Anshan boasts a full range of urban catering options, featuring complete cuisines including Sichuan, Cantonese, Liaoning, Shandong and Hunan styles, so tourists can easily find dishes to suit their tastes. Areas near Anshan Book Market, the Air Force Compound, and the street west of No.35 Middle School are concentrated with authentic Sichuan restaurants.

When it comes to snacks, Anshan’s barbecue stands out and is well worth trying. The east alley of Qiming Farmers’ Market in Tiexi District forms a barbecue street with more than ten eateries such as Arctic Ocean, Blue Roof and Quanshi. Sanliqiao in the northern suburbs of Haicheng is another famous spot, lined with farm courtyards serving superb barbecue.

Small Crispy Pastries have a wrapper made of water dough and oil crisp filled with sweet stuffing, produced only in certain seasons. They feature flaky, fragrant fillings with soft, distinct layers when bitten into. Made with premium ingredients and exquisite craftsmanship, the outer wrapper is wheat flour, while the filling is blended with soybean oil, peanuts, walnuts, osmanthus and sesame seeds. The crisp layer is mixed with flour and lard, then slowly baked over gentle heat until pale white and fully cooked. Tourists must taste this local specialty.

Originating in the late Qing Dynasty, Haicheng Stuffed Pancakes use carefully selected pork and beef mixed fillings wrapped in dough. Only top-grade flour is used for wrappers; pork cuts are taken from the front and rear tenderloins, while beef is chosen from three premium cuts: flank, sirloin and top blade, mixed with seasonal fresh vegetables. Thin wrappers enclose generous fillings, crispy outside and tender inside, rich yet not greasy, winning wide popularity. Haicheng Stuffed Pancake shops can be found not only in Haicheng but also in Shenyang, Anshan and other cities.

Laobian Dumplings have received numerous honors including the Golden Tripod Award for High-Quality Catering Products issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the Gold Medal at the 3rd China Star of Science & Technology International Expo, hailed as a treasure of traditional Chinese cuisine. Founded in 1829 during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, it has a history of over 170 years. Famous for thin wrappers, plump fillings, fresh rich flavor and tender, easy-to-chew texture, Laobian Dumplings use fine ingredients with delicate, compact shapes. Hundreds of distinctive flavors are available, each dumpling with a unique taste. Its "Imperial Dragon Pot Simmered Mini Dumplings" were once imperial delicacies for the royal family. Building on its original stir-fried stuffing dumplings, nearly one hundred new varieties have been developed, steamed, pan-fried, boiled, baked, griddled and deep-fried. Among themed dumpling feasts of varying grades and styles, the Auspicious Dumpling Banquet with over 15 kinds of dumplings represents an elevation of catering culture.

Hongqiao Brand Marinated Mustard Shreds were newly developed in 1965 by Anshan No.1 Condiment Factory (now Anshan Weibang Group Co., Ltd.). Salted mustard heads serve as the main raw material, supplemented by sesame seeds, soft white sugar and chili powder, pickled with sweet soybean paste for 15 days. The preserved vegetable delivers strong soybean paste aroma, mild spicy taste, crisp tender texture and balanced salty-sweet flavor. It contains higher levels of protein, sugar, vitamins and amino acids than ordinary vegetables. Vacuum-packed in plastic composite film, it features an elegant appearance, affordable price, convenient carrying and hygienic storage.

This well-reputed local eatery charges slightly higher prices than average barbecue restaurants, but customers agree the premium is justified thanks to premium ingredients, thoughtful service and an excellent dining atmosphere. Signature dishes include mixed vegetarian cold salad, fragrant beef skewers, roasted sweet potato slices and stone pot bibimbap. Tourists are recommended to sample them according to personal taste — the food will not disappoint. Address: 50 meters west of the Old People’s Shopping Mall, No.36-12 Bagua Street, Tiedong District, Anshan City

Open 24 hours, Sanbao Congee House is ideal for late-night meals after sightseeing. It enjoys an outstanding local reputation. Popular menu items include shrimp dumplings, preserved egg & lean pork congee, pan-fried dumplings and black rice eight-treasure congee, alongside a wide selection of Cantonese snacks and desserts. The dining space is bright and spacious. Address: Yuanlin Road (near No.219 Primary School) Average per capita consumption: 28 RMB

One of Anshan’s most popular eateries, it often sees long queues during meal hours. Its rice noodles taste wonderful paired with exclusive house sauce, creating an unforgettable combination. Local diners also highly recommend their roujiamo (Chinese meat burger). Rice noodle lovers should stop by this fast-casual restaurant. Reference per capita cost: 20 RMB Address: 5th Floor, Ledomall Shopping Plaza