Changsha eat · Eating in Changsha
All Destinations | Europe | Asia | North America | Africa | South America | Oceania | Hotels
Eating in Changsha
Eating in Changsha
When eating in Changsha there is nothing better than a plate of stinky tofu (chou dofu) or soo-yo-bing bought right off the street. If you have just arrived, be wary of eating from street vendors. Although the inviting aroma of food cooking may be too tempting to resist, you better have a strong stomach if you do not want to get an upset one.
Food in Changsha is famously described as "xiang cai“. As Xiang Jiang is the major river that borders the city to the west, Xiang denotes not only the flavor and taste of the food but also of the land. Changsha, like Szechuan is known for spicy food, but without the additional "ma", numbing affect of certain spices and pepper. In summer, oversized metal mixing bowls filled with crawfish seasoned with plenty of chili and spices, take the stage atop countless tabletops. Restaurants get so busy and overcrowded that tables, chairs along with diners spill into the busy streets and the parade of tantalizing dishes endlessly leave the kitchen to appear on the tables of hungry diners.
For international cuisine, four and five star restaurants have reputable chefs although for a visitor, the inifite array of dishes native to or with a Hunan flair are sure to please even the most discriminating palate.
Head straight to Snake Alley for the best "point-and-eat" in the city for merely pennies (US$ of course).
Food Street, (On the first floor of Huatian Hotel). Choices and a sampling of regional foods of the country. Long established and well-regarded, this cozy and rustic eatery stays bustling through the wee morning hours as food enthusiasts, businessmen, and families with their children flock to this fun food court styled eatery. Do not be fooled though by the fast-food style of ordering (prepared food is displayed at various stations, your orders are placed by a hole punched on your menu card and then served freshly prepared within minutes of ordering), the food here is superb. From the sweet taro dessert topped with gingko biloba nuts to steamed pork chops dusted with a layer of sticky rice powder, the food here arguably some of the best you will find. With the huge range and style that is presented at Food Street, you will be sure to find new favorites for you and each of the guests you bring. �
The Fire Palace, Pozi Jie #78 (Behind Wal-Mart, on Changsha's snack street Pozi Jie), ☎ 0731—85817591, . Itchin' for some smokin' Hunan cuisine? Check out the history-rich Fire Palace. Good enough for Chairman Mao is good enough for all of us! �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Changsha
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Changsha - updated Apr 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Changsha hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
>>> SEARCH FOR DEALS <<<
WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT IN 2020
Changsha Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.