Stunning Kaifeng Food Guide

Kaifeng, an ancient capital with a rich history, attracts countless food lovers not only with its profound cultural heritage but also its unique culinary traditions. I. Must-Try Street Snacks (Night Markets and Street Food) 1. Soup Dumplings (Guantang Bao) Recommendation: Kaifeng's signature snack featuring paper-thin skin, rich broth, and firm meat filling. Recommended places: "Qijia Guantang Baozi" at Gulou Night Market (Wenchang Hou West Street), or the time-honored "First Floor Restaurant" (Sihou Street). How to eat: First bite a small hole to sip the soup, then dip in vinegar. 2. Lamb Kang Mo Feature: Thin pancakes wrapped with minced lamb, crispy outside and tender inside, with rich cumin flavor. Recommended places: Xisi Night Market or Laoheda Night Market, choose freshly made stalls. 3. Stir-fried Liangfen Highlight: Sweet potato starch noodles cut into cubes and stir-fried, spicy and flavorful with a chewy texture. Recommendation: "Xiaosan Stir-fried Liangfen" at Xisi Night Market (more authentic when paired with starch sausage). 4. Double Sesame Huoshao Traditional pastry: Coated with sesame seeds, crispy and sweet outside, soft filling inside, best paired with oil tea. Location: Bookstore Street or Laoheda Night Market. 5. Five-Spice Lamb Trotters Henan braised dish: Tender meat falling off the bone, savory but not greasy, available in spicy or original flavor. Recommendation: Small stalls at Gulou Night Market or Xisi Night Market. II. Classic Dishes (Recommended for Main Meals) 1. Carp with Baked Noodles Must-order reason: Sweet and sour Yellow River carp served with fluffy baked noodles, crispy and tangy, representing Northern Song Dynasty imperial cuisine. Recommended restaurant: Huangjia Restaurant (Jin'an Road), reservation required. 2. Bucket Chicken Feature: Chicken simmered in century-old broth, tender and savory. Recommendation: "Pangji Bucket Chicken" (Xiguan Street) or the time-honored "Ma Yuxing." 3. Four Treasures in One Pot Traditional dish: Chicken, duck, pigeon, and quail stewed together, featuring fresh meat and rich broth. Location: Kaifeng Old Restaurant (traditional Henan cuisine restaurant). 4. Bianjing Roast Duck Historical origin: Inherited from Northern Song Dynasty imperial cuisine, featuring crispy skin and tender meat, served with sweet bean sauce and shredded scallions. Recommendation: "Dongjing Roast Duck Restaurant" near Gulou. III. Authentic Experiences (Breakfast and Late-Night Snacks) 1. Breakfast Recommendations Four-flavor dish: Beef, day lily, gluten, and meatballs in lamb soup, paired with baked flatbread or Guokui. Location: Dongdasi Hui Minority Snack Street (Temple Gate). Almond Tea: Evolved from imperial tea, rich almond flavor, paired with fried dough sticks or sesame baked flatbread. Recommendation: Small stalls at Gulou Night Market or Xisi Night Market. 2. Must-Visit for Late-Night Snacks Xisi Night Market: Frequented by locals, great value (such as Xuji Beef Huoshao, Pangzi White Ji Mo). Laoheda Night Market: Popular among students, recommended "Majia Braised Chicken Legs" and "Zhaojia Braised Carp." IV. Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps 1. Be cautious when buying specialties: For peanut cakes and Qixian pickled vegetables, choose reputable stores (like "Xingshengde" peanut cake). 2. Avoid tourist traps: Gulou Night Market is crowded with tourists; try Laoheda Night Market for a more local experience. 3. Prepare your stomach: Spicy soup and lamb soup can be oily; bring medication; in summer, stay hydrated and protect against sunburn. V. Budget Reference Snack average price: 5-20 yuan per serving (soup dumplings 15 yuan/basket, lamb Kang Mo 10 yuan each). Main meal per person: 40-80 yuan (bucket chicken about 40 yuan/500g, carp with baked noodles 60-80 yuan). Total expense: Daily food budget about 100-150 yuan (depending on your choices). Kaifeng cuisine is characterized by "fresh, fragrant, crispy, and tender" flavors. From soup dumplings to carp with baked noodles, every bite is a taste of history. It's recommended to visit during off-peak hours, explore morning markets at dawn, and check out night markets in the evening to experience the Song Dynasty flavors!