Puyang Zhejiang, China Travel Guide
Pujiang cuisine falls under Jinhua cuisine, a sub-branch of Zhejiang cuisine (浙菜), one of the Eight Great Cuisines of China. It is renowned for its freshness, tenderness, light flavors, and delicate presentation. The cuisine focuses on seasonal ingredients and uses less oil and spice compared to some other Chinese regional cuisines.
Pujiang, being part of Jinhua, shares these culinary traditions. Its dishes heavily feature pork (especially Jinhua ham), fresh vegetables, and fish from rivers and lakes, reflecting the region's agricultural bounty.
Dishes are usually placed in the center of the table and shared among diners. Offering food to others, especially elders, with serving chopsticks or the back of your own chopsticks is polite.
Chopsticks serve as the main eating utensil. Toasts with alcohol or other beverages are customary during meals, especially in social settings.
Slurping noodles or soup is generally acceptable and signifies enjoyment. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate can signal you are full, though finishing everything also shows appreciation.
This world-renowned cured ham is famed for its distinctive aroma and flavor. Locals use it in many dishes, often in soups or stews, or serve it thinly sliced as an appetizer.
Found in most local restaurants.
A local cured sausage, often made with pork. It features a rich, savory taste.
Widely available in local markets and restaurants.
A local specialty, this delicate tofu product is often served stir-fried with vegetables or in various soups.
Look for it in specialized tofu shops or local eateries.
Explore various street food options, including noodles, steamed buns (baozi), dumplings (jiaozi), fried dough sticks (youtiao), local pastries, and skewers (chuan'r). These offer quick, affordable, and authentic tastes.
Alcoholic: Try Huadiao Rice Wine (花雕酒) or local beers like Tsingtao and Snow. Non-alcoholic: Zhejiang is a major tea-producing region, so green tea is popular. You also find fruit juices and soy milk.
Pujiang has fewer dedicated fine dining restaurants compared to major cities. High-end restaurants located within 4-star hotels might offer a more upscale dining experience with refined service and a broader menu.
You find many local restaurants offering authentic Zhejiang and Jinhua cuisine, as well as some regional Chinese dishes. These offer a comfortable setting and good value.
These are abundant, especially around markets, bus stations, and residential areas. They offer authentic and affordable local food, for daily life experience.
Wet markets fresh produce, meats, and sometimes prepared foods, offering a glimpse into local culinary ingredients. Dedicated food halls are less common but some larger shopping centers may have them.
Explore local markets for fresh ingredients.
International cuisine options are limited in Pujiang County. Most restaurants serve Chinese food, with a few possibly offering very basic Western fast food or Korean BBQ.
For a mix of international dining, visit larger cities.
Pujiang Crispy Cake, other local sweet and savory treats.
Seasonal festival foods for cultural holidays.
Zhejiang's renowned local teas.
Traditional local alcoholic beverage.
Halal and kosher food options are extremely limited or non-existent in Pujiang County.
Self-catering options, like buying ingredients from local markets and preparing your own meals, can be a good strategy.
Visits to local farms or Jinhua ham producers (located in Jinhua city) for learning about food production. This typically requires local connections or a Chinese-speaking guide to arrange.
You are unlikely to find organized cooking classes specifically designed for foreign tourists in Pujiang County. These are more common in larger cities like Hangzhou or Shanghai.
Possible to visit local farms or Jinhua ham producers (located in Jinhua city) to learn about food production.
Local agricultural or food festivals may occur periodically.
Explore the conventional techniques of ham curing, a gastronomic art form in the Jinhua region.
Visit facilities in Jinhua city.
Discover local farm products, from fresh vegetables to unique regional fruits.
Engage with farmers and learn about their practices.
Pujiang's dining scene mainly offers authentic Zhejiang and Jinhua cuisine.
Options for all budgets, from street food to mid-range restaurants.
Translation apps and patience are useful for dietary needs and specific requests.
For the freshest local experience, visit morning markets and sample prepared snacks.
