The Ultimate Huangshan Local Food Bucket List

Huangshan, or the Yellow Mountains, is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its breathtaking peaks and misty landscapes—it’s also a paradise for food lovers. The region’s cuisine, known as Huizhou cuisine (or Huizhou Cai), is one of China’s eight major culinary traditions, celebrated for its rustic yet sophisticated flavors. If you’re planning a trip to Huangshan, here’s the ultimate food bucket list to ensure you don’t miss a single bite of its culinary magic.

Must-Try Huangshan Dishes

1. Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu)

Yes, it smells strong, but trust us—it’s worth the adventure. Huangshan’s version of stinky tofu is fermented in a unique brine, giving it a pungent aroma and a crispy exterior with a creamy interior. Locals often fry it and serve it with spicy sauce. Pro tip: The stronger the smell, the better the flavor!

2. Huangshan Braised Pigeon

A delicacy you won’t find everywhere, this dish features tender pigeon slow-cooked with soy sauce, star anise, and local herbs. The meat falls off the bone, and the rich, savory broth is perfect over steamed rice.

3. Mao Doufu (Hairy Tofu)

Don’t let the name scare you—this fermented tofu gets its "hair" from natural mold cultures. It’s pan-fried until golden and served with chili oil or pickled vegetables. The texture is creamy, and the umami flavor is unforgettable.

Street Food You Can’t Miss

1. Shaobing (Baked Sesame Flatbread)

A crispy, flaky flatbread stuffed with everything from minced pork to sweet red bean paste. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack while exploring Huangshan’s ancient villages.

2. Wontons in Chicken Soup

Huangshan’s wontons are smaller and more delicate than Cantonese versions. Served in a clear, fragrant chicken broth with scallions, they’re comfort food at its finest.

3. Crispy Fried Small Fish

Caught from local mountain streams, these tiny fish are seasoned, lightly battered, and fried to perfection. Crunchy, salty, and addictive—pair them with a cold beer.

Hidden Gems: Local Specialties

1. Steamed Stone Frog

A rare treat, this dish features wild frog steamed with ham, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. The meat is tender and subtly sweet, absorbing the flavors of the ingredients.

2. Bamboo Shoots with Ham

Huangshan’s bamboo shoots are famed for their tenderness. Cooked with cured ham, this simple yet luxurious dish highlights the region’s fresh, earthy produce.

3. Huizhou Salted Duck

Dry-cured and air-dried, this duck is rich, salty, and packed with flavor. Sliced thin, it’s often served as an appetizer or with congee.

Sweet Treats to End Your Meal

1. Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)

Stuffed with black sesame or sweet red bean paste, these chewy dumplings are served in a light syrup. A must-try during festivals.

2. Osmanthus Cake

A fragrant, jelly-like dessert infused with osmanthus flowers. Light and floral, it’s the perfect palate cleanser.

3. Sweet Fermented Rice Wine (Jiu Niang)

A mildly alcoholic dessert soup with fermented rice, often served with tiny glutinous rice balls. Warm and comforting, especially in cooler weather.

Where to Eat in Huangshan

1. Tunxi Old Street

This historic street is lined with food stalls and restaurants serving everything from stinky tofu to hand-pulled noodles. Don’t miss Laojie Diyi Lou for authentic Huizhou dishes.

2. Hongcun Village

Dine in a centuries-old courtyard house and try local specialties like braised pork belly with bamboo shoots.

3. Xidi Ancient Village

Small family-run eateries here offer homestyle cooking—ask for the day’s fresh catch or seasonal wild greens.

Pro Tips for Foodies

• Go early for street food—the best stalls sell out by midday.
• Try the tea—Huangshan Maofeng green tea pairs beautifully with local dishes.
• Ask locals for recommendations—they’ll point you to hidden spots tourists rarely find.

Huangshan’s food is as unforgettable as its landscapes. From bold flavors to delicate sweets, every bite tells a story of tradition and terrain. So pack your appetite—you’re in for a feast.