Though very similar to Beijing cuisine, the food of Tianjin tends to be lighter with a stronger emphasis on seafood due to its proximity to the ocean. It is characterized by salty, strong dishes that have been evolving and developing since the area first became settled in the 6th century. Rumor has it that Emperor Qinglong of the Qing Dynasty
was so enamored with Tianjin cuisine that he showered his Tianjin chef in accolades, even going so far as to make him a government official.
Keep an eye out for local dishes such as the " Eight Great Bowls", a feast of mostly meat dishes, or the " Four Great Stews", a similar category of hearty meat soups. As far as snacks go, it would be a shame to take leave of Tianjin without trying such local treats as goubuli, a special variety of steamed bun stuffed with a meaty filling, or tianjin mahua, fried strips of twisted dough. Seafood lovers should keep an eye out for Beitang seafood, which gets its name from its Northern Tanggu District origins and its fresh reputation from Tanggu's nearness to Tianjin Port.
There's no better place to sample a little of everything than Tianjin's three main snack streets. The largest selection of delectables can be found on famous Nanshi Food Street, located in the south of the city.Heping District Food Street and Shiyue Food Street are also worth perusing.
Nanshi Food Street
Located in south Tianjin's Heping District, Nanshi Food Street is a glorious assemblage of international and domestic eateries tucked away in pseudo-palatial architecture. Cuisines from all over China and the rest of the world are represented here. Imperial, Muslim, French, Sichuan – no matter what you're in the mood for, Nanshi has something to satisfy.
Add: west of Heping Lu, east of Nanshi Binguan Jie, Heping District, Tianjin
Heping District Food Street
While patrons go to Tianjin Food Street for the international variety, people come to Heping District Food Street for a bona fide taste of China. Northern, southern, eastern and western Chinese flavors crowd together in this mouthwatering locale. Check out the Tianjin Roasted Duck Restaurant, Yanbinlou Restaurant, Tianbaolou or Yueshengzhai for a Chinese dining experience you won't soon forget. Heping District Food Street specialties include local favorites Ganglu Grilled Cake, Sanxian Fried Dumplings, Bronze Kettle Tea Soup, and various braised dishes.
Add: Liaoning Lu, Heping District, Tianjin
Shiyue Food Street
Shiyue Food Street primarily offers Tianjin-specific dishes. The Quanfade Fried Dumpling Restaurant, Nanyang Barbeque Restaurant, Zhiwei Vegetarian Restaurant and the Lulaichun Braised Food Restaurant are not to be missed.
Add: near Zhongshan Park, Hebei District, Tianjin
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