Anhui cuisine is one of the famous 'Eight Cuisines' of China and in the capital, Hefei, the authentic flavors can be tasted. Due to its geographic advantage, it has assembled many of the surrounding areas' flavors but still maintains the flavor of ancient Luzhou Cuisine. Visitors to the city can still taste the four special dishes - Luzhou Roast Duck, Lord Bao Fish, Caocao Chicken, and Li Hongzhang Hodgepodge Cuisine.

1. Luzhou Roast Duck

As Beijing has its own famous Beijing Roast Duck, in Hefei, they also have their roast duck, in this city, the recommended cuisine is the Luzhou Roast Duck. Luzhou Roast Duck originally was served to the royal court as the imperial dish. Until the period of Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) this cuisine could be found being cooked by local families. You will be attracted by the Duck's golden yellow shininess, crisp skin and tender meat. Compared to Beijing Roast Duck, it has moderate fat and salt, rich taste, and plentiful nutrients. 

2. Lord Bao Fish

This fish was originally found in the Lord Bao River; hence it got the name Lord Bao Fish. This cuisine is a traditional cold dish with tender meat and dark reddish crisp skin.  This dish can be found in most restaurants in the city.

3. Caocao Chicken

Also known as the 'Xiaoyao Chicken', this was said to have been liked by the Wei Emperor Caocao during the period of Three Kingdoms (220 - 420). The chicken is made with medicinal herbs, thus is good for health. This dish can be found in most restaurants in the city.

4. Li Hongzhang Hodgepodge Cuisine

This specialty dish called Li Hongzhang Hodgepodge Cuisine is delicious. It is said that this dish was an invention of the Li Hongzhang's cook once when Li Hongzhang (a minister of Qing Dynasty who was in charge of foreign affairs) treated some American guests. The raw materials in this cuisine include holothurian (sea cucumber), sleeve-fish, chicken, ham, pig liver and spinach which are all braised with chicken soup, thus it smells fragrant and tastes delicious