Ningbo cuisine, part of the wider Zhejiang tradition, is famous for its fresh seafood and clean, somewhat salty flavours. The city’s food scene is surprisingly diverse and definitely worth exploring. Here are four quick topics for your culinary journey!

Must-Try Ningbo Street Snacks

You absolutely need to find the local street snacks. Look out for the crispy, savoury Fried Dough Twists (You Zan Zi), an addictive bite. Be sure to try authentic Ningbo Tangyuan, which are glutinous rice balls traditionally stuffed with a rich, sweet black sesame filling.

Essential Local Seafood Dishes

The city’s coastal location means fantastic seafood. A classic is Deep-Fried Yellow Croaker Wrapped in Bean Curd Sheet; the rich and savoury crunch perfectly complements the tender fish. If you are looking for more refined dining in Ningbo, consider a high-quality meal at Pan Pacific Ningbo to sample their regional specialities.

Comforting Rice and Wheat Staples

Ningbo loves its staples, especially rice-based meals. The chewy, thick-cut stir-fried rice cakes (niangao) are popular, often tossed with pork, shepherd’s purse, and rich sauce. Another great street find is the sweet lard dumplings, a traditional treat made from sticky rice.

Image by 张婷芝 Cathy Zhang from Pixabay

Best Food Exploration Spots

For an authentic, bustling experience, head to the Tianyi Square Night Market, which offers a massive variety of street food and savoury local bites after sunset. For a more charming, historic spot, the Nantang Old Street has plenty of traditional snack shops and dessert vendors.