🍽️ Xinyang Stew

Huai River slow stew, savory not spicy.

Xinyang Stew is the home-style stewing tradition of Xinyang, in southern Henan along the Huai River. Unlike the wheat-heavy, boldly seasoned food of northern Henan, Xinyang cooking revolves around the word stew. Local free-range chicken, Huai River fish, cured pork, radish and tofu are placed in clay pots and simmered gently, with little chili and little soy, so the natural savory-sweet character of each ingredient shines. Signature dishes include stewed free-range chicken, Nanwan lake fish, and cured pork with yellow croaker—clear broths, melting meat, and vegetables sweet from absorbing the jus. Sitting at Henan's southern edge, Xinyang blends northern and southern tastes; its stews are mild, warming and never fiery, the centerpiece of family feasts and winter tables, best eaten over rice.