Huangshan’s Best Restaurants for a Taste of the Season

Nestled among the misty peaks and ancient villages, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is not just a paradise for hikers and photographers—it’s also a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. As the seasons change, so do the flavors of this region, with local chefs crafting dishes that highlight the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re craving earthy wild mushrooms in autumn, tender bamboo shoots in spring, or hearty stews in winter, Huangshan’s dining scene delivers. Here’s your guide to the best restaurants where you can savor the season’s bounty.

The Essence of Huizhou Cuisine

Huangshan’s food culture is deeply rooted in Huizhou cuisine (徽菜, Huīcài), one of China’s eight great culinary traditions. Known for its rustic yet refined flavors, Huizhou dishes often feature slow-cooked meats, fermented sauces, and foraged mountain ingredients. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the seasons, making it a perfect way to experience the region’s natural rhythms.

What Makes Seasonal Dining Special Here?

• Spring: Bamboo shoots, freshwater fish, and wild greens take center stage.
• Summer: Light, cooling dishes like steamed lotus root and melon soups dominate.
• Autumn: Earthy mushrooms, chestnuts, and preserved meats create rich, hearty flavors.
• Winter: Hotpots, braised meats, and pickled vegetables warm the soul.

Top Restaurants for Seasonal Flavors

1. Xidi Old Street Restaurant

Location: Xidi Ancient Village

Step into this charming eatery tucked inside a centuries-old Huizhou-style building, where the menu changes almost weekly to reflect what’s fresh. In spring, don’t miss their Qingming Guo (清明粿), sticky rice dumplings stuffed with wild herbs and pork. Come autumn, their Shiitake Braised Pork is a must-try, with mushrooms foraged from the nearby forests.

Must-Order Dishes:

• Steamed Mandarin Fish with Ham (spring/summer)
• Bamboo Shoot and Bacon Stir-Fry (spring)
• Fermented Tofu with Wild Mushrooms (autumn)

2. Tunxi Night Market Street Food Stalls

Location: Tunxi Old Street

For a more casual (but equally delicious) experience, head to Tunxi’s bustling night market. Vendors here serve up seasonal snacks like grilled river snails in summer and sweet potato cakes in winter. The aroma of sizzling Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐, Chòu Dòufu) fills the air year-round, but it’s especially comforting on a chilly evening.

Seasonal Highlights:

• Grilled Corn with Chili Paste (summer)
• Chestnut and Red Date Soup (autumn/winter)
• Wild Fern Salad (spring)

3. The Cloud & Mist Teahouse

Location: Near Huangshan Scenic Area

This elegant teahouse doubles as a restaurant, offering dishes infused with locally grown tea leaves. Their Tea-Smoked Duck is a year-round favorite, but the Dragon Well Tea Shrimp (spring) and Osmanthus Honey Lotus Root (autumn) are seasonal standouts. Pair your meal with a pot of Huangshan Maofeng tea for the full experience.

Tea-Inspired Dishes:

• Tea Leaf Fried Rice (summer)
• Jasmine Tea-Steamed Chicken (year-round)
• Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Dessert Soup (autumn)

4. Hongcun’s Moon Pond Restaurant

Location: Hongcun Village

Dine beside Hongcun’s iconic Moon Pond at this family-run spot, where recipes have been passed down for generations. Their Salt-Baked Chicken is legendary, but the seasonal Pumpkin Flower Fritters (summer) and Preserved Vegetable Hotpot (winter) are equally memorable.

Farm-to-Table Specialties:

• Stuffed Bitter Melon (summer)
• Smoked Pork with Dried Beans (winter)
• Lotus Root Stuffed with Glutinous Rice (autumn)

How to Pair Your Meal Like a Local

No Huizhou meal is complete without the right accompaniments. Here’s how to elevate your dining experience:

Drinks

• Huangshan Beer: A crisp lager that pairs well with spicy dishes.
• Huadiao Wine: A fragrant rice wine often served warm in winter.
• Bamboo Leaf Tea: A refreshing herbal tea for summer.

Condiments

• Chili Fermented Bean Paste: Adds a kick to stews and stir-fries.
• Pickled Mustard Greens: A tangy contrast to rich meats.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Drizzled over soups for extra aroma.

Tips for Foodie Travelers

• Visit Local Markets: Tunxi Morning Market is a great place to see (and taste) seasonal produce.
• Ask for Recommendations: Many restaurants don’t have English menus, so pointing at what others are eating works wonders.
• Try a Cooking Class: Some guesthouses offer workshops on making Huizhou staples like Steamed Hairy Tofu.

Huangshan’s culinary scene is as dynamic as its landscapes, with each season bringing new flavors to explore. Whether you’re feasting in a centuries-old village or grabbing a skewer from a night market stall, every bite tells a story of tradition, terroir, and timeless craftsmanship.