What to Eat in Ningbo, China | Pan Pacific Ningbo

What to Eat in Ningbo, China

Feeling hungry in Ningbo — a fast-growing port city in Zhejiang, China? You are certainly spoilt for choice here.

A city steeped in history and culture, Ningbo is renowned for its diverse and delectable culinary offerings. Ningbo cuisine, also known as Yong cuisine, is a distinct and flavourful part of the Zhejiang culinary tradition in China, known for its delicate and light flavours.

Embark on a gastronomic adventure as we explore the tantalising world of Ningbo food—from traditional delights like seafood and dumplings, to contemporary creations.

 

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What You Can Eat in Ningbo

Tangyuan, a Ningbo delicacy Tangyuan, a Ningbo delicacy

 

Ningbo's culinary landscape is a tapestry of flavours, each dish weaving a story of tradition, innovation, and the city's rich cultural heritage. From the city’s vibrant street markets to the refined teahouses, every culinary encounter in Ningbo is an invitation to savour the essence of this city through its delectable offerings. 

Part of the Zhejiang culinary tradition, Ningbo’s strategic coastal location provides it with an abundance of fresh seafood — a cornerstone of local culinary practices. The city's long history as a trading port has also influenced its food culture, introducing diverse ingredients and flavours over time. 

Here, traditional cooking techniques like steaming and braising are preferred, highlighting the natural flavours and textures of the ingredients. Dishes are typically light and delicate, with a subtle use of seasonings to maintain the original taste of the primary components.

The variety of dishes in Ningbo cookery reflects both its historical depth and regional diversity. Seafood dishes like steamed fish, shrimps in honey sauce, and yellow croaker with pickled mustard greens are popular, showcasing the fresh marine produce. Ningbo is also renowned for its unique savoury tangyuan (dumplings), a departure from the sweet versions found elsewhere in China.

Street foods and snacks, such as rice cakes with pork and Ningbo rice balls, further offer a glimpse into the everyday culinary life of the locals. The cuisine's emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and its commitment to preserving the natural tastes of food make Ningbo's culinary offerings distinct and memorable.

 

The Best Places to Eat in Ningbo

Now that your appetite is whetted, let us look at where are the best places to eat in Ningbo.

Slurp up Tangyuan Soup at Gang Ya Gou

Gang Ya Gou, a longstanding restaurant with over a century of history, is the perfect spot to savour tangyuan. Each morsel of these glutinous rice balls presents an ideal balance of soft textures and flavourful fillings, creating a delightful experience for the taste buds. 

Renowned for its excellent fare, Gang Ya Gou attracts a loyal clientele, often comprising local grannies—a testament to its quality.

 

Dive into a Seafood Extravaganza at Tianyige Lou

For a seafood extravaganza, Tianyige Lou is a must-visit. Located on Tianyi Street, this restaurant specialises in Crispy Eel, where thinly sliced eel is coated in a perfectly crispy layer. The menu boasts a diverse array of seafood dishes that showcase the freshness of local ingredients.

 

Savour Ningbo-styled Red-Braised Pork at Tie Ge Bi

Tie Ge Bi's version of Ningbo-style Red-Braised Pork is a standout dish that exemplifies culinary finesse. Braised to perfection, the pork boasts a succulent texture, while the savoury soy-based sauce imparts a delightful depth of flavour. The dish reflects a harmonious balance of sweetness and umami, making it a must-try for connoisseurs of Ningbo cuisine.

 

Sample Ningbo-style Dim Sum at ZaoZiShu Jingsu Restaurant

At ZaoZiShu JingSu in Ningbo, dim sum takes centre stage. Unlike Hong Kong dim sum, known for its wide variety of small, delicately prepared dishes, Ningbo-style dim sum typically features local seafood and ingredients unique to the Zhejiang region.

From intricately folded dumplings, brimming with flavourful fillings to innovative savoury buns that marry tradition with contemporary flair, each bite encapsulates the essence of Ningbo's rich culinary heritage. 

 

Chinese Wanton Soup Chinese Wanton Soup

 

 

Indulge in Flavourful Wontons at Xinghualou

Savour the comforting flavours of Wonton Soup at Xinghualou Restaurant, known for its delicate wontons that melt in your mouth. However, it's not just the wontons that steal the show; the flavourful broth, a result of careful simmering and a well-balanced medley of ingredients, adds depth and richness to the dish. 

 

Street Food Bliss at Tianyi Square Night Market

As the sun sets, make your way to Tianyi Square Night Market, a bustling hub of street food vendors—here you can sample local favourites like stinky tofu, fried noodles, and savoury pancakes. The lively atmosphere and abundant food options make this market a culinary haven for those eager to explore Ningbo's street fare.

 

Delight in Beggar's Chicken at Shipu Restaurant

Shipu Restaurant offers a delightful take on Beggar's Chicken, a traditional dish where marinated chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves and clay. A renowned dish in Ningbo, it is said to have originated from a beggar who baked a chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and clay in a ground hole, creating a uniquely tender and aromatic culinary delight. The slow and careful cooking process results in wonderfully tender chicken bursting with flavour, subtly enhanced by the essence of lotus leaves.

 

Indulge in Authentic Ningbo Cuisine at Hai Tien Lo

Located in Pan Pacific Ningbo, Hai Tien Lo offers an upscale Ningbo dining experience, blending authentic Cantonese cuisine with local flavours. Skilled chefs elevate traditional dishes, from delicate dim sum to succulent Peking Duck. Whether you're a local craving a sophisticated twist on classics, or a traveller exploring Ningbo's culinary heritage, Hai Tien Lo beckons with an inviting atmosphere and a menu promising a memorable journey through diverse flavours.

 

Get directions to Gang Ya Gou

Get directions to Tianyige Lou

Get directions to TieGeBi

Get directions to Zaozishu Su Restaurant

Get directions to Tianyi Square

Get directions to Xinghualou

Get directions to Shipu Restaurant

 

Where to Stay in Ningbo

 

Need a convenient and comfortable respite from your gastronomic escapades? The Pan Pacific Ningbo is an ideal choice for a luxurious stay in Ningbo. The hotel combines modern sophistication with traditional Chinese elegance, offering impeccable service and a range of amenities. Conveniently located near Tianyi Square, it provides easy access to Ningbo's key attractions.

The hotel boasts spacious rooms with contemporary design, ensuring a comfortable and stylish retreat. Guests can savour delectable cuisine at the hotel's restaurants, unwind at the spa, or take advantage of its fitness facilities (to work off those calories, of course).

 

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