Summary: Hefei, this underrated food city, hides Huizhou flavors that make your taste buds dance. From a bowl of Sanhe rice dumplings in the morning to Lu Zhou roast duck at midnight, every bite is filled with the essence of the Jianghuai region. Today, I will take you to unlock the top ten must-eat foods in Hefei, along with restaurant locations, average costs, and tasting strategies, ensuring you eat wisely and enjoy thoroughly! Data is up to February 2026, and at the end of the article, there is a one-stop ticket guide for beautiful scenery. After reading this, you will have a complete understanding of Hefei's food.
【In-depth Analysis of the Top Ten Foods, Welcome to Taste】
First Food: Sanhe Rice Dumplings If you come to Hefei and don’t eat Sanhe rice dumplings, it’s like coming for nothing. I recommend you go to Liu Ji rice dumplings on South Street in Sanhe Ancient Town, average cost 10 yuan, opens at 6 AM, be sure to arrive early. The outer skin is fried to a golden crisp, and when you bite into it, it crackles, with a filling of pork and fried rice noodles, fresh and slightly spicy. Legend has it that this was the military food during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and it has now become an intangible cultural heritage. Sitting in an antique shop, paired with a bowl of soy milk, the essence of the Jianghuai water town melts in your mouth.
Second Food: Lu Zhou Roast Duck Lu Zhou Tai Tai’s old shop on Suzhou Road, average cost 60 yuan, opens at 10 AM. Don’t be fooled by the name; this is authentic Hefei roast duck, with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, served with special marinade and garlic paste, rolled in thin pancakes, it’s amazing. Old Hefei locals say, “If you haven’t eaten Lu Zhou roast duck, you haven’t been to Hefei.” The shop has a retro environment, with old photos on the walls, making you feel like you’ve traveled back to the 1980s.
Third Food: Cao Cao Chicken Cao Cao Chicken at Xiaoyaojin Restaurant, average cost 50 yuan, opens at 11 AM. Legend has it that when Cao Cao had a headache, the chef cured him with medicinal chicken, which later became a court dish. The chicken is tender and flavorful, with the essence of the herbs infused even into the bones. Located next to Xiaoyaojin Park, after eating, you can stroll around the ancient battlefield of the Three Kingdoms and feel the grandeur of “brewing wine and discussing heroes.”
Fourth Food: Bao Gong Fish Bao Gong Fish Restaurant next to Bao Gong Temple, average cost 70 yuan, opens at 10 AM. Braised fish with lotus root symbolizes integrity. Legend has it that Bao Gong loved to eat it, and the people created it to commemorate him. The fish is tender, and the lotus root absorbs the broth, with a hint of sweetness amidst the spiciness. The restaurant has pictures of Bao Gong hanging on the walls, and while eating fish, you can listen to stories, full of cultural flavor.
Fifth Food: Wu Mountain Tribute Goose Zhang Laosi Tribute Goose in Wu Mountain Town, average cost 40 yuan, opens at 9 AM. The goose meat is firm, with a deep flavor, known as “goose meat from the sky, donkey meat from the ground.” Once a tribute, it is now a top choice for Hefei souvenirs. Vacuum-packed to take home, reheating retains its flavor, making it a decent gift or for personal enjoyment.
Sixth Food: Feixi Old Hen Soup Laoxiang Chicken’s main store on Feixi Road, average cost 30 yuan, open 24 hours. The chicken soup is clear, the meat falls off the bone, and the farm-raised chicken is slow-cooked for 4 hours. Drinking a bowl in winter warms you to your toes. The restaurant has a simple environment, like a home kitchen, suitable for a quick energy boost, and a scallion pancake is a perfect match.
Seventh Food: Li Hongzhang’s Mixed Dish Huaiyang Mansion in the administrative district, average cost 100 yuan, opens at 11 AM. Sea cucumber, shark fin, and chicken are stewed together, said to be created when Li Hongzhang entertained foreign guests, reflecting the “heavy oil and color” of Huizhou cuisine. The broth is thick, and the ingredients are rich, every bite is satisfying. Suitable for business banquets, it’s very impressive.
Eighth Food: Chaohu Silver Fish Fisherman’s Home by Chaohu Lake, average cost 80 yuan, opens at 10 AM. Silver fish stir-fried with eggs, fresh and boneless, transparent like silver. The water quality of Chaohu is good, and silver fish is known as “ginseng in water,” rich in nutrients. Sitting by the lake eating fish, watching the shimmering waves, you can feel the poetic beauty of “the setting sun and lone wild goose flying together.”
Ninth Food: Zhuangmu Round Dumplings Old Wang’s Round Dumplings in Zhuangmu Town, Changfeng County, average cost 15 yuan, opens at 8 AM. Glutinous rice dumplings, crispy on the outside and sticky on the inside, with a filling of pork and tofu. Legend has it that the locals used this to worship at Zhuangzi’s tomb, and it is now a must-have for festivals. The best is just out of the pot, be careful not to burn your mouth, sweet and salty, suitable for all ages.
Tenth Food: Lu Zhou Snacks (Red Bean Paste) Zhan Ji on Walking Street, average cost 10 yuan, opens at 7 AM. Red bean paste is dense and sweet, paired with pot stickers. It’s the afternoon tea of old Hefei locals, warming the stomach in winter. The shop has many people in line, but the speed is fast, allowing you to eat while strolling and feel the hustle and bustle of the modern commercial street.
Food Tasting Insights: The beauty of Hefei lies in its “diversity” and “fusion.” Northern and southern flavors collide here, giving birth to a unique Huizhou cuisine. Wake up your taste buds with a bowl of hot and spicy Sanhe rice dumplings in the morning, nibble on Lu Zhou roast duck in the old streets in the afternoon, and enjoy Wu Mountain tribute goose with drinks at night; every meal is a dialogue with history. Remember, don’t squeeze into the popular restaurants; dive into the local spots where the locals gather to taste the true soul of Hefei. For example, the regulars at Liu Ji rice dumplings are all neighbors, and the owner remembers everyone’s preferences. Food is not just sustenance; it’s the memory of a city. When eating, chat with the owner; you might hear more stories.
Scenic Legend: The camphor tree inside Bao Gong Temple has a history of a thousand years, said to have been planted by Bao Zheng in his childhood. Bao Zheng was born in Hefei, known for his integrity and righteousness, and the people call him “Bao Qingtian.” There is an ancient well in the temple, said to have clear water that reflects one’s image, symbolizing Bao Gong’s fairness. The nearby Bao Gong fish was created by the people to commemorate him, symbolizing “passing on integrity.” Today, Bao Gong Temple has become a cultural landmark in Hefei, attracting many tourists and thriving.
Food and Scenery One-stop Ticket Group Tour Guide: Sanhe Ancient Town Joint Ticket (includes 4 attractions): Adult ticket 120 yuan, student ticket 60 yuan, valid for 2 days. Purchase address: Sanhe Ancient Town Visitor Center or “Hefei Cultural Tourism” WeChat account. Valid until December 31, 2026. Bao Gong Temple ticket: Adult ticket 35 yuan, student ticket 17 yuan, purchase address: Bao Gong Temple scenic area entrance or Meituan. Xiaoyaojin Park: free entry, reservation required.