Home » China Guide » Zhangjiajie » Cuisine

Top 8 Zhangjiajie Cuisine

Zhangjiajie Cuisine is a branch of Xiang Cuisine. Xiang Cuisine is cooked in a favorable manner. The wide range of ingredients naturally offer a variety of tastes. The dishes are usually presented with bold colors and plenty of oil, and when served up are consistently aromatic, tasty and tender. The preferred cooking methods are simmering, stewing, preserving, steaming and frying. In addition, Tujia people (8th largest ethnic minority in China) have their own dishes to offer. That is the flavor that has lasted for hundreds of years and draws upon the essence of Xiang Cuisine.

1. Tujia 3 in 1 Pot

Numerous ingredients are used in this top specialty of Zhangjiajie dish, such as fatty intestines, tripes of pigs cattles and goats , trotters or bath chap (portion of pig’s jaw). Two or three of the ingredients are chosen by the chef to bring to the pot. The dish can be served with gravy in a pot, or served dry in a pot.

Characteristics: the seasonings are rich and it is extremely spicy.
Recommendation: Hetianxia Ecological Restaurant (Huatiancheng Branch)
Address: Huatiancheng Jin Street, Guan Liping, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China (2F, Xiangfu International Water Club)

2. Fried Pork with Gegen Fen (Pueraria Lobata Starch)

Gegen Fen (often known as kudzu root) is considered a treasure for Zhangjiajie. The most authentic Chai Gegen Fen is collected from the mountain sides above 720 meters. Fried Pork with Gegen Fen is therefore a special dish here.

Characteristics: the pork is not greasy. It brings a cool sensation and has an unusual flavor.
Recommendation: Le Koufu (literally "Happiness for Tongues") Home Dishes
Address:right opposite the Renmin Hospital, Guyonglu City, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China

3. Blood tofu

Blood tofu is made from tofu, pig blood, pork, pepper and chili. The gooey chunks are made into egg shapes and baked over a fire pit. Fish blood tofu is smoked until it turns a sallow color.
The chewy and fragrant dish is an excellent choice that goes well with Baijiu, the Chinese liquor. It is also a special dish of Tujia.

Characteristics: savory and waxy, nutritious and delicious, dry yet moist, and tough and chewy.
Recommendation: Hetianxia Ecological Restaurant (Huatiancheng Branch)
Address: Huatiancheng Jin Street, Guan Liping, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China (2F, Xiangfu International Water Club)

4. Pond Loach and Tofu

The dish is much-favored by local people, and is also a renowned specialty. Pond Loaches are first put into a jar with clean water and a small amount of salt. Mud, sand and other impurities in the stomach are purged overnight. The loaches are then poured into tender tofu and where they have a good swim. The loaches and tofu are then stewed in a pot and dressed with pepper, chopped shallots, MSG, ginger and other condiments.

Characteristics: the dish is delicious and spicy and the soup is fragrant
Recommendation: Le Koufu (literally "Happiness for Tongues") Home Dishes
Address:right opposite of Renmin Hospital, Guyonglu City, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China

5. Reunion Dish (Tuannian cai)

The reunion dish is prepared for the celebration of the new year among Tujia people. According to legend, Tusi (appointed national minority hereditary headmen in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties) sent troops to fight against the Japanese pirates in the Ming Dynasty. As the schedule was tight, the soldiers cooked Hecai for the New Year to save time. Hecai is prepared by putting turnips, tofu, Chinese cabbages, shallots, pork and sliced red chili into a pot and cooking them for a long time.

Characteristics: finished Tuannian Cai is tasty. It is very tender and smooth.
Recommendation: Master Tang's Tujia Dish House
Address: Opposite to Genli International Hotel, Wulongyuan Avenue, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China

6. Preserved Sour Fish

The sour fish is prepared by mixing the fish with glutinous rice flour and marinating them until the fish is well fermented. Sour fish can be kept for a long time. The tasty fish is considered a top dish to entertain guests.

Characteristics: The dish is oily but not greasy. The fine texture is really a treat.
Recommendation: Fairy Stronghold Restaurant (Fengwan Branch)
Address:Ziwu Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China.

7. Chicken and Duck Stewed with Shier (umbilicaria esculenta)

Shier is a treasured edible lichen found deep in the mountains of Zhangjiajie. The ear-shaped Shier is usually found in the cliffs. The rock ear is extremely precious, delicious and nutritious. When stewed with chicken and duck, it looks a light yellow color, and the aroma is irresistible. Its nutrients are believed to be very beneficial and good for your skin.
This dish was presented as a tribute to the emperor every year during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a royal treatment.

Characteristics: the meat is tender and the sauce is thick.
Recommendation: Fairy Stronghold Restaurant (Fengwan Branch)
Address: Ziwu Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China.

8. South China Tuan Frog (Tuan Wa)

The South China Tuan Frog is also known as the rockpool frog (Shi Wa). Born in local rockpools and brooks, Tuan Frogs let out "bang bang" croaks day and night. They are therefore called ‘Bang Bang Frog’.

Characteristics: The cooked meat is tender and the soup is tasty.
Recommendation: Fairy Stronghold Restaurant (Fengwan Branch)
Address:Ziwu Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China.

9. He Zha (tofu dregs)

Soak the soybeans in water. Then grind the softened soybeans on a stone mill. The milled soybean milk is then cooked in the pot. Drop the sliced vegetables into the pot until the soup boils again. The finished He Zha is a milky white and green color.

Characteristics: it is tasty and easy to drink. It is very nutritious and rich in protein.
Recommendation: Fairy Stronghold Restaurant (Fengwan Branch)
Address: Ziwu Road, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China.

Have a question? Or can't wait to immerse yourself in the engaging journey of Chinese culture? Send us a message! Our top China specialist is ready to assist and connect with you without delay!