What Food To Try in Zhengzhou and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Zhengzhou for 2024.
National currency: Yuan Renminbi, symbol — ¥ (international currency code CNY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Zhengzhou cafes and restaurants
$2.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.38
$16.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $13.83
$4.2
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.15
What to Try in Zhengzhou
Must-try Dishes
牛肉拉面 - Beef Noodle Soup (hearty noodles) - Hand-pulled noodles served in rich beef broth with tender chunks of beef and topped with green onions. Locals enjoy this comforting dish especially for breakfast, often slurping it up at busy noodle shops.胡辣汤 - Hot and Spicy Soup (warm breakfast treat) - A thick, spicy soup filled with ingredients like tofu, bamboo shoots, and shredded meat, typically enjoyed first thing in the morning. It's a staple for weekday breakfasts, best paired with oil-fried dough sticks.
炸酱面 - Noodles with Fried Sauce (classic comfort) - Wheat noodles smothered in a savory sauce made from minced pork, soybeans, and a medley of vegetables, creating a creamy texture. This popular dish is a lunch favorite, particularly in home kitchens, often served with fresh cucumber shreds on top.
羊肉串 - Lamb Skewers (delicious street food) - Juicy pieces of marinated lamb grilled to perfection and sprinkled with cumin, served hot on skewers. You’ll often find them sizzling at night markets, perfect for a casual dinner or snacking while wandering around.
郑州凉皮 - Zhengzhou Cold Noodles (refreshing dish) - Cold, chewy wheat noodles tossed with spicy sesame sauce, julienned cucumbers, and sometimes, shredded chicken. Best enjoyed in summer, this dish is popular during the hot months and is a great way to cool off.
豆腐脑 - Silken Tofu Pudding (surprising combo) - Silky tofu served in a savory broth with soy sauce and topped with scallions and chili oil, often confused as a dessert. Locals typically savor it for breakfast, sometimes mistakenly ordering it sweet when they're expecting savory.
猪蹄 - Pig Trotters (filling delicacy) - Slow-cooked pig trotters in rich, sweet soy sauce with spices, producing a gelatinous texture. This dish is often enjoyed during feasts or family gatherings, showcasing the importance of communal dining practices.
蒸饺 - Steamed Dumplings (popular treat) - Soft dumplings filled with pork, vegetables, or seafood and steamed until tender, usually enjoyed as part of a family meal. In Zhengzhou, it's common to share a big plate of these in gatherings, a practice that encourages sharing and togetherness.
Desserts & Drinks
Milk Tea - 奶茶 (sweet, milky tea) - A blend of black tea with sweetened condensed milk and a hint of sugar, served hot or cold. Locals often sip it in cozy cafes in the afternoon while chatting with friends, making it a perfect pause from the bustle.Red Bean Iced Drink - 冰红豆饮 (refreshing bean beverage) - Smooth and sweet red bean paste mixed with milk and ice, creating a unique cold treat. It's especially popular during the sweltering summer months and often enjoyed at street stalls post-lunch for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Baijiu - 白酒 (sorghum liquor) - A strong spirit made from fermented sorghum, with a bold, earthy flavor. It’s typically served at occasions like weddings or family gatherings – just don't be surprised if it's downed in one go; that’s how the locals like to toast!
Mooncake - 月饼 (traditional pastry) - A rich pastry filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks, traditionally enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are beautifully designed and often given as gifts, embodying the spirit of reunion and family.
Snow Ice - 雪花冰 (fluffy dessert) - A light and airy dessert made from finely shaved ice, topped with fruits like mango or strawberry and sweetened condensed milk. A favorite during the hot summer, it’s best savored on evenings at popular dessert shops when the city cools down.
Food and Groceries in Zhengzhou
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.73 |
| Bananas | $0.92 |
| Oranges | $0.65 |
| Potatoes | $0.48 |
| Apples | $0.78 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.6 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.94 |
| Imported Beer | $1.97 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.75 |
| Milk 1L | $1.71 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $9.45 |
| Chicken | $2.26 |
| Cigarettes | $2.35 |
| Rice | $0.69 |
| Local Cheese | $17.28 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Evening meal times in Zhengzhou are often a vibrant hustle, typically starting around 6:00 PM. I’ve watched as families pour into local eateries, occupying tables with steaming bowls of noodles and sizzling plates of meat. The buzz of conversation fills the air, as vendors call out to attract diners with enticing specials.
Average prices for a hearty meal can range from 30 to 70 RMB in popular districts like Erqi or Jinshui. For example, I paid 50 RMB for a fulfilling bowl of beef noodles at a bustling noodle joint the other night, while a similar meal at a more upscale restaurant could push up to 100 RMB. Eating at street vendors, though, can be remarkably affordable, with many filling dishes costing as little as 15 RMB. This stark price variation reflects the area you’re in and the dining style you choose.
You’ll find that cash (or WeChat Pay) is the preferred method for most transactions. Carrying small denominations is advisable as many stalls won't have change for larger bills. Tipping isn’t customary here, unlike in some cultures, so you can leave your wallet feeling lighter without worrying about gratuities.
One of the quirks here is the habit of sharing dishes among diners—a traditional approach that cultivates a communal atmosphere. Instead of ordering individual meals, it’s common to select a few dishes to share, allowing everyone to taste a variety of flavors. A common mistake tourists make is assuming they can comfortably dine solo with a full plate; you’ll likely have leftovers if you do!
As for time-sensitive tips, dining out during the peak hours of 6:00-8:00 PM can lead to long waits, especially on weekends. I'd recommend arriving just before 6:00 PM or later in the evening for a quieter experience.
In terms of dining districts, places like Erqi are always animated, filled with eager patrons, while areas like Zhengdong New Area are experiencing a culinary renaissance with new eateries sprouting up. Reservation isn't always necessary, but if a particular restaurant is part of this new trend, it’s best to call ahead, especially during weekends.
As the weather cools down, I’ve noticed a shift towards heartier, comforting foods like hotpot. Seasonal changes definitely affect local eating habits, as you’ll see trotters and warming broths topping many tables as winter rolls in. Price adjustments also come into play; certain ingredients might become more expensive or harder to find as they fall out of season.
Overall, Zhengzhou's food scene captures both the traditional essence and evolving tastes of its people, shaping a vibrant dining culture worth exploring.
Average prices for a hearty meal can range from 30 to 70 RMB in popular districts like Erqi or Jinshui. For example, I paid 50 RMB for a fulfilling bowl of beef noodles at a bustling noodle joint the other night, while a similar meal at a more upscale restaurant could push up to 100 RMB. Eating at street vendors, though, can be remarkably affordable, with many filling dishes costing as little as 15 RMB. This stark price variation reflects the area you’re in and the dining style you choose.
You’ll find that cash (or WeChat Pay) is the preferred method for most transactions. Carrying small denominations is advisable as many stalls won't have change for larger bills. Tipping isn’t customary here, unlike in some cultures, so you can leave your wallet feeling lighter without worrying about gratuities.
One of the quirks here is the habit of sharing dishes among diners—a traditional approach that cultivates a communal atmosphere. Instead of ordering individual meals, it’s common to select a few dishes to share, allowing everyone to taste a variety of flavors. A common mistake tourists make is assuming they can comfortably dine solo with a full plate; you’ll likely have leftovers if you do!
As for time-sensitive tips, dining out during the peak hours of 6:00-8:00 PM can lead to long waits, especially on weekends. I'd recommend arriving just before 6:00 PM or later in the evening for a quieter experience.
In terms of dining districts, places like Erqi are always animated, filled with eager patrons, while areas like Zhengdong New Area are experiencing a culinary renaissance with new eateries sprouting up. Reservation isn't always necessary, but if a particular restaurant is part of this new trend, it’s best to call ahead, especially during weekends.
As the weather cools down, I’ve noticed a shift towards heartier, comforting foods like hotpot. Seasonal changes definitely affect local eating habits, as you’ll see trotters and warming broths topping many tables as winter rolls in. Price adjustments also come into play; certain ingredients might become more expensive or harder to find as they fall out of season.
Overall, Zhengzhou's food scene captures both the traditional essence and evolving tastes of its people, shaping a vibrant dining culture worth exploring.