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Nanxun cuisine is primarily based on river seafood, with the most distinctive dishes being the unique embroidered brocade vegetables and Nanxun fragrant kohlrabi. Nanxun's double-stuffed noodles are also a specialty, worth trying for their unique flavor. Afterward, enjoy a cup of smoked bean tea at a teahouse and some Dingsheng cakes, orange-red cakes, or Shuanglin sister-in-law cakes, and you've tasted all of Nanxun's snacks.
Nanxun embroidered brocade vegetables resemble ordinary greens, except for their slightly thinner stems and finely serrated leaves, which create a beautifully curved vein pattern. Even after being stir-fried, they retain their vibrant green color. Enjoying this dish not only offers a refreshing fragrance in its juices but also a delightful, softer texture far superior to ordinary vegetables. Strangely, this vegetable only grows within a ten-mile radius of Nanxun. Beyond that, it mutates, possessing a distinct appearance but lacking fragrance.
Xunxiang kohlrabi is typically processed in February or March, and its quality depends on the selection of ingredients and the curing process. The production process involves sorting, sun-drying, slicing, salting, and packaging. Its key characteristics are its tender yellow color, savory flavor, a balanced saltiness, a sweet aftertaste, and a slightly fragrant aroma. The heads are crisp and tender, with fine fibers, and each head unfolds in a fan-shaped shape. It is a top-quality processed vegetable that is suitable for both food and other dishes.
In the Tai'an Road area, a kind of Jiaotou noodles has become quite famous in recent years. There are more than ten kinds of Jiaotou, including braised sauce, beef, white chicken, vegetarian shreds, pickled vegetables, etc. The double-topping noodles (also called crispy pork and fish noodles) are the best.
Recommended places: Zhuangyuan Building, Wufulou
Like other ancient towns, the most common thing in the ancient town is Xun pig's trotters. There are many of them on the streets of the ancient town, about 26-50 yuan per catty. The price varies from store to store. In fact, it is braised pig's trotters, and some restaurants in Nanxun also provide hot dishes.
Dingsheng cake is light pink, soft, fragrant, and sweet. To make it, place rice flour into a Dingsheng cake mold, press it down, and smooth the surface with a knife. Then, steam it over high heat for 20 minutes, until the cake is firm and cooked. Remove the cake and turn it over on a chopping board.
Orange-red cake is a traditional Nanxun specialty with a history of over a century. "Ye Water Chestnut" orange-red cake is soft but not sticky, with a pinkish-red color and a rich, tangerine flavor. The most famous is the century-old Ye Water Chestnut shop, but they're also available everywhere on Nanxun's streets. Buy some to try first.
Gorgon fruit cake is a specialty not only of Nanxun but also of the ancient towns of Jiangnan. Modern versions are made from gorgon fruit and puffed glutinous rice flour, resulting in a smoother, chewier texture than the original eight-treasure cake. Some versions contain coloring, but if you're bothered by this, ask the vendor for a coloring-free version. They're readily available, costing around 18 yuan per box, or 10 yuan per box. Bargaining is encouraged.
A folk saying goes, "Nanxun is stinky, Wuzhen is spicy." While Wuzhen residents prefer spicy food, Nanxun residents prefer something "stinky." There are two common ways to enjoy stinky tofu: one is to pan-fry it and serve it with sweet onion sauce, chopped green onions, and other condiments. The other is to stew it in clear water with green onions, sauce, chopped ginger, and other condiments. Despite its odor, stinky tofu tastes fragrant and delicious. Nanxun residents describe this as "the authentic Nanxun flavor."
Nanxun is rich in river seafood, expertly prepared by locals to create a vibrant and delicious feast. You'll be hooked once you try it. Nanxun is also a major producer of bamboo shoots, a delectable delicacy enjoyed by locals with meticulous preparation and a wide variety of dishes. Don't miss this opportunity when you visit Nanxun; you'll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also gain a wealth of knowledge. While small, the restaurants in Nanxun Town are inexpensive, popular, and generously portioned, ensuring a satisfying meal. Prices are comparable between restaurants within and outside the scenic area, so don't worry about getting ripped off. Restaurants throughout the scenic area are generally similar, with meat dishes typically priced between 25 and 35 yuan, and vegetables priced between 15 and 20 yuan. Choose a popular restaurant.
Zhuangyuanlou: A century-old restaurant in Nanxun, don't miss the double-fried noodles. Address: Near the bridge on East Street in the ancient town area of Nanxun District (near Baijianlou)
Wufulou: A traditional noodle shop, as famous as Zhuangyuanlou. The double-glazed noodles are not to be missed.
Shen's Family Restaurant: Nanxun specialty dishes, with an excellent reputation. Tell the owner you came here because of its reputation, and you might get a discount. Address: Nanxi Street, Nanxun Ancient Town, near the river.
Yuantai Restaurant: A restaurant described in Xu Chi's "Jiangnan Town," this century-old establishment is highly recommended by locals. Address: Small bridge next to the memorial archway in Nanxun Ancient Town.