As you can tell, Taizhou is very fond of good food. This is definitely due to Taizhou being a strong follower of the Huaiyang Cuisine, one of the major gastronomical traditions of China. Originally, this cuisine was born somewhere between the lower reaches of the Huai and Yangtze Rivers, centered around the cities of Yangzhou and Huai'an, hence the name Huai - Yang.

The style is characterized by the careful selection and cut of ingredients. Of course, the taste is central to its success. The Chinkiang vinegar, produced in the Zhenjiang region, is one of the main ingredients responsible for Huaiyang’s distinguished taste.


Main Dishes

In Taizhou, we recommend you taste the following dishes:

	Taizhou Dried Tofu Shreds (泰州干丝) There are two different ways to prepare the shreds of dried tofu, either boiled or simmered. The flavour of the dish is varied and includes slices of ham, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, silver fish, chicken pieces, egg, and seaweed. Though the blend is quite diverse, the flavour is delicious. Soy sauce and sesame oil can be used as condiments, complementing the overall taste of the dish.
	Globe Fish Cooked with Soy Sauce (红烧河豚鱼） Are you brave enough to Globe fish? Although globe fish is a poisonous animal, skillful and experienced Taizhou chefs prepare a premium dish with it. According to legend, the dish is very tempting, attracting attention through its scent. It is said that one day a local fishermen prepared the dish for himself but by the time he had finished cooking, the entire village had appeared at his door, following the wonderful aroma.
	Jiyan Flavored Lamb (骥洋羊肉) The Jiyan Flavored Lamb dish uses only premium 6 to 8 month old lambs and has reputed health benefits. It is believed that the dish can dispel colds and and improve kidney functions. This dish is normally stewed with soy sauce or steamed.

Snacks

On your walks through town, you will most likely run into a food booth along your path. You won`t have truly visited Taizhou unless you taste the following snacks:

	Huangqiao Sesame Seed Cake（黄桥烧饼) This quick snack is probably the most exquisite and oldest snack of Taizhou. Considering its age and taste, some may argue that Taizhou is the home of pizza dough. Huangqiao baked sesame seed coated cakes are divided into two major categories, ordinary and sophisticated. The ordinary includes crispy cakes, square cakes, sesame-seed coated cakes and triangular cakes. Once the cake has fillings, it is considered sophisticated. Leaf lard and fried pork flakes, leaf lard and sugar, sweet osmanthus, longhidou, crab spawn, shrimp meat, and jujube paste are the typical fillings.
	Noodles with Fish Soup（鱼汤面） Noodle with fish soup is a popular snack among Taizhou local residents. The noodles are regarded to as the symbol of longevity and therefore a typical food for birthday celebrations. The murky white broth is the key element of the dish, made from eel, fish, and pork. Once the broth is ready, boiled noodles and green onion are added. If you want to eat like the locals, you should first give it a stir and sip the soup.
	Steamed Dumplings with Crab Meat（靖江蟹黄汤包） Jingjiang steamed dumplings are juicy buns filled with crab meat and gravy. This snack is among China’s six most famous snacks, dating back over 200 years. This bun is known for its extremely thin dough and juicy filling. Though this adds to its taste, it also adds to its danger. Be careful not to burn yourself or make an exaggeratedly large mess while eating it. To eat it properly, you should do what local wisdom commands: “pick up tenderly; move fast; a small bite first; then drink the soup.”

Recommended Restaurants: