Xidi Village (西递村) in Anhui is not just famous for its ancient architecture but also for its rich and flavorful local cuisine. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to stop by these top-rated eateries that offer a taste of traditional Hui flavors. From tender meats to savory snacks, here’s a guide to the best food spots in Xidi Village.
1. Hui Niang Private Kitchen (徽娘私房菜)
- Price: ¥88
- Taste: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This restaurant offers delicious and homey Hui-style dishes. The steamed pork with rice flour (粉蒸肉) is a standout, surpassing even some of the best versions in Wuyuan with its soft, fragrant texture. The wild bamboo shoots with shredded pork (野笋肉丝) is a seasonal delight that pairs perfectly with rice. The signature rice wine (米酒) is a refreshing, sweet, and cool drink that’s not overly alcoholic but very flavorful. For dessert, the owner kindly offers colorful cakes (色素蛋糕), though the rice (米饭) could be improved. Whether you opt for the large, medium, or small set menu, this is a great spot for those wanting to try traditional dishes in a cozy setting. This restaurant is also popular among celebrities and food bloggers.
2. Mama’s Taste (妈妈的味道)
- Price: ¥200
- Taste: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟
Known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients, Mama’s Taste serves generous portions of local dishes. The scallion oil river shrimp (葱油河虾), priced at ¥88 per serving, is fresh and well-seasoned. The dry pot bullfrog (干锅牛蛙), although tasty, is a bit overpriced at ¥128 per serving. The restaurant offers set menus in large, medium, and small portions. The owner, a former Shanghai chef, has returned to his hometown to open this popular eatery. The food quality is top-notch, though the atmosphere could use a bit more charm.
3. Fan Ji Shaobing Shop (范记烧饼铺)
- Price: ¥50
- Taste: 🌟🌟🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Fan Ji specializes in shaobing (烧饼), a traditional Chinese pastry. You can choose between large (¥15, 1 kg) or small (¥10) options. These baked goods come with a delicious mix of flavors and are great for takeout or as a souvenir gift. The freshly baked shaobing (烤饼) at ¥5 each is particularly good. They can be shipped and stored for up to a month, though eating them fresh is always the best option.
4. Handmade Noodles and Rice (饭菜手工面)
- Price: ¥25
- Taste: 🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟
This restaurant is not recommended. Although cheap, the food quality is disappointing. The wonton (馄饨) tasted stale, and the noodles were sour. The meat in the noodles had a strange taste, which the owner explained was due to pickled vegetables. This place is best avoided if you’re looking for fresh, tasty meals.
5. Wang Yi Tiao Wonton (汪一挑馄饨)
- Price: ¥86.5
- Taste: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Environment: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wang Yi Tiao Wonton is another local favorite, offering delicious wontons (馄饨) that are both fresh and flavorful. The sweet rice wine cake (酒酿饼) is a great accompaniment, and the marinated duck feet (卤味鸭爪) is another standout. While the tofu (豆干) is somewhat bland, the steamed dumplings (彩色蒸饺) are a hit with most customers. However, the taro rice balls (葛粉团子) have a strange taste that may not appeal to everyone.