Hello everyone, I’m Emma Lee, an expatriate food blogger who has fallen in love with the culinary delights of China. Since arriving in China, I’ve been captivated by the vibrant street food and upscale restaurants alike. In my food blog, I delight in sharing thrilling culinary adventures, from hidden street stalls in bustling alleys to sophisticated dining in urban settings. Each spot has its own unique story and flavors.Today, I’ll take you to Tai’an, an ancient city with not only the magnificent Mount Tai but also many delicious dishes worth trying.

Summary

Must-Try Traditional Tai’an Dishes

Three Delicacies of Mount Tai

Three Delicacies of Mount Tai
  • Introduction: Three Delicacies of Mount Tai is a traditional dish in Tai’an, made from tofu, Tai Mountain cabbage, and pure Tai Mountain water. The tofu is carefully crafted with water from Mount Tai, giving it a silky, smooth texture. It is then cooked with fresh cabbage, creating a light, creamy broth. The dish is refreshing and delicate, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer mild and fresh flavors.
  • Chinese Name: 泰山三美
  • Pinyin: Tai Shan San Mei
  • Main Ingredients: Cabbage, tofu, water
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Year-round
  • Lao Tai’an Tai’an Cai (Nanhu Branch)
    • Address: 283 Lingshan Street, Dai Miao Road, Tai’an (Apple Maps / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 01:30 PM, 04:30 PM – 08:30 PM
    • Average Price: 71 RMB

Deep-fried Red-scaled Fish

Deep-fried Red-scaled Fish
  • Introduction: Deep-fried Red-scaled Fish is made from Tai Mountain red-scaled fish, which is deep-fried to lock in the fish’s fresh flavor. The entire fish, including the bones, can be eaten, and the flesh is tender. The outer layer is crispy, while the fish inside remains moist and delicate, offering a perfect balance of texture and taste.
  • Chinese Name: 干炸赤鳞鱼
  • Pinyin: Gan Zha Chi Lin Yu
  • Main Ingredients: Red-scaled fish
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Year-round
  • Lu Cai Gen Tai Mountain Branch
    • Address: 300 meters north of Sanhe Village Committee, Wenquan Road, Tai’an (Apple Maps / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 09:00 PM
    • Average Price: RMB

Caramelized Chinese Yam

Caramelized Chinese Yam
  • Introduction: Caramelized Chinese Yam is a traditional Tai’an delicacy, with yam as the main ingredient. The yam is first boiled and then coated with syrup before being stretched into thin strands. The dish has a golden yellow appearance, with a crispy, sweet, and fragrant outer layer. The inside remains soft, and the caramelized coating adds a delightful sweetness without being overwhelming.
  • Chinese Name: 拔丝山药
  • Pinyin: Ba Si Shan Yao
  • Main Ingredients: Chinese yam, sugar, flour
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Year-round
  • Lao Tai’an Tai’an Cai (Yingsheng Road Branch)
    • Address: No. 50, Yingsheng Road, Tai’an (Apple Maps / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 02:00 PM, 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM
    • Average Price: 65 RMB

Mount Tai Stir-fried Chicken

Mount Tai Stir-fried Chicken
  • Introduction: Mount Tai Stir-fried Chicken is a vibrant and aromatic dish known for its rich flavor and tender meat. It is a typical farm-to-table dish from Tai’an, reflecting the local culinary style. Packed with proteins and phospholipids, this dish is not only delicious but also believed to be beneficial for boosting energy and overall health.
  • Chinese Name: 泰山炒鸡
  • Pinyin: Tai Shan Chao Ji
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken, chili peppers
  • Typical Meal Times: Lunch and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Year-round
  • Taishan Huajiaoji (Pedestrian Street Headquarters)
    • Address: 56-7 Rongyuan East Road, Wenzhou Pedestrian Street, Tai’an (Apple Maps / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 02:00 AM
    • Average Price: 36 RMB

Tai’an Pancake

Tai'an Pancake
  • Introduction: Tai’an Pancake is a traditional delicacy from Tai’an and even Shandong, with a long history and loved by locals in every household. Made from a variety of grains, this pancake is nutritious and crispy. The spring onions used are a special product of Shandong, with long white stems and green leaves. When you take a bite, the refreshing fragrance of the onions fills your mouth.
  • Chinese Name: 泰安煎饼
  • Pinyin: Tai An Jian Bing
  • Main Ingredients: Flatbread, spring onions
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Year-round
  • Shanyaoyaocai Battercake
    • Address: 80 meters northwest of the intersection of Meishan West Road and Lao Wangfu Street, Daiyue District, Tai’an (Apple Maps / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 06:00 AM – 08:30 PM
    • Average Price: 16 RMB

Donkey Oil Fire Bun

Donkey Oil Fire Bun
  • Introduction: The Donkey Oil Fire Bun has a history of over 400 years. Made with flour, fresh meat, Sichuan pepper, and fragrant spring onions, the bun is golden in color with a crispy outer layer. When bitten into, the savory flavor of the bun fills your mouth with a delightful salty taste.
  • Chinese Name: 驴油火烧
  • Pinyin: Lv You Huo Shao
  • Main Ingredients: Starch, pork
  • Typical Meal Times: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Recommended Season: Year-round
  • Taishan Homeland Fanxu Donkey Oil Fire Bun (Head Office)
    • Address: Taishan Homeland, Donghu Road, Garden Agricultural Products Market, Dai Miao Street, Tai’an (Apple Maps / Amap)
    • Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 06:00 AM – 07:00 PM
    • Average Price: 5 RMB