Description: A communal feast where diners cook meats, veggies, and noodles in simmering broth. Sichuan’s spicy version and Beijing’s mild mutton hot pot are iconic.
Province/City: Sichuan (Chengdu), Beijing
Recommended Restaurants:

• Haidilao Hot Pot (Chengdu: Jinjiang District; Beijing: Chaoyang District)
• Xiao Long Kan (Chengdu: Wuhou District)

Description: Steamed dumplings filled with pork or crabmeat and hot broth, a Shanghai classic.
Province/City: Shanghai
Recommended Restaurants:

• Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (Huangpu District)
• Din Tai Fung (Xuhui District)

Description: Shredded pork stuffed in crispy flatbread, a Xi’an street food legend.
Province/City: Shaanxi (Xi’an)
Recommended Restaurants:

• Lao Sun Jia (Beilin District)
• Wang Ji Xing (Lianhu District)

Description: Fermented tofu with a pungent aroma and crispy exterior, a Changsha night market staple.
Province/City: Hunan (Changsha)
Recommended Restaurants:

• Huo Gong Dian Stinky Tofu (Tianxin District)
• Pozi Street Snacks (Yuelu District)

Description: Crispy-skinned duck served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
Province/City: Beijing
Recommended Restaurants:

• Quanjude (Dongcheng District)
• Da Dong Roast Duck (Chaoyang District)

Description: DIY spicy soup with customizable ingredients like tofu, meats, and noodles.
Province/City: Sichuan (Chengdu), Chongqing
Recommended Restaurants:

• Yangji Malatang (Chengdu: Jinjiang District)
• Zhang Liang Malatang (Chongqing: Yuzhong District)

Description: Refreshing jelly dessert topped with fruits, nuts, and brown sugar syrup.
Province/City: Chongqing
Recommended Restaurants:

• Hongya Cave Bingfen (Yuzhong District)
• Jiefangbei Snack Street Stalls (Yuzhong District)

Description: Spicy, garlicky, or mala-seasoned freshwater crayfish, a summer night market hit.
Province/City: Hubei (Wuhan), Hunan (Changsha)
Recommended Restaurants:

• Zhuangzhuyu Crayfish (Wuhan: Jiang’an District)
• Wenheyou (Changsha: Tianxin District)

Description: Crispy crepe stuffed with egg, cilantro, and fried dough, a beloved breakfast.
Province/City: Beijing, Tianjin
Recommended Restaurants:

• Jianbing Wang (Beijing: Dongcheng District)
• Nanshi Food Street (Tianjin: Nankai District)

Description: Hearty lamb stew with crumbled flatbread, a Xi’an Muslim Quarter specialty.
Province/City: Shaanxi (Xi’an)
Recommended Restaurants:

• Tong Sheng Xiang (Beilin District)
• Lao Sun Jia (Lianhu District)

Description: Chewy rice noodles in savory broth, topped with pickled veggies and peanuts.
Province/City: Guangxi (Guilin)
Recommended Restaurants:

• Chongshan Rice Noodles (Xiufeng District)
• Mingguang Rice Noodles (Qixing District)

Description: Crispy-bottomed buns filled with juicy pork and soup, a Shanghai favorite.
Province/City: Shanghai
Recommended Restaurants:

• Yang’s Fry-Dumpling (Huangpu District)
• Xiaoyang Shengjian (Jing’an District)

Description: Sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls, a global sensation from Taiwan.
Province/City: Taiwan (originated), popular nationwide
Recommended Chains:

• HeyTea (Beijing: Chaoyang District; Shanghai: Xuhui District)
• Coco Fresh Tea & Juice (Nationwide)

Description: Bite-sized dishes like shrimp dumplings and BBQ pork buns, a Guangdong brunch staple.
Province/City: Guangdong (Guangzhou)
Recommended Restaurants:

• Lian Xiang Lou (Liwan District)
• Taotaoju (Yuexiu District)

Description: A DIY noodle soup with raw ingredients cooked tableside in hot broth.
Province/City: Yunnan (Kunming)
Recommended Restaurants:

• Jianxin Garden (Guandu District)
• Fengwei Street Noodles (Wuhua District)

Description: Thick, hand-pulled noodles topped with chili oil and pork, a Shaanxi specialty.
Province/City: Shaanxi (Xi’an)
Recommended Restaurants:

• Biang Biang Noodle House (Beilin District)
• Xi’an Lao Sun Jia (Lianhu District)

Description: Spicy, pungent rice noodles with snail broth, a viral Guangxi delicacy.
Province/City: Guangxi (Liuzhou) (Also national wide)
Recommended Restaurants:

• Aimin Luosifen (Liubei District)
• Jubao Luosifen (Chengzhong District)