by Bruce
I’m getting asked alot of questions how the food is: am I sick of Chinese food yet, what’s the craziest thing I’ve eaten so far? I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the taquerias back home, maybe some fried chicken or black bean soup but so far there’s nothing I’m totally sick of. If there’s one thing I do enjoy in Yanghsuo it’s the plentiful supply of green veggies. The one drawback is that most all places cook using a mix of soy and peanut oil which Harry will tell you is not the best thing for you. Good ole butter we’d prefer but it just isn’t readily available, even at the market. At least we’re eating veggies. Just across the street from our place is a dingy little hole in the wall restaurant that specializes in congee and noodle soup. For little more than a $1.50 US you can order either and toss in various ingredients: onions, garlic, pickled vegetables, chilies. Its a great deal but count on wiping down your own table. Bring your own napkins.
Clay pot is great for cheap eats and that includes a meat and vegetable over rice for $2 to $4. Indian food is available but expect to pay twice as much if not more and portions are small. Korean and Japanese food is not bad either but since we’re on a budget and we’re looking for good quality, we tend to stick to the Chinese food.

Here’s my quick list of dishes in China:

Strangest meat dish: reindeer. who knows if its local. It most likely is not but we had to try it.
Best bang for the buck: Congee w/poached egg. Mix in your own assortment of condiments and veggies
Must try fruits: dragonfruit or golden oranges, they’re like kumquats but more potent and sweeter.
Strangest seafood dish: braised greens with miniature crab.
best gluten-free dessert: mochi with red bean or black sesame filling