Being the central hub for a country with as many developed cuisines as China has its advantages. Wuhan can not only draw upon the spicy, savoury flavours of southwest China, but also the sweet dishes of the east and the hearty food of the north - everything is available in this crossroads capital.
The city is most famous for its own creation: steamed Wuchang fish. The Wuchang fish comes traditionally from the East Lake and is a highly prized, soft-boned fish with flaky white meat perfect for the steamer.
Another favourite is san xian doupi, that are thin sheets of bean curd stuffed with ingredients such as spicy pork, shrimp with soy sauce, a vegetable blend or a mixture of mushrooms, smoked bacon and egg. Any day market serves this dish, but the most famous location is Lao Tong Cheng restaurant in Hankou district.
Wuhan is also known for its spicy noodles and night markets. Ximen Night Market, down an alley off Lumo Road in Wuchang district, is one such sprawling lane of restaurants and stalls mainly selling food and drink, but also delving into antique books, cheap shoes and clothes.
At Ximen you can get a taste of Wuhan's famous re gan mian, the staple dish for people on the go, friends looking for a quick snack, or noodle connoisseurs savouring one of China's 'five famous noodles'. Thick noodles are smothered in a spicy chilli-laced sauce that often includes ground beef, garlic, chives and soy sauce.
Noodle stands are all over the city, but the university districts in Wuchang are some of the best places to get re gan mian because they also serve cold draft beer with this very spicy meal.
