Three Must-Try Dishes from Nanning, China
中国南宁必尝的三道美食
Welcome to Nanning, Guangxi’s capital and a city just a hop, skip, and a border away from Vietnam. This close proximity has created a fascinating mix of culinary influences, where Cantonese finesse meets the earthy flavors of the Zhuang people, Guangxi’s largest ethnic minority, and a dash of Vietnamese zest. From Cantonese cuisine, Nanning borrows a love for fresh ingredients and delicate flavors, especially evident in light broths and steamed dishes. The Zhuang influence brings bold, sour flavors with pickled vegetables, smoky meats, and an abundance of fresh herbs. And with Vietnam nearby, there’s a hint of tang and spice, with chilies, lime, and fragrant herbs like mint and cilantro adding a refreshing twist. Together, these influences make Nanning’s cuisine a rich, flavorful adventure. Let’s explore three must-try dishes that capture the spirit and spice of this unique city.
欢迎来到广西的首府南宁，这座城市与越南仅一水之隔，近邻的地理位置为南宁的美食带来了丰富多元的影响。这里的粤菜精致讲究，融合了广西壮族的质朴风味以及越南菜的清新风味。南宁的粤菜传承了对新鲜食材和清淡口感的偏爱，特别是在清汤和蒸菜中体现得尤为明显。壮族的美食影响则带来了酸爽的腌制蔬菜、熏肉和丰富的鲜香草料，风味浓郁。而与越南接壤的地理优势则赋予了南宁菜一丝酸辣风味，常以辣椒、青柠、薄荷和香菜等香料增添清爽的口感。这些多元的美食影响共同造就了南宁丰富且富有层次的美食文化。接下来，让我们一同探索三道必尝美食，感受这座独特城市的风味与活力。
Old Friend Rice Noodles
老友粉
Old Friend Rice Noodles is a signature dish in Nanning, with a unique balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors. The story goes that this dish was created to comfort a friend feeling under the weather, using a bold mix of ingredients to clear the senses and warm the stomach. Thick rice noodles are stir-fried with minced pork, pickled bamboo shoots, garlic, and chili peppers. The result is a bowl that’s hearty and vibrant, with a tangy punch that sets it apart from other noodle dishes in China. The depth of flavor and comforting warmth make it a beloved staple in local cuisine.
老友粉是南宁的招牌美食，以独特的酸、辣和咸香风味平衡著称。传说这道菜最初是为一位身体不适的朋友制作的，运用了大胆的食材组合来提神醒脑、温暖胃部。宽厚的米粉与猪肉末、酸笋、蒜和辣椒一起翻炒，成就了一碗既丰盛又充满活力的美味，其酸爽的口感使它在中国的面食中独树一帜。老友粉的丰富层次和温暖的口感，使其成为当地备受喜爱的经典美食。
Lemon Duck
柠檬鸭
Lemon Duck is a specialty of Guangxi, showcasing the region’s love for bold, sour flavors. In this dish, the duck is marinated with lemon, ginger, garlic, and chili, then stewed until tender, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. The result is a combination of rich and refreshing tastes, where the duck’s natural richness is balanced by a subtle tanginess from the lemon and a hint of spice from the chili. This unique preparation highlights Nanning’s approach to using local ingredients to create a dish that’s both flavorful and balanced.
柠檬鸭是广西的特色菜品，展现了当地对浓烈酸爽风味的喜爱。这道菜中的鸭肉用柠檬、生姜、大蒜和辣椒腌制，再炖煮至酥软入味，使各种调料的风味深深渗入鸭肉中。成品风味丰富又清新，鸭肉的天然浓香与柠檬的淡淡酸味及辣椒的微辣相得益彰。这种独特的烹调方式突显了南宁人利用本地食材制作平衡且富有层次感的美食的巧妙。
Stewed Black Tofu
炖黑豆腐
Stewed Black Tofu is a traditional Guangxi dish made with black tofu, which is darker and denser than regular tofu due to its black soybean base. The tofu is stewed in a spiced broth with ingredients like ginger, garlic, and sometimes medicinal herbs, allowing it to absorb the flavors fully. The slow cooking process gives the tofu a tender texture and a deep, earthy flavor with a hint of herbal notes. This dish showcases the Zhuang influence in Nanning cuisine, with its focus on rich, hearty flavors and an emphasis on earthy, natural ingredients.
炖黑豆腐是广西的一道传统菜肴，采用黑豆制成的黑豆腐，比普通豆腐颜色更深，质地也更为紧实。这道菜将黑豆腐放入加入生姜、大蒜，有时还会加上中草药的香料汤中慢炖，使豆腐充分吸收各种调料的风味。缓慢的烹煮过程使豆腐口感细腻，呈现出一种浓郁、质朴的味道，并带有淡淡的草本香气。这道菜充分体现了壮族风味在南宁菜肴中的影响，以浓郁丰厚的口感和对自然、质朴食材的重视为特色。
Nanning’s Flavorful Heart
南宁的风味之心
Exploring these dishes is not just about tasting delicious food; it’s a journey into the culinary heart of Nanning, where each bite reveals a layer of Guangxi’s diverse heritage. The blend of Cantonese finesse, Zhuang tradition, and Vietnamese zest creates a culinary identity that’s distinctly Nanning. So, as you explore the city’s bustling markets, restaurants, and lively food stalls, make time to savor these iconic dishes. They offer a window into the flavors, traditions, and creativity that make Nanning’s food scene so memorable. Let the rich aromas and flavors guide you through an unforgettable journey across Guangxi’s culinary landscape, one dish at a time.
品尝这些美食不仅仅是为了享受美味的食物，而是一段深入南宁美食之心的旅程，每一口都揭示了广西多元文化的层次。粤菜的精致、壮族的传统以及越南风味的清新相互交融，形成了独具南宁特色的美食风格。因此，在探索这座城市热闹的市场、餐厅和活力四射的小吃摊时，不妨留点时间来品味这些标志性菜肴。它们为您展现了南宁美食中那丰富的风味、传统和创造力，让人难以忘怀。让这些浓郁的香气与滋味引领您逐步踏上广西的美食之旅，一道菜接着一道菜。