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Wenzhou people's eating habits emphasize fresh, light, low-fat flavors, yet rich in texture. Seafood is a staple on the Wenzhou table, and no matter how far a Wenzhou native travels, they often miss the seafood of their homeland. Wenzhou cuisine, exemplified by its Wenzhou flavor, boasts a wide variety of dishes, but primarily utilizes freshly caught and cooked fish from nearby seas and small river catches. Ou cuisine emphasizes minimal use of oil, vegetables, and knife skills. Wenzhou cuisine has a long and rich history, with rich traditions documented throughout history.
If you have friends from other places coming to Wenzhou, you might as well take them to taste these traditional dishes that are most representative of Wenzhou style; you might also take your elders with you, let them taste the long-missed old flavors and relive the old times on their tongues.
With a history of over a century, pounding fish with a wooden mallet into thin slices is a dish that is then topped with ham, mushrooms, and chicken breast in a broth. The clear, refreshing broth makes the fish tender and smooth. It's a common home-cooked dish, often served during Chinese New Year.
River crabs are eaten raw. Swimming crabs from the East China Sea are marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, rice wine, and other ingredients, then dipped in mustard or finely chopped garlic. The sharp, spicy flavor spreads throughout the mouth, making it truly amazing. The sweet, salty, and smooth crab meat is also incredibly appetizing when simply eaten with hot white rice.
Stir-fried cuttlefish flowers are a signature dish in Ouyang cuisine's cuttlefish dishes. The cuttlefish flesh is carved into delicate patterns, requiring meticulous skill and precise cooking time. Once cooked, it's beautifully presented and tender and delicious.
Wonton, pronounced similarly to the Wenzhou word for "steady," symbolizes stability and peace. The highlight of this famous dish lies in its presentation: crispy wontons fill the plate, followed by piping hot sea cucumber broth, creating a lively sizzling experience.
The meatballs, made from tender seven-star fish, are not round but rather hand-rolled into irregular strips. They're then boiled in boiling water for a few minutes, then removed and served in a bowl with a slightly sour broth. They're chewy and tender, leaving a warming sensation.
Garlic fish skin is a staple at Wenzhou banquets! The thick fish skin is paired with large, whole garlic cloves, creating a soft, supple texture rich in collagen. Don't miss this dish if you're a beauty enthusiast!
Mantis shrimp, also known as blue crab, is known for its elegant name, comparing itself to a flower. Crucially, the mantis shrimp must be killed alive, whole, and then steamed with egg liquid. The aroma fills the air as soon as the lid is opened, making it both beautiful and delicious.
Yellow croaker, known for its tender, fresh, and boneless flesh, is a favorite among Wenzhou residents, often served at banquets during festivals and celebrations. Yellow croaker in scallion oil is salty, fresh, and sweet, embodying the rich flavors of Wenzhou.
Salted vegetable chicken is a delicacy etched in the childhood memories of many Wenzhou residents. The chicken and salted vegetables blend beautifully, and the broth creates a delicious flavor. The salted vegetables, especially those floating in the golden broth, have absorbed the essence of the broth, leaving behind a familiar, traditional flavor.
It was the must-have dish for people when they went to restaurants in the 1950s and 1960s. Fish, water chestnuts and mushrooms were wrapped in lard and then fried in a pan, looking like bells.
The main body of the Awailou Resort Hotel consists of two circular buildings surrounded by 20 villas. It offers the most authentic Wenzhou cuisine.
Address: No. 1, Ouhai Avenue East
Business is booming, and if you arrive late, even finding a seat in the main hall is difficult. The fish head is renowned for its deliciousness, generously portioned and seasoned with chopped peppers. The meat is tender and flavorful, making it a delight even for those who don't like spicy food. The crispy and flavorful roast duck is also a must-try.
Address: Building 4, Impression Nantang Scenic Area
Yuntianlou is a long-established Wenzhou restaurant with several branches, but this one is the oldest and a great place for New Year's Eve dinners. They specialize in traditional Ouyang cuisine, with generous portions, exquisite presentation, and excellent flavor.
Address: 1st to 3rd Floor, Guoding Building, No. 28 Xiaonan Road
In the 1960s and 1970s, this restaurant, renowned in southern Zhejiang for its renowned Ouyang cuisine, was home to numerous chefs. This restaurant, renowned for its Ouyang cuisine, served guests from all over the world. Today, after a series of renovations and upgrades, the Wenzhou Restaurant has returned to the Wuma Historical and Cultural District.
Address: No. 106, Chan Street Pedestrian Street, Wuma
In Chef Zhou's Ou Cuisine Restaurant, many "old Wenzhou people" come here just for the authentic Ou cuisine. Even those born in the 80s and 90s, in addition to trying new dishes, will inevitably order a few traditional Ou dishes to round out the meal.
Address: 2nd Floor, Shunjin Commercial Building, No. 140, Wangjiang East Road, Lucheng District, Wenzhou
Inside, it's like a hotel buffet, with a dazzling array of snacks and hot dishes. Its convenient location and comprehensive food selection make it a great choice for those who don't have time to explore. While not as authentic as the old shops in the alleys, it still captures the essence of Wenzhou snacks.
Address: No. 71, Xueyuan Middle Road (near Talent Building)
Known as the "afternoon tea" of Wenzhou people, this is a deep-fried snack that can be filled with shredded radish, beef, eggs, etc. It is large and wrapped in zong leaves and handed over, giving it a somewhat old-fashioned feel.
Recommended places to taste:
Dawang Lantern Cake (Address: No. 471 Jiefang Street)
Flat-head lantern cake (Address: No. 2 Gulou Street (intersection of Jiefang Street))
"Fish balls aren't round" is a classic Wenzhou anecdote. These are long, thin strips of fish made from either Spanish mackerel or croaker. They're served in the original broth with rice vinegar, chopped green onions, and pepper. The juxtaposition of the fish's freshness and the spiciness of ginger and green onions creates a chewy and refreshing dish.
Recommended place to try it: Ah Hong Fish Ball Shop (Address: 1st floor, New China Film City, 32 Renmin Middle Road)
Wontons, with their thin wrappers, fragrant meat, and generous fillings, are a cherished childhood memory for Wenzhou residents and a source of homesickness for those who have ventured abroad. The renowned Changren Wontons, a time-honored brand known to everyone in Wenzhou, has earned the distinction of being a "Famous Chinese Snack" and a "Famous Wenzhou Snack."
Recommended places to taste:
Changren Wonton (Address: 195 Jiefang Street (Jiefang Road Branch) / 2 Wendy Road, Jintai Building, Ground Floor (Xialupu Branch) / 198 Xicheng Road (Xicheng Branch))
Yongqiang Xuelin Wonton (also known as "Yongqiang Temple Street Wonton") (Address: No. 12-13, Beitouqiaodong Lane, Yongzhong Subdistrict (70 meters northwest of the intersection of Zhonghe Road and Yongkang Road))
Pingyang Qian Chengen Wonton (Address: 103-105 Huishuihe Road, Kunyang Town, Pingyang County)
Thin, dry rice noodles stir-fried with vegetable ingredients create a fragrant aroma. They're best enjoyed with milk, seaweed soup, or fish ball soup. They're a great breakfast or late-night snack, and can be found at street vendors, food stalls, restaurants, and even hotels.
Recommended place to try: Qiaoertou Fried Vermicelli (Address: No. 545, Nanpu Road)
Wenzhou's intangible cultural heritage. While ingredients like pig intestines aren't universally accepted, Wenzhou pig offal noodles are a distinct regional specialty, with a unique aroma that's unforgettable. The accompanying meat in traditional pig offal noodles is stewed in the pot, creating a particularly fragrant broth.
Recommended places to taste:
Jinhong Old Brand Pig Offal Rice Noodles (Address: 1st Floor, Donglian Building, No. 58 Hualiutang)
Lao Cangqiao Pig Offal Noodles (Address: 199 Cangqiao Street (in the alley east of the intersection of Chengxi Street and Cangqiao Street))
This traditional delicacy is made from fresh saltwater fish such as croaker and mackerel. It has tender meat, rich nutrition, delicate taste and good toughness, making it very suitable for the elderly and children.
Recommended places to taste:
Qiangneng Fish Balls (Wendy Branch) (Address: No. 42, Wendy Road, Xialupu District)
Yonggao Fish Cake (Address: No. 240, Wendy Road, Xialupu)
In Wenzhou, rice noodles are a delicacy embodying a mother's love. A bowl of clear broth, topped with pickled mustard greens, bean sprouts, minced meat, and chopped green onions, is fragrant and delicious. A hot bowl of this in winter is truly heartwarming!
Recommended place to try: Dashengxiang Rice and Noodle Shop (Address: No. 1 Dashengxiang / No. 115 Xueyuan Middle Road)
This wheat pancake has long been a staple food for Yongjia residents, alongside rice. It's baked, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The filling is rich but not greasy, and the preserved vegetables are salty yet sweet. Best eaten hot, the crust is crispy and the filling is fragrant!
Recommended place to try: Yongjia Wheat Cake King (Address: No. 74, Huancheng East Road)
Wenzhou sticky rice is steamed glutinous rice topped with mushrooms, minced pork, and chopped green onions. It's a favorite breakfast for Wenzhou natives, pairing the salty sticky rice with a bowl of sweet soy milk or fried dough stick soup for a classic breakfast.
Recommended place to try: Three Sisters Rice
One of the most beloved desserts of the Wenzhou people, it's also known as "soft tofu" in the Wenzhou dialect. Soft and white, it's sprinkled with a fine, refreshing icing sugar and topped with refreshing mint water, giving it a smooth, light texture without being overly sticky.
Recommended place to try: Chen Wengji Tofu Pudding (Address: No. 104, Huancheng East Road (opposite Wenzhou No. 9 Middle School))
Wenzhou is a coastal city with abundant islands and marine resources. Dongtou Fishery is also an important fishing ground in Zhejiang Province. Seafood is very common in Wenzhou vegetable markets.
Located on the banks of the Ou River, this place is a bustling business. The seafood is fresh and delicious, and the prices are very affordable. The river crab sashimi, paired with a secret sauce, is incredibly flavorful. It's best to book a table in advance.
Address: No. 105, Wangjiang East Road, Lucheng District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province
A long-established seafood restaurant, it offers delicious food, generous portions, and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a great choice for banquets and gatherings. The appetizing fish head and nourishing rice and wine are staple dishes that foodies know well.
Address: No. 733, Chezhan Avenue, Lucheng District, Wenzhou
The setting is stunning, with fishing boats, pavilions, plaques, and calligraphy—all showcasing a touch of elegance. The garlic-roasted seafood and Cangnan soups are worth trying, as are the famous meat-filled swallows. Designated drivers and parking are available.
Address: No. 38, Fapai Road, Lucheng District, Wenzhou
This is a relatively well-known restaurant, mostly frequented by locals. Its signature dishes include steamed mantis shrimp with sweet potatoes and stewed river eel with wine. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a food stall, though it only opens in the afternoon and becomes particularly noisy at night. There's no non-smoking area, so it's best to book a private room in advance for larger groups.
Address: No. 173, Renmin West Road, Lucheng District, Wenzhou
It's so popular that you'll have to wait for a table if you don't arrive early. The mixed noodles, river crab sashimi, and crispy pork ribs are must-orders for every table.
Address: Room 101, Building G, Zhihuigu, No. 789, Chezhan Avenue, Lucheng District, Wenzhou
Wenzhou's most famous old commercial street boasts a diverse array of delicious food, including time-honored Wenzhou establishments like Dwarf Sponge Cake, Chuxu Duck Tongue, Longrenbo Fish Jelly House, Three Sisters Glutinous Rice, and Chenhui Fish Balls. Nearby Shamaohe Street also boasts crispy and golden fried Shamaohe pot stickers, and Tianyijiao Food Street is also nearby.
Another scenic spot located in the Wuma Street area, it gathers many Internet-famous restaurants, such as Xunwei Tangpai, Zhigen Zhidi, Haomeizhi, Lanji Old Hong Kong Tea Dim Sum, Yidiandian, Shawan Ginger Milk, Bao Shifu, etc. It is a paradise for young foodies.
There are many restaurants on both sides of the street, including "Western" Southeast Asian theme restaurants, Japanese and Korean cuisine, as well as "down-to-earth" Wenzhou specialty snacks, such as Yiming Real Fresh Milk Bar, Qiangneng Fish Balls, Wuma Street Old Pot Stickers, Xu Qixiu Herbal Tea, etc.