The "Hundred Counties, Thousand Flavors" list of iconic foods in East China's Jiangsu province was released recently, with 13 signature dishes from Taixing making the cut.
This initiative focuses on showcasing the unique culinary culture of each county, city and district in Jiangsu, with a total of 1,043 landmark dishes being promoted across the province.
The 13 signature Taixing dishes are:
1. Huangqiao Sesame Cake: A symbol of Taixing's culinary heritage, this pastry is renowned for its golden, crispy exterior and soft, layered interior. Made with local flour, sesame and oil, it offers a taste of history and local flavor.
Huangqiao Sesame Cake. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
2. Quxia Soup Dumplings: Known as the "soul" of Taixing's breakfast, these dumplings feature a thin skin filled with rich broth made from local chicken and crab, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.
Quxia Soup Dumplings. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
3. Xuanbao Small Wontons: These tiny wontons are known for their delicate skins and juicy pork fillings, served in a fragrant broth topped with crispy pork fat and shrimp.
Xuanbao Small Wontons. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
4. Braised Pork Knuckle: A banquet staple, this dish features tender pork knuckle braised with soy sauce and spices until it is melt-in-your-mouth delicious, providing a rich and satisfying experience.
Braised Pork Knuckle. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
5. Stewed Pork with Aromatic Taro: Combining local taro and pork belly, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection, with taro absorbing the rich meat juices for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Stewed Pork with Aromatic Taro. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
6. Yangcao Puffer Fish: A delicacy featuring tender puffer fish cooked with fresh local greens, showcasing the skillful handling of river fish for a taste that's both delicate and bold.
Yangcao Puffer Fish. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
7. Spring Stir-Fry: A vibrant dish that combines fresh chives, bamboo shoots, eggs, and river shrimp with local rice noodles, offering a refreshing taste of spring.
Spring Stir-Fry. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
8. Huangqiao Fish in Chicken Broth: This local specialty features fried fish slices served in a rich chicken broth, perfectly balancing lightness and flavor.
Huangqiao Fish in Chicken Broth. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
9. Salted Ginkgo Nuts: Utilizing Taixing's abundant ginkgo resources, these nuts are stir-fried with salt and spices for a crunchy, aromatic snack.
Salted Ginkgo Nuts. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
10. Liu Chen's Four Treasures of Pork: A hearty dish featuring pork head, ears, tail, and tongue, each cooked to highlight their unique textures and flavors.
Liu Chen's Four Treasures of Pork. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
11. Jianghua Braised Eel: Featuring locally sourced eel, this dish is stir-fried with spices and cooked until the sauce is thick and flavorful, offering a spicy and savory taste.
Jianghua Braised Eel. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
12. Ginkgo Braised Chicken: Combining local chicken and ginkgo nuts, this dish is slow-cooked to allow the ingredients' natural flavors to shine, resulting in a nutritious and delicious meal.
Ginkgo Braised Chicken. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]
13. Dough Drop, Oil Clam and Chive Soup: A simple yet flavorful soup made with fresh clams, chives, and dough drops, offering a taste of Taixing's water-rich landscape.
Dough Drop, Oil Clam and Chive Soup. [Photo/WeChat account: txfabu]