Shangyu Zhejiang, China Travel Guide
Historically, Shaoxing cuisine gained recognition for its innovative use of local produce, freshwater fish, poultry, and notably for its reliance on Shaoxing wine.
This famous fermented rice wine serves both as a beloved beverage and a staple cooking ingredient. Fermented products, like preserved vegetables and stinky tofu, also form a distinctive part of the culinary tradition.
Expect freshwater fish (crucian carp), shrimp, poultry, bamboo shoots, winter melon, soybeans, rice, and preserved mustard greens (梅干菜 - méigāncài).
Generally fresh, savory, and subtly sweet. Avoids heavy oils and intense spice. Delicate, aromatic Shaoxing wine often features.
Shaoxing cuisine prioritizes "freshness, tenderness, fragrance, and crispness." Freshwater and some seafood dishes are prominent due to the Cao'e River.
A famous fermented glutinous rice wine, enjoyed both warm as a beverage and as a cooking ingredient.
Find it in most restaurants and shops.
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly braised with local preserved mustard greens (meigancai). A savory, deeply satisfying dish.
Most local restaurants serve this classic Shaoxing dish.
Fresh non-saltwater fish, steamed with ginger, scallions, and a splash of Shaoxing wine. This highlights the fish's natural sweetness.
Widely available in regional seafood and general restaurants.
Mooncakes (月饼 - Yuèbǐng) are a traditional dessert, often with lotus seed or red bean paste.
Zongzi (粽子) are glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, with various fillings.
Limited compared to major cities. Higher-end restaurants are usually within 4-5 star hotels, serving refined local cuisine and a few international dishes.
Numerous local restaurants provide Shaoxing and Zhejiang cuisine. Look for establishments popular with locals, often identifiable by their busy atmosphere.
Street food stalls and small noodle shops are common around markets, bus stations, and residential areas. Food courts in shopping malls also are present.
International cuisine is limited in Shangyu. Some larger hotels or small independent eateries might offer Western fast food or basic Korean/Japanese dishes.
For a wider selection, think about an excursion to Shaoxing city center or Hangzhou.
Some shopping malls may feature dedicated food halls with multiple vendors offering different types of cuisine, a convenient and affordable dining experience.
These are mainly geared towards domestic tastes.
Finding strictly vegetarian or vegan options has a challenge but remains possible. Learn phrases like "我吃素" (Wǒ chī sù - I follow a vegetarian diet).
Halal and kosher food options are very limited to non-existent. Travelers with these requirements should pack their own food or rely on self-prepared meals.
Dining gluten-free or with severe allergies has a significant challenge. Awareness is minimal, and soy sauce contains wheat. Carry a translated allergy card.
Translation apps are essential. Pack staple snacks. Select naturally simple dishes like steamed rice or plain cooked vegetables.
Seek out small, family-run eateries for authentic local flavor. These spots often serve traditional dishes passed down through generations.
They provide an authentic glimpse into Shangyu's culinary heart.
Explore local markets for a variety of fresh produce, snacks, and prepared foods.
The vibrancy of the markets offers an unique culinary experience.
Visit a local restaurant to enjoy warm Shaoxing wine with your meal. This cultural practice significantly shapes the local dining experience.
Engage with vendors at local markets to discover unique ingredients and observe food preparation techniques.
A flavorful cold appetizer. Chicken pieces marinate in Shaoxing wine and other seasonings, creating a tender, aromatic dish.
A delicate dish of stir-fried fresh river shrimp with Longjing green tea leaves. Offers a subtle, refreshing flavor.
Shaoxing is famous for "stinky tofu," something small to eat with a distinct aroma but a surprisingly flavorful taste when deep-fried.
Explore bustling wet markets for an authentic glimpse into local life, fresh produce, and street food. These are less about souvenirs and more about local commerce.
Discover seasonal ingredients.
Look for a classic Chinese tea house for an immersive experience. Savor local teas in a serene setting, observing local customs.
A quiet cultural moment.
Many restaurants adjust their menus to feature seasonal ingredients, reflecting local harvest cycles.
Dining in reputable establishments and avoiding overly cheap, unhygienic street food vendors is a good approach.
Tipping is not a common practice in China and may even be politely refused.
Exploring Shangyu's cuisine opens a window into Shaoxing's rich gastronomic legacy. Be adventurous in trying new flavors, especially those centered around Shaoxing wine and preserved vegetables.
