Carp

Carp is arguably the most beloved dish in Luoyang. It is said that in the golden olden days of Luoyang, when the capital was swathed in mystery and paved with gold, the fish itself could cost as much as a whole live ox! The dish itself is considered as a great delicacy in these parts, beloved for its tender flesh, nutritional benefits and the stylish design of each dish.

The ideal carp dish is designed with subtle skill. The carp, with its head held high above the plate, is masterfully placed, seeming to be leaping over the cabbage "gorge" at the side of the plate, a symbol of competitive spirit. The dish also is known in these parts as "Carp Leaping over the Gorge" (Liyu tiaolongmen).

Water Banquet

The Luoyang Water Banquet (Luoyang shuixi) is not simply a drinking test, but a local cusom that has been running for over a thousand years.

There are two reasons why the banquet has its name. The main reason is that, unlike most meal customs in China, the dishes served in this banquet are brought one after another, like flowing water. The second reason is that around one third of the dishes served are soup or semi-soup ones.

Although the dishes in these banquets vary from one restaurant to another in both amount and consistency, you may be assured that Carp is included nine times out of ten.

Zhangji Roast Chicken

Zhangji Roast Chicken (Zhangji kaoji) has long been a household course in the Luoyang area, never quite as famous as its duck rivals, but a tasty dish nonetheless.

This version of the traditional roast chicken was allegedly first created through a secret recipe by a man with the surname Zhang. Nowadays this dish has become a popular dish and snack food for locals and travelers alike.

Sour and Spicy Soup

Although it may seem strange for us to place such a simple soup here, let it not be said in front of the locals that the Luoyang Sweet and Sour Soup (Luoyang bufangtang) is for simple taste buds. Great fervor is taken by the Luoyangese in draining large bowls of this eye-watering soup, a great way to clear the tubes.

The best of these soups are made with xianggu mushroom, laver, vermicelli, and dried shrimps placed in boiling water with starch, pepper and liberal quantities of vinegar.

 

Some famous restaurants:

Little Swan Restaurant
As the only super A-grade hot pot restaurant in Chongqing, it mainly deals in Hot Pot Buffet and is known as the "Chongqing famous hot pot" for its rich items, delicious flavor and elegant environment.

Zhongtian Restaurant
It is famous for unique dishes and superb service. The restaurant has created famous dishes like Zhongtian A Grade Fortune Bird nest and Taiji Abalone Treasure.

Jiuchongtian Revolving Restaurant
Located at the top story in the 108-meter-high 29-story Yudu Plaza in the commercial center of Jiefangbei, it is an ideal place to taste delicious food while enjoying a bird's eye view of the whole city.

Special Touring Regions:

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