It’s not as good as Chengdu and Leshan, but it’s niche and authentic.
Although the food in Ziyang, Sichuan is not as famous as that in other cities such as Chengdu and Leshan, it has many niche and authentic flavors that are affordable and unique. Here are some local favorites that are suitable for mass consumption:
1. Anyue Rice Roll
Features: The thin skin is steamed with rice milk and rolled into strips. It has a soft and chewy texture and is refreshing and appetizing when paired with red chili oil, hot and sour sauce or ginger vinegar sauce.
Recommended way to eat: cold rice rolls (a must-have in summer), or hot rice rolls (a heart-warming treat in winter).
Location: Street food stall in Anyue County, 5-10 yuan per person. 2. Zhouli Sad Jelly
Features: Originated from Zhouli Town, Anyue, the jelly is cut into thin strips and topped with secret chili oil, pepper powder and black bean sauce. The spicy and fresh aroma rushes straight into your nose, so spicy that you "cry" but you can't stop eating.
Hidden way to eat it: Pair it with a bowl of ice jelly or cold shrimp to relieve the spiciness.
Cost: 5-8 yuan for a small bowl, and can be found in street shops.
3. Danshan Chicken in a Jar
Features: Local chicken is slow-cooked in a ceramic pot. The meat is tender and boneless, and the soup is rich. Local medicinal herbs and spices are added to make it nutritious and tasty.
Recommendation: The time-honored farmhouse restaurant in Danshan Town, 30-50 yuan per person.
4. Lezhi BBQ
Features: The barbecue in Lezhi County, Ziyang is grilled over charcoal. The ingredients are fresh, brushed with spicy sauce, and sprinkled with cumin and sesame seeds. Grilled pork belly, ribs and brains are especially recommended.
Location: Beijie Night Market, Lezhi County, 40-60 yuan per person for an all-you-can-eat meal.
5. Linjiang Temple Douban Mixed with Everything
Features: The "Linjiang Temple Douban" in Yanjiang District, Ziyang is a century-old intangible cultural heritage. It is spicy and mellow, and is perfect for mixing with rice, noodles, dipping steamed buns, and even cooking to enhance the flavor.
Recommendation: Buy a can of fermented black beans (10-20 yuan) at the market and DIY it with some simple ingredients.
6. Dongfeng Vinegar Soup Noodles
Features: The soup is made with Dongfeng Town's specialty vinegar, which has a mild sour taste. It is paired with handmade noodles, minced meat and vegetables. It is sour and spicy and appetizing, suitable for breakfast.
Location: Street noodle shop in Dongfeng Town, Yanjiang District, 8-12 yuan per person.
7. Chicken in neutral vinegar soup
Features: A specialty dish from Zhonghe Town, Anyue. The chicken is stewed in vinegar soup. The sour taste neutralizes the greasiness, and the chicken is tender. The soup is perfect for soaking rice.
Recommended: Farmhouse in Zhonghe Town, 30-40 yuan per person.
8. Shiqiao Noodles
Features: Handmade thin noodles, which will not become mushy even after long cooking and have a smooth taste, suitable for cooking clear soup noodles or red soup noodles.
Hidden way to eat it: Add a spoonful of lard and soy sauce. It’s simple but delicious.
Location: Available at noodle shops or vegetable markets in Shiqiao Town.
9. Anyue Lemon Banquet (niche creativity)
Features: Anyue is the "Hometown of Chinese Lemons". Locals use lemons in cooking, such as lemon fish, lemon chicken slices, and lemon jelly. They are sour, sweet, fragrant, and unique.
Recommendation: Available in some restaurants in Anyue County, about 50 yuan per person.
10. Wang Laojiu White Rabbit
Features: The rabbit meat is cooked and cut into pieces, topped with red oil, mashed garlic, and crushed peanuts. The meat is tender and spicy with a hint of sweetness.
Location: The time-honored "Wang Laojiu" delicatessen in Yanjiang District, Ziyang. They sell by the kilogram (about 40-60 yuan/kilogram).
Tips:
Most of Ziyang’s delicacies are hidden in street stalls or time-honored shops in county towns and villages. The environment is simple but the taste is authentic.
If you want to experience it all at once, you can go to the Messi Night Market or Checheng Food Street in Ziyang City, which have a variety of local snacks.
Recommended souvenirs: Linjiang Temple Douban, Anyue Lemon, and Shiqiao Noodles, which are affordable and have local characteristics.
Ziyang’s niche delicacies are mainly “down-to-earth”. You can feel full of happiness by spending just a few dozen yuan. It is suitable for foodies who like to explore the atmosphere of downtown!