What to Eat in Anhui: 10 Dishes & Where to Find Them

Let me be honest. When most travelers land in China, they think of Sichuan heat, Cantonese dim sum, or Beijing duck. Anhui? Rarely on the first bite list.

But I've been guiding trips here for over a decade, and I've watched their eyes widen over a plate of stinky mandarin fish — the smell hits you first, then the tender, sweet-sour flavor that makes you forget the odor. Anhui food is bold, earthy, and deeply tied to the province's misty mountains.

So, what to eat in Anhui? This guide covers 10 must-try dishes, where to find them, and the pitfalls I've seen tourists fall into — like trying to pay with a foreign card at a street stall, or missing the best time to order hairy tofu.

Why Anhui Food Is Worth Your Attention

Anhui is one of China's most underrated food provinces. While it might not have the global fame of Sichuan or Cantonese cuisine, it's one of the eight major culinary traditions in China. The food here is shaped by the Huangshan mountains and the Yangtze River, resulting in dishes that are hearty, slow-cooked, and rich in umami.

Unlike the numbing spice of Sichuan, Anhui cuisine focuses on fresh ingredients, exact heat control, and preserving natural flavors — often achieved through braising, stewing, and steaming.

What Is Huizhou Cuisine?

Huizhou cuisine is the culinary style of the ancient Huizhou region, which covered parts of today's Huangshan, Shexian, and Anhui's southern areas. It's known for its use of pork, poultry, fish, and mountain vegetables, often cooked with mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

One of the defining features is the emphasis on umami through fermentation and smoking — think stinky fish and smoked duck. The style evolved because of the harsh mountain environment and the need to preserve food during long merchant journeys.

For a deeper dive into the cultural roots, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage listing of Xidi and Hongcun ancient villages, where you'll see the region's traditional lifestyle that shaped this cuisine.

Top 10 Anhui Dishes You Must Try

1. Stinky Mandarin Fish (Chou Gui Yu)

Don't let the smell fool you. This fermented fish is the pride of Huizhou cuisine. The fish is salted and brined for days, then cooked with bamboo shoots, chili, and ginger. The result is a firm, slightly juicy flesh with a sweet and sour kick that tastes nothing like the initial stench.

I always tell my clients: close your nose and take one bite — you'll be hooked. Find it in most Huizhou restaurants, especially in Huangshan. A plate will set you back around ¥60–90. Be sure to ask for fresh batch, as each restaurant makes it differently.

2. Hairy Tofu (Mao Doufu)

This snack walks the line between weird and wonderful. Fresh tofu is left to ferment until a fuzzy white mold grows on the surface. Then it's pan-fried until golden and crisp on the outside, with a creamy, creamy center. The taste is earthy, slightly sharp, and completely addictive.

You'll find hairy tofu sold by street vendors in Huangshan, especially on Tunxi Old Street. A portion costs about ¥10–15. I recommend adding a splash of chili oil and a sprinkle of scallions. Don't be shy; just eat it.

3. Fuliji Roasted Chicken (Fuliji Shao Ji)

This is not your average roast chicken. Originating from the town of Fuliji in Anhui province, this dish uses a local breed of chicken, marinated in a 20-spice mixture, then roasted over low heat until the meat falls off the bone. The skin is thin and fragrant, and the flavor has a hint of sweetness and umami.

You can buy it as a takeaway souvenir at railway station shops across Anhui. If you're in Suzhou, stop by the original Fuliji street food stalls. Pricing is around ¥30–50 per bird.

4. Huainan Beef Soup (Huainan Niurou Tang)

Anhui's answer to breakfast comfort food. This hearty soup is made with hand-cut beef slices, thin rice noodles, and a broth simmered for hours with spices and beef bones. It's often topped with chili and fresh cilantro. Served with sesame flatbread, it's the perfect way to start a chilly morning.

In Huainan, you'll see soup shops on every corner. A bowl costs around ¥10–20. I always order an extra portion of beef on top — it's cheap and filling.

5. Sanhe Rice Dumplings (Sanhe Mi Jian)

A bite-sized experience from Sanhe Ancient Town. These triangular dumplings are made from rice flour, filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, and bamboo shoots, then either steamed or deep-fried until crispy. They're a popular street snack, especially in the town of Sanhe near Hefei.

You'll find rows of vendors frying them fresh. The price is ridiculously low — about ¥5–8 for three. My tip: eat them hot, right off the pan.

6. Huangshan Stewed Pigeon (Huangshan Dun Ge)

If you're after something nourishing, this is it. Pigeon is traditionally considered a tonic in Chinese cuisine. Huangshan-style stews the pigeon with mountain herbs and mushrooms, producing a clear, fragrant broth. The meat is tender and falls off the bone easily.

It's often served as a dish at banquets, but you can find it at Huizhou restaurants in Huangshan. A serving will cost around ¥50–80.

7. Wuwei Smoked Duck (Wuwei Ban Ya)

This duck gets its flavor from a long smoking process. Hailing from Wuwei County near Wuhu, the duck is first marinated, then smoked with tea leaves and camphor. The result is a deep, caramelized skin and smoky, juicy flesh that shreds beautifully.

Look for it in snack shops in Wuhu or as a packaged souvenir in many Anhui supermarkets. Price: ¥40–60 for a whole duck.

8. Li Hongzhang Hotchpotch (Li Hongzhang Za Hui)

A dish with a story. Named after a famous Qing dynasty official from Hefei, this is a mix of everything — chicken, ham, seafood, tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables, simmered together in a rich broth. It's a bit like a Chinese hotpot, but more like a fancy casserole.

You'll find it on the menus of traditional Anhui restaurants, especially in Hefei. Prices vary, but expect to pay around ¥60–100 for a pot that serves 2–3.

9. Huizhou One-Pot (Huizhou Yi Pin Guo)

Also known as 'one pot of food,' this is a layered dish with meatballs, tofu, noodles, vegetables and more, arranged in a large pot and slowly cooked at the table. It's meant for sharing and embodies the generous, hearty spirit of Anhui hospitality. The broth deepens as you eat.

You'll see it in many Huizhou restaurants. It's a great way to taste multiple flavors. Prices typically start at ¥80.

10. Arrowroot Balls (Ge Fen Yuanzi)

Chewy and translucent, these are a subtle gem. Made from arrowroot starch and water chestnuts, they're boiled until they become translucent and jelly-like. Often served in a light pork and bamboo soup, they have a lovely toothsome texture and a neutral taste that absorbs the broth.

You'll find these in more authentic Huizhou restaurants. A plate goes for around ¥30–40.

Now, you might be wondering how to actually eat these dishes without feeling lost. Let's get into some practical advice.

How to Eat Like a Local in Anhui

Order the way locals do: start with cold dishes, move to hot stir-fries, and end with soup or a casserole. In Anhui, meals are communal, so be prepared to share the table. Also, don't expect a mild 'western' version — you'll be eating the real thing.

Here are a few things I've learned from years of dining:

- Drink the local tea, especially Huangshan Maofeng, before and during meals. It cleanses your palate and aids digestion.

- Ask for spicy level: most places default to 'medium', but you can request 'la' (spicy) or 'bu la' (not spicy). The local style is more numbing than fiery.

- Don't order too much. Dishes in Anhui are generous. For two people, three dishes plus soup is usually plenty.

- When you want to refill tea, just leave the teapot handle towards you. It's a small gesture that shows you know your stuff.

Where to Find the Best Anhui Food

If you're craving the most authentic flavors, head to these spots:

- Huangshan (Tunxi Old Street) – This is the foodie capital of Anhui. The street is lined with stalls serving hairy tofu, snacks, and tea. It's touristy, but for good reason.

- Hefei (Leijie Night Market) – Anhui's capital has a lively food street near the old city wall. You'll find all the classics plus modern takes. It opens around 5pm.

- Huainan – For that unforgettable beef soup, head to the morning food markets. They often start at 6am.

- Wuhu – Smoke duck central, plus a riverfront dining scene.

For a truly unique experience, consider visiting Hongcun and Xidi – the UNESCO-listed ancient villages where you can dine in traditional houses.

Practical Tips for Foreign Foodies

Let's get the boring but critical stuff out of the way.

Paying: Most locals use AliPay or WeChat Pay, even for a ¥2 tea. As a foreigner, you can link your international credit card to these apps. Carry some cash as backup — many small stalls only accept mobile payment or change. If you see a sign for 'foreign card' at an ATM, that's a good place to withdraw.

Navigating: Google Maps often doesn't work well in China. Download AMap (Apple Maps is a good alternative) before you arrive. Better yet, have your hotel concierge write down restaurant names in Chinese — showing the written address to a taxi driver works wonders.

Booking: Advanced reservations are not usually needed for most restaurants, but for popular spots in Huangshan, especially during holidays, it's wise to book. You can use the Dianping app (select English if available) or ask your hotel to call.

Language: Many restaurant menus in Anhui are Chinese-only. Learning a few characters helps: 辣 (spicy), 不辣 (not spicy), 牛肉汤 (beef soup), 鱼 (fish). Or simply point at the person next to you and say 'same' – we've all done it.

For visa and travel regulations, check the National Immigration Administration website for up-to-date info. And for train tickets between cities, the official China Railway 12306 is your best friend.

Anhui Food FAQ

My Insider Advice

The best dish you haven't heard of? Huizhou dough rolls with sesame. It's hard to find but worth it.

Here's a trade secret: if you want to experience the most authentic home-style Anhui food, book a night at a family guesthouse in a village like Hongcun. The host usually cooks for you – and there's no better way to taste the soul of the province. It's pure, honest, and full of love.

One more thing: always carry a few packets of tissues. Anhui restaurants often don't have napkins like the west.

Enjoy your food exploration. 祝你吃得开心!

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.