Best Restaurants in Quzhou. Food, Dining, Local Cuisine

Culinary Overview

Cultural Context & Basics

Quzhou's unique spicy and savory flavors come from its history as a trading hub, blending various culinary traditions.

Ingredients are locally sourced, reflecting the region's rivers, mountains, and farms.

Dining Customs and Etiquette

Chopsticks: Used for most dishes; forks may be available in some spots.
Shared Dishes: Meals are served family-style, with multiple dishes for everyone.
Toasting: Common during gatherings; "Ganbei!" is the typical toast.
No Tipping: Not customary in Quzhou or mainland China.

Ingredients & Meal Structure

Ingredients & Flavors

Freshwater fish, duck, rabbit, poultry, local vegetables. Dominant flavors are spicy (málà), savory, and perfumed.

Meal Times

Breakfast (6:30-9:00 AM), Lunch (11:30 AM-1:30 PM), Dinner (5:30-8:00 PM). Snacks available throughout the day.

Regional Variations

Consistent "spicy Quzhou flavor" across its counties, including several local produce or methods specific to areas like Longyou.

Points to Remember

Serving Order: Main dishes first, then rice. Soup at the end.
Noise: Loud conversation and slurping are generally acceptable.
Waste: Ordering extra food traditionally means hospitality, but limiting waste is encouraged.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes

Quzhou Duck Head 衢州鸭头

Braised in a spicy, aromatic sauce until tender and flavorful. A true Quzhou signature.

Find at local restaurants and specialized duck head shops.

Spicy Rabbit Head 麻辣兔头

Braised with spicy and numbing (málà) seasoning. A popular snack.

Available at local eateries and street food stalls.

San Tou Yi Zhang 三头一掌

"Three heads and one foot": duck head, rabbit head, fish head, and duck foot, braised in spicy sauce.

Seek specialized Quzhou cuisine restaurants.

Other Local Bites

Longyou Fāgāo (龙游发糕): Sweet, soft, spongy fermented rice cake.
Quzhou Marinated Tofu (衢州臭豆腐): Deep-fried stinky tofu with spicy dipping sauce.
Various Skewers (串串): Grilled or boiled meats, vegetables, and tofu in spicy broth.
Xiaolongbao (小笼包): Steamed soup dumplings.

Drinks & Desserts

Local Beverages

Baijiu (strong liquor), local beer, and various quality green teas.

Sweet Treats

Longyou Fāgāo, Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls).

Dining Options

Fine Dining

High-end hotels like Hilton Quzhou host fine dining. They are experts in regional Chinese cuisine or international fare with refined ambiance.

Sophisticated ambiance.
Elevated Quzhou dishes.
International selections.

Mid-Range Restaurants

Many neighborhood places with Quzhou cuisine and other regional Chinese dishes. Popular chains may also be found.

Comfortable seating.
Broader menu.
Chains like Grandma's Home.

Budget Eateries & Street Food

Abundant street food stalls and small family-run eateries. Great for authentic, quick, and inexpensive meals.

Lively street atmosphere.
Very affordable.
Found in markets and busy streets.

Markets & Food Halls

Local Wet Markets

Excellent locations to see local produce, fresh ingredients, and prepared dishes.

Example: 农贸市场 (nóngmào shìchǎng)

Food Courts

Some modern shopping malls feature food courts with varied options.

Example: 美食广场 (měishí guǎngchǎng)

International Cuisine

Fast Food Chains

KFC, McDonald's in malls.

Asian Eateries

Few simple Japanese or Korean restaurants.

Limited Options

Focus is mainly on Chinese cuisine.

Special Dietary Considerations

Specific Dietary Needs

Vegetarian: Look for Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (素食馆). Ask for "no meat" (不要肉) or "vegetarian dish" (素菜).
Vegan: More difficult. Many dishes use eggs, dairy, or animal products. Clear communication is needed.
Halal and Kosher: Extremely limited. Consider self-catering or carrying certified snacks.

Challenges & Resources

Gluten-Free & Allergens

Very challenging. Wheat is in many staples; brown sauce made from fermented soybeans contains gluten. Managing other allergies is also difficult.

Carry translated allergen cards.

Translation Apps

Essential for communicating dietary needs. Apps like Pleco are useful.

Visual aids (pictures) also help.

Planning for Your Diet

Actions

Advance Research

Simple Whole Foods

Fresh Fruits/Vegetables

Self-Catering

Allergen Cards

Clear Communication

Finding Vegan-Friendly Options

While strictly vegan dining can be a stretch, focus on dishes with clear ingredients like stir-fried vegetables with rice, making sure no animal products are used in the oil or sauces.

Order steamed vegetables.
Ask for plain rice.
Confirm oil type.

Be Prepared

Bringing your own snacks and emergency food items can be highly beneficial for severe allergies or very strict diets.

A small phrasebook with dietary restrictions is a valuable tool.

Culinary Experiences

Cooking Classes & Tours

Formal English classes are rare.
Explore markets independently.
Book a Food Tour (GetYourGuide) in larger cities for similar experiences before/after Quzhou.

Farm Visits

Opportunities in rural areas during harvests.
Requires connections with locals or a Mandarin-speaking guide.

Food Festivals

Seasonal or holiday events.
Information mostly in Mandarin.

Unique Dining & Immersion

Dining Concepts

San Tou Yi Zhang Specialist

A unique and adventurous Quzhou culinary experience.

Local Delicacy • Spicy Flavor

Hot Pot Restaurants

Enjoy a communal and flavorful dining experience with spicy broths.

Interactive Dining

Local Street Food Exploration

Independent exploration of local markets and street food areas.

Authentic Experience

Cultural Engagement

Workshops: Formal English-language classes are rare. Local cultural centers may have Mandarin-led activities.
Community-Based Tourism: Rural guesthouses offer more immersive experiences with local families.
Language Learning: Immersion through daily interactions and translation apps.
Cultural Festivals: Local events tied to harvests or traditional holidays; information mostly in Cantonese.