Hey food lovers! Anhui, a land rich in history and culture along the Yangtze and Huai Rivers, is not only blessed with breathtaking natural scenery but also home to countless mouthwatering delicacies. Today, let’s embark on a culinary journey to discover the Top 10 Famous Dishes of Anhui. Each dish carries the traditions, flavors, and memories of Anhui, ensuring you’ll be left craving more. Let’s dive right in!
1. Huangshan Stinky Mandarin Fish (Chou Guiyu)
Known as a signature Huizhou dish, Huangshan stinky mandarin fish has a unique origin. In ancient times, fish sellers soaked mandarin fish in light brine during long journeys. Over days, the fish developed a peculiar odor — neither foul nor fresh. Surprisingly, after being washed, pan-fried, and stewed, the dish released an irresistible fragrance. The fish is tender, rich in fermented aroma, and represents the essence of Anhui cuisine.
2. Li Hongzhang Hotchpotch (Dazahui)
This Hefei specialty is said to have originated when statesman Li Hongzhang instructed his chef to combine leftover ingredients into one dish during a banquet. The result was a surprising success. It features chicken, sea cucumber, squid, fish maw, pork tendon, and bean curd sticks, stewed together into a flavorful, nourishing mix that reflects Hefei’s hospitality and inclusiveness.
3. Huainan Beef Soup
A beloved Huainan delicacy, this soup uses beef bones, beef, and a variety of spices slow-cooked for hours. The broth is rich and aromatic. Served with thin beef slices, glass noodles, bean curd sheets, and garnished with coriander and chili oil, it is both hearty and restorative.
4. Jixi Ta Guo (Flatbread Pastry)
A traditional snack from Jixi, Ta Guo is a portable “dry food.” Made with flour dough and filled with radish shreds, bamboo shoots, sesame, or sweet bean paste, it is pan-fried until golden and crisp outside, soft inside — a taste of local nostalgia.
5. Taihe Noodles (Banmian)
Originating from Fuyang’s Taihe County, this hand-pulled noodle dish is famous for its chewy texture and spicy broth made with beef bones, chili, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel. Served with beef slices and greens, it offers a bold and unforgettable flavor.
6. Anqing Jiangmao Dumplings
Named after its creator, these dumplings are thin-skinned, juicy, and filled with black pork, seasoned with chicken broth, soy sauce, and aromatics. A must-try comfort food of Anqing.
7. Chaohu Silverfish Steamed Egg
A local delicacy featuring Chaohu silverfish — tender, translucent, and boneless — steamed with eggs. The dish is silky smooth, combining the freshness of fish with the richness of egg, offering a nutritious balance.
8. Xiaoxian Mutton Soup
A winter favorite from Xiaoxian, this lamb soup is simmered until milky white, rich, and warming. Served with thin slices of lamb, chili oil, and fresh herbs, it is known for boosting vitality and warding off the cold.
9. Shitai One-Pot Dish (Yipin Guo)
A hearty casserole of dried beans, bamboo shoots, tofu, pork belly, egg dumplings, and mushrooms, layered and slow-cooked in a clay pot. The flavors blend beautifully, making it a staple for festive banquets in Shitai.
10. Wuwei Smoked Duck (Ban Ya)
Also known as Wuwei Roast Duck, this delicacy involves salting, drying, smoking with tea leaves and wood chips, then stewing in spiced broth. The result: golden skin, tender meat, and an irresistible smoky aroma.
And that’s the Top 10 Famous Dishes of Anhui! Each dish is a window into Anhui’s culture, history, and culinary traditions. Next time you visit Anhui, don’t miss the chance to savor these unforgettable flavors.
