Gourmet
Journeys
Jiangsu is home of Huaiyang cuisine, one of
the four major cuisine systems that make up Chinese cuisine. Huaiyang
cuisine has evolved and been perfected over the centuries to become
the dominant cuisine in Eastern China. It is characterised by a strict
choice of high-quality ingredients, meticulously prepared to maintain
its freshness and authentic flavours, with different ingredients used
in different seasons, thus offering something for everyone all year
round. Huaiyang's dishes are delicately braised, stewed or roasted
and have a strong emphasis on light and tasty broth. Wherever you
are in Jiangsu, indulge in an elaborate menu of age-old dishes from
famous culinary restaurants to humble family-run stalls that will
whet your appetite and leave you wanting more.
1. Traditional Snacks
 While
strolling at the Confucius Temple on Nanjing's Qinhuai River, take
the opportunity to indulge in the renowned Nanjing snacks at the
local bustling markets. There are over 80 varieties of snacks that
include shredded dried beancurd, savoury tofu pudding, multi-coloured
rice cakes, and osmanthus blossom rice dumplings. While in Suzhou,
Guanqian Street is a perfect place to savour mouthwatering snacks
such as five spice spareribs, fruit and nut sweet rice and prawns
in leaven pastry dumplings.
2. Yangzhou Fried Rice
The most famous variety of Chinese fried rice originated from Yangzhou.
It uses homemade sausage, prawns, bamboo shoots, eggs, spring onions
and finest boiled white rice resulting in a rainbow of colours and
a perfect harmony of tastes and aromas.
3. Festive Banquets
  A
visit to Jiangsu is not complete without sitting down to a banquet
fit for an emperor. From the imperial Han Dynasty Banquet in Xuzhou
and the Eight Immortals Banquet in Nantong to the literary Red Chamber
Banquet in Yangzhou, gourmets everywhere will have something to
titillate their tastebuds whilst immersing the local culture of
Jiangsu. The Red Chamber Banquet is a recreation of the many dishes
mentioned in the 18th century Chinese masterpiece novel, Dream of
the Red Chamber. In neighbouring Zhenjiang, gastronomists can enjoy
the Emperor’s Banquet, a recreation of the feasts enjoyed
by Emperor Qianlong during his visits here.
4. Gourmet Tours
Travel agents in Jiangsu can arrange gastronomical tours of the
region along specific themes based on certain regions of the province,
such as the Yangtze River Tour or the Lake Taihu Cuisine Tour. Alternatively,
get immersed in the cultural and historical heritage of the region
by following the Han Dynasty Cuisine Tour or the Chinese Medicinal
Food Tour.
5. Culinary Events
 Culinary
festivals are held all year round in Jiangsu to showcase the wonderful
variety of dishes and styles of Huaiyang cuisine. Amongst these
are the Yangzhou International Food Festival, Confucius Temple Food
Festival, the Suzhou Golden Autumn Snacks Festival and the Han Dynasty
Royal Banquet Food Festival.
Information and images courtesy of Jiangsu Provincial Tourism Bureau.
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