Ningguo, located in southeastern Anhui Province, sits at the heart of the southern Anhui mountains and serves as a key hub for north-south trade and travel. Under the administration of Xuancheng City, Ningguo is a treasure trove of local culinary delights. Here are six must-try local foods when visiting Ningguo:
1. Ningguo Bābā
Ningguo Bābā is a signature snack known for its fragrant aroma, soft texture, and rich flavor without greasiness. Loved by locals, it’s also praised by tourists who find it irresistibly delicious.
2. Ningguo Hickory Nuts
Ningguo hickory nuts are prized for their large size, thin shells, plump kernels, and high oil content. With the expansion of hickory farms, processing and sales industries have developed, producing a variety of products such as salted, five-spice, creamy, and flavored hickory nuts, as well as hickory oil. The hickory industry in Ningguo has now grown into a billion-yuan sector.
3. Ningguo Stir-Fried Noodles
Ningguo stir-fried noodles start with boiled noodles that are then stir-fried. Diners can add scallions, eggs, or chili sauce according to their taste. Served with a bowl of kelp soup, this dish warms both the stomach and the heart.
4. Mugwort Bābā
Made from mugwort, glutinous rice, cured meat, and mugwort leaves, Mugwort Bābā is not only a popular regional snack along the Yangtze and Huai rivers but also carries centuries of local culinary culture.
5. Braised Black Pork
Southern Anhui black pork, mainly produced in Ningguo, Jixi, Jingde, and Shexian, is known for its fine muscle fibers, tender texture, and rich flavor. Ningguo Yangshan black pigs are a local breed raised on organic feed over a long period, making the meat especially succulent. Mastering the ingredients and cooking time is key to a perfect braised black pork.
6. Qinglong Lake Fish Head Casserole
The fish for this casserole comes from Qinglong Lake, raised in pristine waters and clean air, usually weighing over 5 kilograms. Cooked with a special sauce over high heat, the fish head absorbs the rich broth, offering a perfect balance of freshness, saltiness, and a hint of spiciness—a true culinary experience.
These six dishes represent the unique flavors of Ningguo. If you visit, be sure to try them! Ningguo locals are welcome to leave comments and share other favorite local specialties.
