Sophie Steinermen’s Take on China’s Culinary Scene
Since 2015, traveler Sophie Steinermen has been exploring China’s regional cuisines. She highlights three cities as must-visit destinations for food enthusiasts: Hangzhou, Shangri-La, and Guiyang. However, she found the food in Nanjing disappointing. A ranking of the world’s best food cities for 2026 has also been released, offering a broader perspective on global culinary hotspots.
Culinary Discoveries
Hangzhou, located about an hour from Shanghai by high-speed train, is famous for its West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Steinermen notes that visitors can try the Michelin-recognized Wuzi Mianguan noodles there. The city is also home to the Song restaurant, situated within the Four Seasons hotel. She recalls sitting on a small stool in a smoky eatery, surrounded by the clinking of Tsingtao beer bottles and the sizzle of woks, where she first tasted a sour fish soup that has become a culinary emblem of the province.
In 2020, Steinermen traveled to Shangri-La, a five-hour train ride from Kunming. This city lies near the Tibetan border in Yunnan province, known for its diverse ethnic minorities. After a 14-hour hike, she enjoyed a hot pot made with yak meat. She also mentions that Shangri-La produces cheese from yak milk and cabernet wine.
Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province, also made her list. The city features the Quanlin pedestrian street, which showcases local gastronomy. In contrast, Nanjing failed to meet Steinermen’s expectations. She observes that despite its reputation for refined cuisine centered around duck dishes, the flavors felt too restrained.
'The famous salted duck—first marinated, then boiled, and served cold—lacks the boldness and crunch I look for.' Sophie Steinermen
Additionally, the latest ranking of the world’s best food cities for 2026 lists the top five as:
- Lima (Peru)
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Mexico City (Mexico)
- London (UK)
- Barcelona (Spain)
Steinermen emphasizes that while many consider Nanjing a culinary icon, the combination of jelly-like cubes of congealed duck blood and soft noodles struck her as too uniform in texture and somewhat bland.
The assessment of China’s culinary landscape reflects not only the diversity of regional cuisines but also the personal tastes of travelers. Hangzhou, Shangri-La, and Guiyang received praise for their unique food experiences, while Nanjing’s cuisine elicited mixed feelings from Steinermen. This underscores how gastronomic preferences can vary widely, even within a single country. The global ranking of top food cities for 2026 also highlights international culinary trends and the appeal of certain regions to food lovers worldwide.
As food lovers seek new culinary experiences, it's worth noting that the latest rankings have named Lima as the premier gastronomic city for 2026. This recognition highlights the growing diversity and innovation in global cuisine, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring the world's top food scenes. For more insights into this prestigious ranking, read about the best food city for 2026.