A Super Unique Xiaogan Food Guide

Xiaogan, a historical city in Hubei, is not only rich in culture, but also a treasure trove of food and specialty products. I. Must-Try Local Cuisine 1. Xiaogan Rice Wine Features: Fermented with Xiaogan glutinous rice and honeycomb distiller's yeast, it has a sweet, mellow taste. It is refreshing when served cold and warms the body when served hot. It is known as a "China Gold Medal Tourist Snack." Recommended way to eat: Drink directly or cook with sweet dumplings or rice wine soup. It can be heated in winter. 2. Xiaogan Sesame Candy Features: Made with white sesame seeds, glutinous rice, and maltose, it is thin, crispy, sweet, and melts in your mouth with a sesame aroma. It was once a tribute to the imperial court. Recommended brands: Xiaogan time-honored brands such as "Xiaogan Brand" sesame candy are suitable as souvenirs. 3. Bean Curd and Lotus Root Rolls Features: Chopped lotus root is seasoned and wrapped in bean curd skin and deep-fried. It is crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside, with a rich lotus root aroma. It is a must-have dish for Xiaogan family banquets. Recommended restaurants: Time-honored restaurants in Xiaogan (such as "Xiaogan Renjia"). 4. Yunmeng Fish Noodles Features: A national geographical indication product, the noodles are made from fish meat and are as thin as silver threads. After cooking, they have a delicious fish flavor and are known as "longevity noodles." Recommended way to eat: Soup noodles or fried noodles, served with eggs and vegetables. 5. Yingcheng Baked Cake Features: A thin pancake baked with pebbles, it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a wheat aroma and the aroma of roasted stones. Experience location: Yingcheng street food stalls or farmhouses. 6. Anlu Hanlin Chicken Features: The whole chicken is steamed, deboned, and cut into pieces, then arranged in the shape of a chicken, supplemented with mushrooms, shrimp, etc. It has a beautiful shape and is fresh and delicious. Recommended restaurant: Anlu Taibai Restaurant (traditional famous restaurant). II. Classic Snacks and Souvenirs 1. Hanchuan Lotus Moon Cake Flaky pastry filled with lard, white sugar, and candied fruit, shaped like a full moon, sweet but not greasy, suitable for brewing with tea. 2. Dawu Stinky Tofu Smells stinky, tastes delicious. The tofu is fermented and then fried until golden brown, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It tastes even better with chili sauce. 3. Xiaogan Yellow Crispy Cake Flaky pastry with a golden brown and crispy crust and a sweet filling, often eaten with fried dough sticks. 4. Sesame Brittle Candy A specialty of Yunmeng, handmade, crispy and not sticky to the teeth, with a sweet sesame aroma. III. Specialty Shopping Guide 1. Agricultural Products Prince Rice: A specialty of Xiaochang, with plump grains and a rich rice aroma. It was once a tribute rice in the Qing Dynasty. Dawu Peanuts: Small, plump, fragrant, and crispy, a national geographical indication product. Diaochahu Lotus Seeds: A specialty of Hanchuan, with tender flesh, clearing heat and nourishing the heart. 2. Dried Goods Yunmeng Pickled Chinese Cabbage: Sour and spicy, appetizing after pickling, a good choice for stir-frying or soup. Anlu Ginkgo: The kernels are soft and glutinous, rich in nutrients, and can be stewed in soup or candied. 3. Drinks Xiaogan Glutinous Rice Wine: Portable packaging is suitable for self-drinking or gift-giving. The "Mi Popo" brand is recommended. IV. Recommended Food Routes 1. One-Day Tour of the City Morning: Xiaogan Museum (learn about history and culture) → Taste Xiaogan rice wine and sesame candy. Noon: Check in to Anlu Hanlin Chicken or Bean Curd and Lotus Root Rolls. Afternoon: Visit Yunmeng County and experience Yunmeng fish noodles and Chinese cabbage fried rice. 2. In-depth Surrounding Tour Yingcheng: Taste baked cake and visit gypsum crystal caves. Dawu: Taste green tea, eat stinky tofu, and experience red culture (Xuanhuadian Site). V. Precautions 1. Dietary preferences: Xiaogan cuisine is heavy on fresh and salty flavors, and snacks are often greasy. It can be served with light porridge. 2. Purchase channels: It is recommended to buy specialty products in supermarkets (such as Wushang Supermarket) or time-honored stores to avoid high prices in scenic spots. 3. Seasonal recommendations: The weather is pleasant in May, suitable for tasting fresh lotus root, rice wine, and other seasonal delicacies. Xiaogan's food and specialty products have both historical heritage and a sense of everyday life. From street snacks to famous banquet dishes, every bite is authentic Hubei flavor. Explore according to this guide and you will surely reap a feast for your taste buds!