What Local Food to Try in Xuzhou: A First-Time Visitor's Guide
Xuzhou’s food scene is distinctive. The city blends Northern hearty dishes with Jiangsu flavors, creating a unique Northern-Jiangsu cuisine style. Must-try dishes include Di Guo Ji (clay pot chicken), lamb barbecue, Ba Zi Rou (braised pork), Mi Xian (rice noodles), and Sha Tang (spicy breakfast soup). The local tip: follow where locals eat at lunch and dinner time.
Why Xuzhou Food Is Unique
Xuzhou sits in northern Jiangsu Province but has strong Northern Chinese food influences. The city is known for its lamb culture, which is unusual in southern China. You will find lamb barbecue stalls and lamb dishes everywhere. The cooking style is hearty, often spicy, and uses clay pots and bold flavors.
Di Guo Ji - Clay Pot Chicken
Di Guo Ji is Xuzhou’s signature dish. A clay pot holds chicken stewing in rich sauce, with flat bread baked around the pot’s edge. The bread absorbs the sauce flavors while staying crisp on the outside.
Recommended restaurants:
- Laojia (老老家)
- Baiwei (百味地锅鸡)
- Mianbu (面布地锅鸡)
How to eat it: Tear off pieces of bread and dip into the sauce, then eat with chicken pieces. The bread and chicken should be eaten together.
Lamb Barbecue and Lamb Dishes
Xuzhou has a strong lamb culture. Lamb barbecue stalls are common, especially at night. The lamb here is known for being tender and well-prepared.
Recommended restaurants:
- Chenyang (晨阳羊肉馆)
- Sanzhong Gaohuang (三中膏皇羊肉)
- Yilaichun (一来春羊肉馆)
What to try: Lamb skewers grilled over charcoal, lamb soup, and lamb with noodles.
Ba Zi Rou - Braised Pork
Ba Zi Rou is braised pork served in thick slices. The meat is tender with rich soy-based flavor. It is often served with rice or bread.
Recommended restaurants:
- Zhouji (周记把子肉)
- Jiangsu Normal University area has several good options
This dish is filling and affordable, popular with students and workers.
Mi Xian - Rice Noodles
Xuzhou’s Mi Xian (rice noodles) has a unique local style different from other parts of China. The noodles are served in soup with various toppings.
Recommended restaurants:
- Yipin Piaoxiang (一品飘香米线)
- Lao Kuishan (老奎山米线)
- A’zhe (阿哲米线)
Tip: Mi Xian shops often open early and close late, making them good options for quick meals.
Breakfast Foods
Xuzhou breakfast culture is strong. Try Sha Tang (spicy soup) and chicken juice tofu early in the morning.
- Sha Tang: A spicy, hearty soup often eaten with bread or noodles
- Chicken juice tofu: Soft tofu in chicken broth, mild and warming
Breakfast stalls open early, around 6:00-7:00. They often close by mid-morning, so go early.
Street Food at Fengchu Street
Fengchu Street (丰储街) is the place for street food. In one visit, you can try multiple snacks.
Common street foods:
- Pig trotters (braised and flavorful)
- Stinky tofu (fermented tofu, strong smell but mild taste)
- Ice powder (sweet dessert with various toppings)
Tip: Choose stalls with long lines. Busy stalls usually have fresher food and better hygiene.
How to Find Good Local Restaurants
The most reliable method: follow locals. At lunch and dinner time, watch where people queue or ride e-bikes to buy food. Those places are usually good.
Additional tips:
- Use Dianping app (Chinese Yelp) to check ratings
- Ask locals for recommendations
- Look for restaurants with many local customers, not just tourists
Practical Tips
Spice levels: Many Xuzhou dishes are spicy. If you prefer mild, ask the staff. Use phrases like “bu yao tai la” (not too spicy) or show translation.
Language: English menus are rare at local restaurants. Use a translation app or point at dishes other customers are eating.
Areas for food:
- Fengchu Street and Fuguo Street for street food
- Suning Square area for restaurants with more variety
- University areas for affordable options
Timing:
- Breakfast: early morning (6:00-9:00)
- Street food: afternoon and evening
- Restaurants: lunch (11:00-13:00) and dinner (17:00-20:00)
Summary
Xuzhou food is hearty, often spicy, and features unique dishes like Di Guo Ji clay pot chicken and lamb barbecue. Street food at Fengchu Street offers variety. Follow locals to find the best restaurants, use translation apps for menus, and try breakfast early in the morning.
Final words
More reading and next steps
That is the main thread of the article. Keep the links below handy, and use the related posts to continue exploring the same topic from a different angle.
Comments