When you come to Henan, don't miss out on our traditional delicacies. Today, I'll recommend a few classic dishes you won't want to skip on your next visit.
First, Henan Stir-Fried Noodles: These noodles boast a rich flavor and high nutritional value. The broth is a creamy white, simmered for over five hours with lamb meat and bones. The noodle sheets are made from high-gluten flour, repeatedly kneaded and stretched to achieve uniform thickness. They offer a satisfyingly chewy texture with plenty of bite.
Second, Kaifeng Soup Dumplings: These dumplings boast thin skins and savory broth. Eating them requires a special technique: first, make a small slit in the dumpling, then sip the broth, and finally swallow the entire dumpling in one bite for a burst of flavor. The most famous and oldest soup dumpling shops in Kaifeng are the century-old First Floor Restaurant and Huang's Old Shop, though other places are also excellent.
Third, Luoyang Water Banquet: What is a Water Banquet? First, every hot dish comes with soups and broths. Second, the serving sequence is unique—dishes are replaced continuously like flowing water. The full banquet features 24 courses: 8 cold appetizers, 4 large dishes, 8 medium dishes, and 4 table-pressing dishes. It encompasses hot and cold, meat and vegetable, sweet and savory, sour and spicy flavors.
Fourth: Spicy Soup (Hu La Tang): A staple breakfast for Henan locals, this dish pairs spicy soup with fried dough sticks. Simmered with a rich bone broth base, it boasts a thick, aromatic broth that's spicy and savory—a favorite among both the young and old.