, including Mei Lanfang, Kang Youwei, and Zhang Xueliang. The restaurant features elegant traditional decor and a refined atmosphere, making it one of Kaifeng's most respected establishments for authentic Henan cuisine.

Known for its traditional cooking techniques and carefully prepared dishes, Youyixin has earned a strong reputation among both locals and visitors. The restaurant specializes in classic Henan cuisine, offering refined flavors, quality ingredients, and a dining experience that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Central Plains.

• Recommended: Sweet-and-Sour Carp with Crispy Noodles, Amber Winter Melon，Crispy Fried Pork,Tao Sibao (Four Nested Delicacies), Pan-Fried Tofu (Guotie Doufu).
• Tel：13663781927
• Address: No. 22 Gulou Street, Gulou District, Kaifeng City

Anyang

Jiafeng Laoguanzi / 家风老馆子‌

Jiafeng Laoguanzi is a well-known local restaurant chain in Anyang, celebrated for its traditional home-style Henan cuisine and warm hospitality. With recipes passed down through generations, the restaurant has earned a loyal following for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and excellent value. The decor is simple and unpretentious, creating a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the character of local family dining.

• Recommended: Jar-Braised Chicken, Anyang Mixed Stew Tofu, stir-fried shrimp.
• Tel：372 223 3555
• Address: No. 225, North Section of Shuguang Road, Anyang

Xinyang

Laojia Xinyang Cuisine (Beijing Road Branch) /老家信阳菜（北京路店）

Laojia Xinyang Cuisine is one of the most respected restaurants in Xinyang and is widely regarded as a benchmark for authentic southern Henan cuisine. Popular with both locals and visitors, the restaurant is known for its traditional flavors, generous portions, and warm hospitality. The spacious dining room incorporates elements of traditional southern Henan architecture, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for family gatherings and group meals. Signature dishes such as Nanwan Lake Fish, Gushi Goose Stew, Braised Pork in Clay Pot, and Diguo Flatbread offer an excellent introduction to the distinctive flavors of Xinyang cuisine.

• Recommended: Braised Pork Trotters with Chestnuts, Eggs Stir-Fried with Jasmine Flowers, Gushi Goose Stew, Braised Pork in Clay Pot, Diguo Flatbread.
• Tel：376 635 3588
• Address: No. 88 Beijing Avenue, opposite the Water Cube, Xinyang, Henan, China

Liuhe Chunyan (Nanwan Lake Branch) / 六合春宴（南湾湖店）

Liuhe Chunyan is a charming lakeside restaurant featuring a traditional Chinese courtyard design. Whitewashed walls, wooden corridors, flowing water, and lush greenery create an elegant and tranquil setting. The restaurant offers scenic waterside seating as well as private dining rooms, making it an excellent choice for business dinners, family gatherings, and special occasions. Guests can enjoy refined local cuisine while admiring the peaceful surroundings, and a stroll around nearby Nanwan Lake after the meal adds to the experience.

• Recommended: Nanwan Lake Fish, Gushi Goose Stew, Braised Pork in Clay Pot, Diguo Flatbread.
• Tel：190 0376 3055
• Address: No. 88, West Section of Nanhu Road, Nanwan Subdistrict, Shihe District, Xinyang, Henan, China

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• Local culture: brief history, folk culture, festivals, etc.
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