Best Restaurants in Jiaxing. Food, Dining, Local Cuisine

Jiaxing’s cuisine, part of Zhejiang cuisine, features delicate, balanced flavors with fresh local ingredients.

The region is celebrated for freshwater fish from South Lake, local poultry, bamboo shoots, and glutinous rice.

Jiaxing Zongzi: Glutinous rice dumplings, famously with pork belly filling. Find them at Wufangzhai shops.
South Lake Crab: Freshwater crabs, prized for rich roe in autumn. Found at seafood restaurants near South Lake.
Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables: Tender pork belly with savory preserved mustard greens.
Xitang Wontons: Delicate wontons in clear broth, a specialty of nearby Xitang Water Town.

Pan-fried pork buns with a crispy bottom and juicy filling, a popular snack.

Scallion oil noodles, a simple yet flavorful dish.

Chinese BBQ skewers, available in various street food markets, with diverse options.

Mooncakes: Especially popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival, with various fillings.
Tang Yuan: Glutinous rice balls with sweet fillings, served in a warm soup.
Various Pastries: Local bakeries offer an array of traditional steamed buns and pastries.
Nian Gao: Sticky rice cake, a festive food, specifically during Chinese New Year.

High-end restaurants in luxury hotels or dedicated upscale venues. They showcase refined Zhejiang and Cantonese cuisine in elegant settings.

Expect exquisite dishes and premium service.

Numerous local establishments serve traditional Jiaxing and Zhejiang dishes, alongside various Chinese chain restaurants.

A broad range of local flavors at reasonable prices.

Yuehe Historic Block, local markets, and food courts offer small eateries, snack stalls, plus swift meals.

A diverse and lively experience, great for casual meals.

Chopsticks are the main utensil; spoons are common for soup.
Meals are typically served family-style with shared dishes, promoting communal dining.
Toasting is customary with drinks; pouring for elders shows respect.
Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, because this resembles funeral rituals.

Shaoxing Rice Wine, often served warm, and common Chinese beers are widely available.

Green tea, fresh soy milk, plus seasonal variations fruit juices.

Many dishes may use meat broth or animal fats.

Look for stir-fried vegetables, tofu, and mushroom dishes.
Use phrases like "Wo chi su" (I am vegetarian) or "Wo bu chi rou" (I do not eat meat).
Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are rare; self-catering aids strict diets.