Hubei is a province in central China with a rich culinary heritage. From hearty street food to elaborate banquet dishes, Hubei cuisine offers a wide range of flavors and textures that reflect the region's diverse landscape and cultural influences. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most distinctive and delicious foods that Hubei has to offer.

武汉热干面

One of the most iconic dishes from Hubei is Wuhan hot dry noodles, or "热干面" in Chinese. This dish consists of thick wheat noodles topped with a savory sauce made from sesame paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings. It is often garnished with pickled vegetables, sesame seeds, and chili oil for an extra kick of flavor. The combination of chewy noodles and rich, umami-packed sauce makes Wuhan hot dry noodles a must-try for anyone visiting Hubei.

黄鹤楼炖鱼

Another standout dish from Hubei is Huanghelou stewed fish, or "黄鹤楼炖鱼" in Chinese. This dish features fresh fish, typically carp or grass carp, simmered in a fragrant broth with ginger, scallions, and other aromatics. The fish is cooked until tender and infused with the delicious flavors of the broth. Huanghelou stewed fish is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for cold winter days.

江汉盐煎肉

Jianghan salt-fried pork, or "江汉盐煎肉" in Chinese, is a popular dish in Hubei known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. Thin slices of pork belly are marinated with salt, garlic, and spices, then pan-fried until golden and caramelized. The result is a dish that is savory, succulent, and irresistibly crispy. Jianghan salt-fried pork is often served with steamed buns or rice for a satisfying meal.

葱油拌面

Scallion oil noodles, or "葱油拌面" in Chinese, is a simple yet flavorful dish that is popular throughout Hubei. Thin wheat noodles are tossed in a fragrant sauce made from scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then garnished with crispy fried shallots for added texture. Scallion oil noodles are a beloved comfort food in Hubei, perfect for any time of day.

汤包

Soup dumplings, or "汤包" in Chinese, are a specialty of Hubei cuisine that are sure to delight dumpling lovers. These delicate parcels are filled with a savory broth and meat mixture, then steamed to perfection. When you bite into a soup dumpling, the hot, flavorful broth bursts into your mouth, creating a truly unforgettable eating experience. Soup dumplings are a must-try for anyone looking to sample the best of Hubei cuisine.

荆州燕麦饼

Jingzhou oat cakes, or "荆州燕麦饼" in Chinese, are a unique and delicious snack that originated in Hubei. These crispy, wafer-thin cakes are made from oats, sugar, and oil, then baked until golden and fragrant. Jingzhou oat cakes are a popular street food in Hubei, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for their crunchy texture and sweet flavor.

鄂州莼菜炒腊肉

Ezhou stir-fried water shield with cured pork, or "鄂州莼菜炒腊肉" in Chinese, is a classic Hubei dish that combines the freshness of water shield with the rich, savory taste of cured pork. Water shield, a type of aquatic plant, is stir-fried with slices of cured pork, garlic, and chili peppers to create a dish that is both aromatic and flavorful. Ezhou stir-fried water shield with cured pork is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a taste of traditional Hubei cuisine.

宜昌三鲜豆腐

Yichang three-delights tofu, or "宜昌三鲜豆腐" in Chinese, is a delicious tofu dish that features a trio of fillings - usually minced meat, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots - stuffed inside tofu cubes. The filled tofu cubes are then steamed or braised until the flavors meld together, creating a dish that is both delicate and satisfying. Yichang three-delights tofu is a popular choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

蒋家砂锅鱼

Jiangjia clay pot fish, or "蒋家砂锅鱼" in Chinese, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Fresh fish is simmered in a clay pot with a fragrant broth made from ginger, garlic, and chili peppers, creating a dish that is both spicy and comforting. Jiangjia clay pot fish is a popular choice for those looking to experience the bold flavors of Hubei cuisine.

武昌鱼汤粉丝

Wuchang fish soup with vermicelli, or "武昌鱼汤粉丝" in Chinese, is a simple yet satisfying dish that is a staple in Hubei cuisine. This dish features tender pieces of fresh fish simmered in a flavorful broth with vermicelli noodles, ginger, and scallions. The light yet nourishing broth pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of the fish, creating a dish that is both comforting and delicious.