Henan Dining

Henan’s culinary landscape stretches from imperial banquets and Buddhist vegetarian traditions to breakfast stalls, night markets and family-run county restaurants. As the historic heartland of the Central Plains, the province developed a food culture centred on wheat, soup, noodles, lamb, beef, freshwater fish, vegetables and slow-cooked dishes. Flavours are generally balanced rather than aggressively spicy, with cooks traditionally seeking harmony among saltiness, sourness, sweetness, fragrance and freshness.

Every part of Henan has its own culinary identity. Zhengzhou is known for lamb noodles and modern Henan cuisine, Kaifeng preserves the food culture of the Northern Song capital, Luoyang is famous for its Water Banquet and breakfast soups, Anyang offers substantial northern dishes, Xinyang presents a greener and more strongly flavoured southern style, while Nanyang, Zhoukou, Jiaozuo and the county towns contribute distinctive soups, breads, noodles, poultry and agricultural products. A provincial food-tourism map developed with Henan’s 18 destinations links these local dishes with markets, historic districts, scenic areas and cultural-tourism routes.

Understanding Henan Cuisine

Traditional Henan Cuisine

Henan cuisine, or Yu cuisine (豫菜), developed in the Central Plains and historically absorbed influences from northern, southern, eastern and western China. Its classical cooking principles emphasise moderate seasoning, clear preparation methods, carefully made stock and a balance between the natural taste of the ingredients and the flavour of the sauce.

Representative banquet dishes include Henan-style Yellow River carp (豫式黄河大鲤鱼), braised fish, fried fish with baked noodles, Bianjing roast duck, braised sea cucumber with spring onion, steamed dishes and clear soups. Henan’s official information for international visitors also highlights Yellow River carp, Zhengzhou fried dough, Xinyang preserved duck, Gushi goose, Puyang zhuangmo, Luoyang peony cakes and Dengfeng baked flatbread as regional specialities.

Wheat and Noodle Culture

The plains of Henan are among China’s major wheat-producing regions, so noodles, steamed bread, baked flatbread, dumplings and filled buns appear in almost every city. However, these foods vary greatly in preparation. Zhengzhou noodles are wide and served in rich broth, Jia County noodles are pressed into lamb soup, Fangcheng noodles are known for their beef or mutton stock, and Luoyang’s paste noodles have a lightly fermented sour character.

A food tour should therefore avoid treating “Henan noodles” as one dish. The shape, stock, meat, flour mixture and condiments change from city to city and often from one shop to another.

Soup as a Daily Meal

Soup is central to daily life, particularly at breakfast. Hulatang (胡辣汤) combines pepper, spices and thickened stock; Luoyang residents start the day with beef, lamb, donkey or tofu soup; Anyang serves bianfen soup and fermented-grain porridge; Nanyang is associated with beef soup; and Jiaozuo has its own oil tea and mixed soups.

International travellers may find Henan breakfasts heavier and more strongly seasoned than Western breakfasts. Trying one soup with fried dough, flatbread or a small bun is usually more comfortable than ordering several large portions.

Halal Culinary Traditions

Hui Muslim communities have contributed significantly to Henan’s lamb, beef, noodle, soup and baked-bread traditions. Halal restaurants marked qingzhen (清真) are common in Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Jia County, Xuchang, Zhoukou and many county towns.

Strictly observant Muslim travellers should confirm more than the absence of pork. Kitchen separation, meat certification, alcohol and shared utensils should be discussed in advance, particularly outside established Muslim neighbourhoods.

Essential Henan Foods to Try

Zhengzhou Food and Restaurant Guide

Zhengzhou Food Culture

As Henan’s provincial capital and principal transport hub, Zhengzhou (郑州) brings together food from every part of the province. The city is the easiest place to compare traditional Yu cuisine, lamb noodles, halal dishes, county specialities and contemporary interpretations of Henan food.

The essential Zhengzhou meal is a bowl of huimian (烩面). Wide strips of dough are stretched by hand and cooked in stock with lamb, beef, tofu skin, kelp, coriander and other accompaniments. Other local choices include Yellow River carp, hulatang, fried dough called youmotou (油馍头), steamed vegetable buns and Dengfeng-style baked bread.

Representative Zhengzhou Restaurants

A Wu Yellow River Carp (阿五黄河大鲤鱼) specialises in modern Henan cuisine and different preparations of Yellow River carp. The company was established in Zhengzhou in 2004, and a new-generation branch opened beside Zhengzhou East Railway Station in January 2026 with an interior designed around Yellow River, Shang-culture and Yu-opera imagery.

Heji Stewed Noodles (合记烩面) is one of the city’s best-known choices for traditional lamb huimian. Yufengyuan Henan Cuisine (裕丰源豫食雅宴) is suitable for groups seeking noodles together with classic Henan dishes, while Xiejia Henan Cuisine (解家河南菜) serves family-style regional food and fish dishes.

Restaurant branches and operating conditions may change. Travellers should choose the most convenient current branch rather than crossing the city solely for an older address.

Zhengzhou Food Streets and Dining Areas

Zhengzhou Memory · Oil Chemical Factory Creative District (郑州记忆·油化厂创意园) combines renovated industrial buildings, cafés, snack stalls, bars and local restaurants. Henan’s Department of Commerce has highlighted the wider trend of transforming old factories and streets into evening consumption districts.

Health Road Night Market (健康路夜市) remains a popular place for grilled food, fried snacks, cold dishes and casual evening dining. Other useful areas include Phoenix Tea City Night Market (凤凰茶城夜市), Erqi commercial district and the restaurants around Zhengzhou East Railway Station.

Kaifeng Food and Restaurant Guide

The Food Culture of the Northern Song Capital

Kaifeng (开封) was the Northern Song capital known as Dongjing or Bianjing. Accounts of the city describe restaurants, teahouses, night markets and specialised food vendors serving residents from different social backgrounds. Modern Kaifeng continues this tradition through morning stalls, old restaurants and two of Henan’s most famous night markets.

Signature foods include soup dumplings, stir-fried liangfen, lamb kangmo, almond tea, Bianjing roast duck, fried fish with baked noodles, peanut cake and traditional halal dishes. Henan government sources describe Kaifeng as a destination where distinctive breakfasts, traditional local cooking and active night markets form a continuous daily food experience.

Representative Kaifeng Restaurants

Di Yi Lou (第一楼) is closely associated with Kaifeng soup dumplings. The restaurant’s history is traced to a shop founded in 1922, and its dumplings are traditionally described as having thin wrappers, abundant filling and hot broth.

Huangjia Baozi (黄家包子) is another established name for soup dumplings, while You Yi Xin Restaurant (又一新饭店) is associated with traditional Kaifeng and Henan dishes such as carp with baked noodles. Organised groups interested in Song food culture can also arrange a Song-style banquet, combining food with costume, etiquette, music or performance.

Kaifeng Food Streets

Drum Tower Night Market (鼓楼夜市) is Kaifeng’s most famous evening food area. The municipal cultural and tourism authority recommends it for soup dumplings, stir-fried liangfen and other traditional snacks at the end of a heritage itinerary.

Xisi Night Market (西司夜市) offers a more neighbourhood-oriented experience with grilled meats, soups, filled breads and fried snacks. Because night-market portions can be substantial, two or three travellers should share dishes rather than ordering one of everything.

Luoyang Food and Restaurant Guide

Water Banquet and the City of Soup

Luoyang’s culinary identity is built around Water Banquet (水席) and breakfast soup. A formal Water Banquet traditionally contains cold starters followed by a sequence of hot dishes in soup or accompanied by broth. The meal’s flowing sequence is compared with running water.

The preparation technique of Luoyang Water Banquet is recognised as national intangible cultural heritage. The national heritage database explains that soup-based dishes are central to the banquet and identifies Zhen Bu Tong as a representative custodian of the tradition.

Outside formal banquets, Luoyang residents commonly eat beef soup, lamb soup, donkey soup and tofu soup for breakfast. Other local foods include bu fan soup (不翻汤), paste noodles, small-street potstickers, hot-noodle dumplings and peony cakes.

Representative Luoyang Restaurants

Zhen Bu Tong Restaurant (真不同饭店) is the best-known historic Water Banquet restaurant. It was founded in the late nineteenth century and remains a useful choice for first-time visitors wishing to understand the full banquet structure.

Smaller groups who do not require all 24 courses can choose an established neighbourhood Water Banquet restaurant and order several representative dishes, including Peony Swallow Dish (牡丹燕菜) and fried meatballs served with soup.

For breakfast, a busy local beef- or lamb-soup shop near the hotel is often a better experience than travelling to a famous internet location. Soup shops frequently sell out before late morning.

Luoyang Food Streets

Xigong Small Street (西工小街) is known for potstickers, sweet rice balls, paste noodles and nostalgic local snacks. Old City Cross Street Night Market (老城十字街夜市) combines traditional food with the illuminated historic district and remains one of the city’s best-known evening attractions.

Guangzhou Market Pedestrian Street (广州市场步行街) provides a more contemporary mix of food, retail and nightlife. Travellers staying near Luoyi Ancient City can also find soup shops and local restaurants throughout the old-city lanes.

Pingdingshan Food and Restaurant Guide

Regional Specialities

Pingdingshan’s culinary geography extends from Jia County and Lushan County to Ruzhou and Wugang. The municipal government has developed a regional food collection centred on Jia County hele noodles and Lushan mixed pot stew, supported by dozens of other dishes and recognised restaurants.

Jia County Hele Noodles (郏县饸饹面) are pressed into a lamb broth and topped with sliced meat, coriander and chilli oil. Lushan Mixed Pot Stew (鲁山揽锅菜) combines meat, vegetables, tofu and vermicelli, while other local foods include Jia County tofu dishes, Lushan lamb-offal soup, Wugang hot tofu and regional roast chicken.

Where to Eat

For the most authentic hele noodles, eat in Jia County rather than relying only on central Pingdingshan. The municipal tourism authority lists established local businesses such as Zhangji Chaoyang Hele Noodles (张记朝阳饸饹面), while restaurants specialising in Lushan stew operate in both Lushan County and the central city.

Useful dining areas include central Yingcheng shopping districts, Jia County’s old-town restaurant streets and food businesses around Lushan’s county centre. During a Yaoshan Mountain trip, eat a substantial meal in Lushan before entering more remote scenic areas.

Anyang Food and Restaurant Guide

Anyang Breakfast and Northern Henan Flavours

Anyang’s food is substantial, warming and well suited to its colder northern climate. The most recognisable dishes are bianfen soup, fermented-grain porridge, Daokou roast chicken and the Anyang Three Smoked Foods.

Bianfen soup usually combines sweet-potato noodles with tofu, vegetables, stock and chilli oil. Fermented-grain porridge has a lightly sour flavour that may surprise first-time visitors. Anyang’s official tourism platform also introduces the Three Smoked Foods and bianfen soup as principal local dishes.

Daokou Roast Chicken (道口烧鸡) comes from Daokou Town in Hua County. Its meat is cooked until tender and strongly aromatic, making it suitable both as a restaurant dish and a packaged food to take away.

Anyang Restaurants and Food Streets

South Gate Bianfen Soup (南关扁粉菜) remains one of the names commonly appearing in current city food rankings, while specialist Daokou chicken shops can be found in Anyang city and Hua County.

The historic lanes around Cangxiang Street (仓巷街), North Street (北大街) and Bell Tower Lane (钟楼巷) provide a convenient combination of old-city sightseeing, snacks, noodles and evening meals.

Hebi Food and Restaurant Guide

Hebi’s food traditions are concentrated in Xun County, Qi County and communities along the Qi River. Representative foods include Xunxian zimo (浚县子馍), a filled baked bread; Qi County lamb rice (淇县羊肉米饭); confused noodles, pizhaji-style starch products and local egg specialities. Local cultural publications identify zimo, lamb rice and traditional noodle dishes among the city’s characteristic foods.

The best culinary setting is Xunxian Ancient City (浚县古城), particularly during temple fairs and evening events. Qi County’s central streets are better for lamb dishes and everyday local restaurants, while larger hotels in Qibin District provide more comfortable group dining.

Xinxiang Food and Restaurant Guide

Xinxiang is associated with red-braised lamb (红焖羊肉), Yuanyang lamb huimian, Huojia hele noodles and the refined banquet traditions of Changyuan, historically known for professional chefs.

Red-braised lamb is cooked with spices and vegetables, with additional ingredients often added to the remaining broth in the style of a hotpot. Yuanyang noodles use a lamb-based soup, while Changyuan restaurants are suitable for travellers wishing to sample more formal Yu cuisine. Regional food guides consistently identify red-braised lamb, Yuanyang huimian and Huojia noodles as central Xinxiang tastes.

Central Xinxiang’s commercial streets and university districts offer numerous lamb restaurants. In the South Taihang region, it is better to eat in Huixian City or established visitor towns than depend on isolated scenic-area stalls.

Jiaozuo Food and Restaurant Guide

Jiaozuo’s food combines Taihang Mountain ingredients, Yellow River agriculture and the produce known collectively as the Four Huai Medicines (四大怀药). Important dishes include Bo’ai Mixed Dish (博爱杂拌), Bo’ai Water Banquet, Wuzhi oil tea, Wuzhi casseroles, Wen County braised chicken and meals prepared with iron-stick yam.

The Jiaozuo cultural and tourism authority highlights Bo’ai mixed dishes and water banquet, Wuzhi oil tea and casseroles, Wen County’s Four Huai Medicine banquet and local braised chicken as major intangible-heritage foods.

Visitors can arrange a yam-themed or traditional-medicine banquet in Wen County, a mixed-dish meal in Bo’ai, and Tai Chi village dining in Chenjiagou. Around Yuntai Mountain, established hotels and restaurants in Xiuwu or the principal service areas offer more reliable quality than small temporary stalls.

Puyang Food and Restaurant Guide

Puyang’s signature food is zhuangmo (壮馍), a large filled bread cooked on a griddle until crisp outside and juicy inside. Other local foods include slippery-ridge soup, Fan County meat spirals, Puyang cold starch jelly, black beef and traditional donkey-meat products.

For casual eating, focus on old-city neighbourhoods, central night markets and streets around major commercial squares. County food experiences are more distinctive: Fan County is suitable for filled breads and meat dishes, while Qucun and surrounding rural areas are associated with local beef products.

Xuchang Food and Restaurant Guide

Xuchang’s food scene connects the central city with Yuzhou, Xiangcheng, Yanling and Changge. Representative dishes include Yuzhou Thirteen Bowls (禹州十三碗), Zhangdi lamb soup, Xiangcheng braised noodles, Wangluo pork trotters and Yanling hanging-oven flatbread.

Xuchang’s 2026 spring tourism programme officially promoted these foods as part of a dedicated regional culinary route, presenting them as edible expressions of local heritage.

Xuchang Dining Areas

Huimin Street (回民街) is the traditional area for halal lamb, roast chicken, noodles and old shops. The Weidaoli district around Yinlong Street (味道里·引龙街) brings established snacks and modern dining into a single urban food area.

Yuzhou and Shenhou Ancient Town are good places to combine Jun porcelain culture with Yuzhou banquet dishes. Yanling’s rural dining areas are suitable for flower, vegetable and agricultural-product meals.

Luohe Food and Restaurant Guide

Luohe is one of China’s major food-industry cities, but its local cuisine extends beyond packaged food. Traditional choices include Beiwudu pepper soup, Wuyang hot noodles, roast chicken, spiced beef, sesame pastries and rural banquet dishes.

Buyi Lane (布衣巷) is the city’s best-known food and leisure street, combining local memories with a wider selection of regional Chinese snacks. Food-industry visitor centres can also be added to specialised culinary or business tours, subject to advance approval.

A useful day in Luohe can combine Xu Shen Cultural Park, an approved food-production visit and an evening meal in Buyi Lane or the central riverside commercial area.

Sanmenxia Food and Restaurant Guide

Western Henan’s Sanmenxia has a more strongly northwestern character. Common foods include hele noodles, lamb soup, Lingbao meat-filled bread, Shanzhou ten-bowl banquets, Lushi mountain dishes, apples and Yellow River fish.

For cultural dining, choose a village meal in the Shanzhou Underground Courtyard Houses (陕州地坑院), where traditional dishes may be served in the sunken courtyard environment. Lingbao is suitable for meat-filled breads, noodles and apple products, while Lushi County offers mushroom, wild-vegetable and mountain-style dishes.

The central city’s Jianhe and commercial districts have the widest restaurant choice. In winter, local meals can be combined with swan watching along the Yellow River wetland.

Nanyang Food and Restaurant Guide

Nanyang sits between northern and southern food traditions. Wheat noodles remain important, but mushrooms, river fish, medicinal plants and stronger seasonings become increasingly visible.

Representative foods include Fangcheng huimian, Nanyang beef soup, Tanghe cold noodles, Xinye zangman, Zhenping roast chicken, Sheqi credit-store wine dishes and Xixia mushroom banquets. Xixia is one of China’s important mushroom-producing areas, making mushroom meals especially suitable for agricultural and culinary study groups.

Dining is concentrated around Nanyang’s central commercial districts, Nanyang Government Office historic area (南阳府衙片区) and the county centres. On mountain routes, eat specialist mushroom dishes in Xixia and reservoir fish in Xichuan rather than expecting the same menu throughout the prefecture.

Shangqiu Food and Restaurant Guide

Shangqiu’s eastern-plain cuisine features beef, lamb, chicken, soup, steamed bread and fried dough. Common foods include sa soup, beef soup, water-fried buns, Suiyang baked breads, Yongcheng beef dishes and local roast chicken.

The historic Shangqiu Ancient City (商丘古城) is the most atmospheric place for traditional snacks and family restaurants. Yongcheng provides a separate food scene associated with Mangdang Mountain and county-style beef dishes, while the central Liangyuan and Suiyang commercial districts offer the greatest variety for groups.

Xinyang Food and Restaurant Guide

A Southern Style within Henan

Xinyang’s food differs markedly from northern Henan. Rice is more common, vegetables are used generously, freshwater fish is central and dishes may contain more chilli, garlic and cooking oil.

Signature foods include Nanwan fish, Gushi goose pieces, Luoshan large-intestine soup, Xinyang stews, preserved duck, hot dry noodles and dishes flavoured or paired with Xinyang Maojian tea. Henan’s official materials identify Xinyang preserved duck and Gushi goose among the province’s representative regional foods.

Where to Eat

In Xinyang city, restaurants around Nanwan Lake and the central districts specialise in fish and regional stews. Gushi County is the best place for goose pieces, while Luoshan, Guangshan and Xin County offer county-specific soups, cured meats and rural dishes.

In the Dabie Mountain area, a village meal can be combined with traditional settlements such as Xihewan and Dingliwan. Henan’s official rural-tourism route promotes the region as a combination of original villages, scenery and local food experiences.

Zhoukou Food and Restaurant Guide

Zhoukou’s most influential culinary contribution is Xiaoyaozhen hulatang (逍遥镇胡辣汤) from Xihua County. The soup is peppery, aromatic and commonly served with fried dough, steamed buns or pan-fried dumplings.

Other regional foods include Dengcheng pork trotters, Taikang pork elbow, Shenqiu filled bread, Huaiyang banquet dishes and Luyi beef or lamb foods. Hulatang flavours vary by business, particularly in thickness, pepper level, sesame paste and vinegar.

For a food-focused visit, begin with breakfast in Zhoukou city, travel to Huaiyang for historic culture and local dishes, and include Xiaoyao Town when the route and opening hours permit. Central food streets and market areas become livelier after sunset.

Zhumadian Food and Restaurant Guide

Zhumadian’s food reflects agricultural abundance and the transition toward southern Henan. Representative foods include Queshan cold starch noodles, Runan chicken meatballs, Pingyu sesame dishes, Biyang mushroom banquets, Suiping chicken and local beef or lamb soup.

The central city has the broadest choice around commercial districts and evening markets. More distinctive meals are found in the counties: sesame-based foods in Pingyu, flower-mushroom dishes in Biyang and traditional snacks around Runan’s historic sites.

Groups visiting Chaya Mountain should eat in Suiping County or an established scenic-area hotel rather than rely on small roadside vendors during peak holidays.

Jiyuan Food and Restaurant Guide

Jiyuan’s cuisine combines Yellow River fish, Wangwu Mountain agricultural products and the substantial wheat-based food of northern Henan. Typical foods include Yellow River carp, local meatballs, baked breads, eggs, wild vegetables and farmhouse dishes.

The Yujiazhuang Special Snack Street (御驾庄特色小吃一条街) in Qinyuan Subdistrict has developed into a visible city food destination and was documented as part of Henan’s 2025 cultural and tourism landscape.

For a more scenic meal, combine Xiaolangdi or Yellow River Three Gorges with a licensed fish restaurant, or arrange a farmhouse-style lunch near Wangwu Mountain. Ask the restaurant how the fish is sourced and request a fully cooked preparation.

Major Henan Food Streets and Dining Districts

The table below is a practical selection of major culinary areas rather than a literal register of every restaurant street and temporary market.

Recommended Henan Culinary Routes

Ancient Capitals Food Culture Tour

Zhengzhou–Kaifeng–Luoyang–Anyang

Allow five to seven days. Begin with huimian and Yellow River carp in Zhengzhou, continue with soup dumplings and the night markets of Kaifeng, experience the Luoyang Water Banquet and breakfast soup, and finish with Anyang bianfen soup and Daokou roast chicken.

This is the strongest introductory food route because it combines major heritage attractions with clearly different culinary traditions.

Yellow River Food Route

Zhengzhou–Jiaozuo–Jiyuan–Luoyang–Sanmenxia

The route combines Yellow River fish, Henan carp, Wuzhi oil tea, Wen County yam, Jiaozuo mixed dishes, Jiyuan mountain food and western Henan noodles.

Choose licensed fish restaurants and ask about current sourcing, especially when ordering fish around reservoirs or scenic areas.

Henan Noodle Tour

Zhengzhou–Yuanyang–Jia County–Fangcheng–Sanmenxia

This route compares Zhengzhou huimian, Yuanyang lamb noodles, Jia County hele noodles, Fangcheng huimian and western Henan pressed noodles. It is suitable for culinary students because the dishes demonstrate different methods of stretching, pressing, braising and serving wheat dough.

Traditional Craft and Food Tour

Kaifeng–Luoyang–Yuzhou–Xuchang

Combine Kaifeng soup dumplings and woodblock printing, Luoyang Water Banquet and Tang Sancai, Yuzhou Thirteen Bowls and Jun porcelain, and Xuchang’s old Muslim food district.

Southern Henan Food and Tea Tour

Nanyang–Xixia–Xichuan–Xinyang–Gushi

This route includes Fangcheng noodles, Xixia mushroom dishes, reservoir fish, Xinyang tea, Nanwan fish and Gushi goose. Five to seven days allow time for tea picking or processing during the spring season.

County-Town Food Discovery Route

Pingdingshan–Jia County–Xuchang–Zhoukou–Zhumadian

The programme focuses on hele noodles, Lushan stew, Xuchang regional dishes, Xiaoyao hulatang and agricultural foods from southern-central Henan.

Practical Tips for Eating in Henan

Start with Breakfast

Henan’s most characteristic everyday food is often served before 10:00 a.m. Hulatang, beef soup, lamb soup, bianfen soup and oil tea may sell out by late morning.

A food itinerary should include at least two local breakfasts rather than relying entirely on hotel buffets.

Share Large Dishes

Yellow River carp, Water Banquet dishes, mixed stews, red-braised lamb and goose are designed for sharing. Two travellers should avoid ordering a whole banquet unless the restaurant offers reduced portions.

For international groups, a set menu containing one local soup, one signature meat or fish dish, vegetables and a regional staple is usually more manageable.

Expect Different Levels of Pepper and Chilli

Traditional Yu cuisine is generally balanced, but hulatang contains a strong pepper flavour, while Xinyang and southern dishes may use considerably more chilli. Ask for less spicy—shao la (少辣) when necessary.

Removing visible chilli does not always remove the heat because pepper, chilli oil or spices may already be incorporated into the stock.

Choose Restaurants by Dish

A restaurant famous for noodles may not be the best place for formal Yu cuisine, and a banquet restaurant may offer a less authentic breakfast soup than a small morning shop. Select the restaurant according to the specific dish rather than relying only on a general city ranking.

Confirm Current Restaurant Information

Restaurant branches, operating hours and ownership can change quickly. Before travelling, confirm the Chinese name, current address and opening time through a current map or dining application.

Night markets may also change their stall layout during renovations, festivals, extreme weather or local management campaigns.

Be Careful with Scenic-Area Dining

Restaurants immediately inside major scenic areas may charge more and offer a shorter menu. When possible, eat in Dengfeng, Luoyang city, Xiuwu, Lushan, Xixia or another established town before or after visiting mountain attractions.

Carry drinking water and a simple snack on long road journeys, but do not bring non-halal food into halal restaurants.

Food Allergies and Vegetarian Meals

Henan cooking frequently uses wheat, sesame, peanuts, soy, meat stock and cooking oil. A vegetable-looking dish may still contain meat broth, lard or oyster sauce.

Strict vegetarians should use Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in major cities or arrange meals in advance. Allergy information should be translated into Chinese and shown directly to the restaurant manager.

Payment and Ordering

Mobile payment is widespread, while international cards are less commonly accepted in small restaurants. International visitors should prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to an eligible overseas card and carry some Chinese cash as backup.

Menus in county towns may be available only in Chinese. Photographs, translated dietary cards and an English-speaking guide make ordering considerably easier.

Food Culture Tour with Yaso Trip

Yaso Trip can arrange private Henan culinary tours for international travellers, food writers, chefs, schools, business delegations and cultural organisations. Programmes can combine traditional Yu cuisine, breakfast markets, historic restaurants, food streets, culinary workshops, agricultural bases, tea gardens, intangible heritage and major cultural attractions.

Activities may include a Zhengzhou huimian class, Kaifeng soup-dumpling workshop, Luoyang Water Banquet, Tang Sancai and food experience, Xinyang tea processing, Jia County noodle demonstration, Jun porcelain and Yuzhou banquet, or a Yellow River fish and water-management route.

Services can include English-speaking guides, restaurant reservations, menu translation, private transportation, halal meals, vegetarian arrangements and visits to approved food-production facilities. Restaurant and workshop arrangements are reconfirmed before arrival because opening hours, branches and seasonal menus may change.