Traditional famous dishes and time-honored brands
Introduction to Traditional famous dishes
Da Ma Cake
It comes in basic salty and sweet varieties. Known for its distinctive oval shape, incredibly crispy layers that shatter at the touch, and a fragrant aroma of roasted sesame, it is a beloved local snack for daily consumption or serving with tea.
Tianmu Lake Braised Fish Head
This dish is renowned as the city’s “signature taste.” It uses the specific bighead carp from Tianmu Lake and the lake water itself, slow-braised for hours in a special clay casserole. The soup is milky white like cream, with an intensely rich and savory flavor, and the fish meat is exceptionally tender and smooth. It is a nutritious dish that epitomizes “original juice and original flavor.”
Crab Roe Soup Dumplings
Their top is pinched into a “carp’s mouth” shape. After steaming, they are filled with a rich, flavorful soup. The proper way to eat them is to first carefully sip the savory broth with crab roe before consuming the rest, offering a superb experience.
Lard Net Roll
Its preparation is complex: red bean paste is wrapped in a thin layer of pork fat net, coated in an egg-white batter, and then deep-fried. The exterior is golden and crisp, while the inside is sweet with red bean paste. As the lard melts during frying, it creates a unique honeycomb structure, resulting in a wonderfully intriguing texture that is rich, sweet, and fragrant.
Traditional famous dishes and time-honored brands
Introduction to time-honored brands
Changzhou Fandian & Detaiheng
These two are the twin pillars of authentic local cuisine in Changzhou, and the premier destinations for tasting the most orthodox and comprehensive range of traditional dishes. Changzhou Fandian, with its long history, symbolizes official receptions and high-end banquets. Detaiheng, founded in 1910, is renowned for its exquisite culinary skills and classic flavors. Both serve signature dishes like Steamed Pork with Rice Sauce, Braised Fish Tails, and Lard Net Roll.
Tianmu Lake Hotel
Tianmu Lake Hotel is not just a hotel; it is the inventor and originator of the premium dish “Tianmu Lake Braised Fish Head in Casserole.” It is the definitive place to taste the most authentic and ultimate version of this fish head soup. The classic recipe and technique established by its founder, Master Zhu Shuncai, ensure every pot of soup maintains the original top-tier quality, attracting countless food enthusiasts on a dedicated pilgrimage.
Yinggui Steamed Bun Shop
“Yinggui” is synonymous with Changzhou-style soup dumplings. Founded in 1911, its name uses “Mantou” which in the Wu dialect refers to “baozi” (filled buns). Its signature Crab Roe Soup Dumplings are a must-try. Famous for their thin skin, ample filling, abundant broth, and rich crab flavor, they are eaten following the mantra: “Lift gently, move slowly, open a window, then sip the soup.” It is a perfect window into Changzhou’s refined dim sum culture.
