Ningbo, China’s charming coastal city, is renowned as a paradise for seafood fans. It offers a rich tapestry of culinary traditions and flavours that reflect the location’s vibrant coastal culture. Here are some top dishes which capture the city’s fascinating and diverse seafood scene.
1. Zuixie (Drunken crab)
This delicacy is the speciality in the region and is recognised as a flavourful dish. It is made using fresh blue crab, which has been marinated in alcoholic beverages such as bai jiu and wine. This gives the crab a highly sought-after flavour profile that is salty, sweet, and boozy. It is a must-have when dining in Ningbo because of its unique flavours, mouthwatering taste and deep cultural roots.
2. Haixian mian (seafood noodles)
Another favourite which has come to the fore due to its comforting, delicious and nutritional values, Haixian mian is an everyday staple in the country’s coastal regions. It generally comprises long, uncut noodles, which denotes the desire for a lengthy and healthy life and is frequently found during special occasions like the Lunar New Year or birthday celebrations.
3. Fish head soup
Known for its rich, savoury flavours, fish head soup is often considered a symbol of luck, prosperity and completion in the Chinese culture. It is a sustainable way to use all the parts of the fish, as the fish is used from nose to tail. Pan Pacific Ningbo features a Chinese restaurant, Hai Tien Lo, which serves fish head soup in a casserole. This is a dish you should try for its nutritional content, as it includes omega-3s and collagen.
4. Braised octopus
Generally considered a luxurious meal, braised octopus is worth sampling due to its unique flavours and textures. The braising done here makes the meat tender yet firm. It is considered a dish which is full of nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have high benefits for heart health. It is also a good source of lean protein and, therefore, a healthy alternative for most dishes.
5. Shrimps with Dried Sea Grass
Eating seafood, such as shrimp and other seaweeds, has long been customary in the coastal areas of China. Bringing this culinary heritage to the plate along with an abundance of high-quality protein and essential amino acids, as well as vitamins, minerals, and fibre, this is an excellent dish to try due to its deep and savoury taste. Shrimp paired with seaweed creates a tender, silky contrast you would no doubt enjoy sampling.
6. Pickled Blood Clams
A traditional delicacy in Ningbo and Zhejiang, the name of the dish derives from the shade of the clam’s meat. This meal boasts of bold flavours which have been pickled in a sauce comprising garlic, chopped chilli and scallions. This makes the dish sweet and savoury, and it is high in haemoglobin, making it a good source of iron and protein. Always make sure that you are ordering this dish at well-known places which follow strict sanitation standards, as there is a potential for viruses like Hepatitis A or harmful bacteria being present in them.
