Top Luoyang food and best restaurants, what and where to eat

An Introduction to the Local Delicacies 

Luoyang cuisine is generally bold in flavor, leaning toward salty and spicy tastes. The city offers a wide variety of soups, with the Luoyang Water Banquet—a national intangible cultural heritage—being its most famous culinary treasure. Together with the Peony Festival and Longmen Grottoes, it forms the “Three Wonders of Luoyang.”

In this ancient city, known as the “City of Soup,” drinking soup is more than a culinary habit—it is a lifestyle and a way to experience the city’s distinctive charm.Beyond the Water Banquet, other iconic local soups include beef soup, mutton soup, donkey soup, and Bufan Tang, each showcasing the richness of Luoyang’s soup culture.

What Famous Local Food to Eat

Top 1: The most unique cuisine: the Water Banquet of Luoyang / 洛阳水席

The Luoyang Water Banquet is a traditional local feast with a history spanning over a thousand years. Originating in the Tang Dynasty, it was once served exclusively at imperial banquets before becoming an essential part of local celebrations such as weddings and important family gatherings. Its distinctive “flowing banquet” style reflects the warmth and hospitality of the people of Luoyang. Together with the Peony Festival and the Longmen Grottoes, the Water Banquet is regarded as one of the “Three Wonders of Luoyang.”

The Water Banquet has two meaning as follows: a) all the hot dishes are all cooked with soups and juices; and b) the dishes are served continuously one after another like the running water.

Features of the Water Banquet include: a) the cuisine covers a wide and good selection of cooking materials, including birds, beasts, fish and vegetables. Any vegetable planted in the field can be made into dishes. Usually, vegetables are cooked with meat. The dishes you order depend on your budget; b) The dishes are all cooked with and soups and juices and rich in tastes, such as sour, peppery, sweet and salty; c) The order of serving dishes are strictly specified. All the cooking materials are well selected and blended, and the dishes are neither undercooked nor overcooked. The Water Banquet can be classified into three kinds that are tailored to different groups, namely high-class, middle-class and low-class.

The Peony Banquet is considered the most representative form of the Water Banquet, featuring signature dishes such as Peony Fish, Peony Shrimp, and Peony Eggs, which beautifully embody the artistry and refinement of Luoyang cuisine.

Top 2: Bufantang / 不翻汤

Bufantang is a traditional Luoyang specialty and a popular local breakfast. Its name, which literally means “unflipped pancake soup,”. According to legend, when Emperor Kangxi visited Luoyang in disguise, he was so hungry that he grabbed a mung bean pancake before it was flipped and soaked it directly in the soup. Delighted by its taste, the dish became known as Bufantang. The soup is rich and flavorful, with tender mung bean pancakes, meat, and vermicelli, often enjoyed with fried dough or pancakes for extra texture.

The dish is characterized by its fresh and savory broth, smooth and tender texture, and rich nutrition. Made mainly from mung bean flour, mutton, and vermicelli, it features a distinctive local preparation method. Often paired with fried dough sticks or pancakes, Bufantang offers a flavorful and hearty start to the day and a true taste of Luoyang’s culinary heritage.

Top 3: Peony Banquet / 牡丹宴

The peony, China’s national flower and the city flower of Luoyang, holds a special place in Chinese culture. The Peony Banquet is a signature feast of Luoyang that showcases the artistry and creativity of Chinese cuisine. Each dish is inspired by the shape, color, and fragrance of the peony, transforming the flower’s elegance into exquisite culinary creations.

The banquet features a wide variety of dishes with diverse flavors, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. As one of the representative forms of Luoyang’s famous Shuixi (Water Banquet), it boasts a history of over a thousand years. Among its most renowned dishes are Peony Fish, Peony Shrimp, and Peony Swallow Vegetable, each beautifully crafted and rich in cultural symbolism.

Top 4: Beef Soup / 牛肉汤

Beef soup is the epitome of Luoyang’s “soup culture.” The rich, milky-white broth is simmered for hours with beef bones to achieve its deep flavor. Thinly sliced beef is served in the steaming soup, often accompanied by luomo (a type of baked flatbread). Diners can choose between savory or slightly sweet versions according to their taste.

The most common way locals enjoy it is by tearing the luomo into strips and soaking them in the soup — a combination that releases even more aroma and flavor. A popular local saying goes: “Those who have this bowl of soup would rather not be immortals.”

Top 5: Lamb Soup / 羊肉汤

Lamb soup is one of Luoyang’s most famous traditional snacks and a true reflection of Western Henan’s folk culture. Locals love to soak pieces of guokui (a type of crispy flatbread) in the hot soup — the bread absorbs the rich, flavorful broth, creating a deliciously satisfying combination that’s deeply comforting and aromatic.

Top 6: Hulatang (Spicy Pepper Soup) / 胡辣汤

Hulatang is a beloved breakfast staple in Luoyang, known for its thick, flavorful broth, smooth texture, and rich nutrition. Made primarily from flour, meat, and beans, the soup is seasoned with a blend of spices that give it its signature heat and aroma. It’s often enjoyed with fried dough sticks (youtiao) or pancakes, making for a hearty and energizing morning meal.

Top 7: Donkey Soup / 驴肉汤

Donkey soup is another culinary gem of Luoyang. The donkey meat is sliced into paper-thin pieces and simmered in a clear yet richly flavored broth. The soup often includes ingredients such as donkey blood and intestines, adding a distinctive taste and texture that locals find irresistible. It’s a truly unique dish that embodies the bold and authentic essence of Luoyang’s food culture.

Top 8: Jiang Mian Tiao (Sour Bean Paste Noodles) / 浆面条

Jiang Mian Tiao, also known as Sour Noodles, is one of the most common and beloved local snacks in Luoyang. Its biggest feature is its light, easily digestible taste. The dish is made by fermenting mung beans or black beans into a tangy slurry, which is then boiled before the noodles are added and continuously stirred. Finally, a mix of seasonings such as salt, chopped scallions, green peas, celery, chives, and chili peppers is stirred in. Uniquely, the flavor of the noodles becomes richer and more aromatic as they sit, while the noodles themselves turn even softer and more flavorful.

Top 9: Guo Tie (Pan-Fried Dumplings) / 锅贴

The bottoms of these dumplings are pan-fried to a golden, crispy perfection, while the wrappers remain soft and chewy. Bite into one, and the piping-hot, savory juices burst forth, delivering a mouthful of rich flavor. Dip it in the specially prepared vinegar sauce to cut through the richness.

Top 10: Yanshi Silver Strips / 偃师银条

A specialty vegetable from Yanshi District in Luoyang, Yanshi Silver Strips are long, slender, and bright white, with a crisp and tender texture. They can be served cold in salads or stir-fried, offering a refreshing, palate-cleansing taste. In the Luoyang Water Banquet, cold Yanshi Silver Strips are an essential appetizer, reflecting the local emphasis on preserving the natural flavor of ingredients.

Where to Try Typical Food

Zhenbutong Restaurant / 真不同饭店

A time-honored brand in Luoyang, Zhenbutong Restaurant features traditional Chinese-style décor and is renowned for serving the city’s famous Luoyang Water Banquet. From cold dishes to hot soups and main courses, each dish is served one after another in a smooth, flowing rhythm. The waitstaff, dressed in Tang Dynasty attire, introduce the historical stories behind each dish, creating an immersive dining experience that feels like a journey back in time. The flavors of the banquet are predominantly sour and spicy, offering a true taste of Luoyang’s culinary heritage.

• Recommended: Peony Swallow Dish, known for its beautiful presentation resembling blooming peonies; Egg Pancakes, thin and fragrant; Pork Slices in Soup, tender and flavorful; and Eight Treasures Fried Rice, a colorful mix of sweet and savory ingredients. Luoyang Pork Slices, Braised Crispy Pork, Sour Bean Paste Noodles, Crispy Fried Meatballs, and Rice Wine “Full River Red”.
• Tel：0379-63952609;0379-63995080
• Address: No. 359, Zhongzhou East Road, Laocheng District, Luoyang City, Henan Province

Guanji Shuixi Old Restaurant (Xianguo Street)/ 管记水席老店（仙果市街）

Tucked away in a small alley, this long-established eatery is a hidden gem loved by locals. It serves authentic traditional Luoyang Water Banquet dishes prepared with time-honored recipes that preserve the original flavors of old Luoyang. The portions are generous and the prices reasonable, making it a popular choice among diners. Be prepared for a wait during peak hours, as the restaurant often has long lines.

• Recommended: Pork Slices in Soup, Crispy Fried Meatballs, Eight Treasures Rice, Peony Swallow Dish.
• Tel：13937951844
• Address: 200 meters south of Laoji Vegetable Market, No. 12, Xianguoshi Street, Laocheng District, Luoyang City, Henan Province

Majesan Beef Soup Restaurant / 马杰山牛肉汤馆

Majesan Beef Soup Restaurant is a long-established halal eatery known for its affordable prices and authentic Luoyang flavor. It’s a favorite among locals, often packed with customers from morning to night. True to local custom, the restaurant doesn’t provide spoons—you’re meant to lift the bowl with both hands and savor the rich beef broth in hearty gulps, paired with a piece of crispy guokui bread. The combination of tender beef and fragrant soup delivers the genuine taste of Luoyang’s “beef soup culture.”

• Recommended: Beef Soup, Bread Strips, Homemade Beef Meatballs, Guokui Bread, Stewed Noodles, Cold Sliced Beef, Bread Soaked in Soup, Meatball Soup, Stir-Fried Meatballs, Pork Slices in Soup.
• Tel：18537993337
• Address: No. 235, Qiming East Road, Chanhe Hui District, Luoyang City

Gaoji Qingxiangyuan Juewei Bufantang / 高记清香园绝味不翻汤

Gaoji Qingxiangyuan is one of the bustling restaurants in the old market area. Every day, there is a long queue just for a sip of hot soup. Its signature Bufan Soup, fresh, slightly spicy and pleasantly tangy, brings a comforting warmth during the cold season. Affordable and authentic, the dish was once featured on CCTV, further boosting Gaoji’s reputation among locals and visitors alike.

Signature Dishes: Baked Flatbread, Meatball Soup, Tofu Soup, Bean Flour Meatballs, Beef Soup, Pan-fried Dumplings, Lao Gao’s Bufan Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Donkey Meat Soup.

• Recommended: Beef Soup, Bread Strips, Homemade Beef Meatballs, Guokui Bread, Stewed Noodles, Cold Sliced Beef, Bread Soaked in Soup, Meatball Soup, Stir-Fried Meatballs, Pork Slices in Soup.
• Operating Hours: 16:30-22:00
• Tel：3938864255
• Address: Next to Shuyi Shaoxiancao, No. 195, West Street, Old District, Luoyang City, Henan Province

Luoyang Shuixi Garden / 洛阳水席园

Luoyang Shuixi Garden offers a pleasant dining environment and attentive service. The restaurant is known for its authentic Luoyang Water Banquet, allowing guests to savor the perfect combination of exquisite taste and elegance. It is a popular choice among locals when entertaining friends from other cities.

• Recommended: Boiling Stone Pot Seafood Congee, Peony Jelly (Mudancai), Sliced Meat in Soup (Liantang Roupian), Crispy Fried Meatballs, Eight-Treasure Rice, Pan-Fried Dumplings (Guotie), Fermented Noodle Soup (Jiang Miantiao), Meatball Soup, Luoyang Water Banquet.
• Operating Hours: 10:00-14:0017:00-21:00
• Tel：0379-66998888
• Address: North side of the gate of the Bearing Factory Club on Tianjin Road, Jianxi District, Luoyang City

Snack Streets in Luoyang

North Gate of Luoyi Ancient City: Near the north gate, you’ll find several old eateries that have been around for decades. Enjoying breakfast here in the early morning is considered the authentic way to start your day in Luoyang.

Xigong Alley: Located in Xigong District, this century-old street is easily accessible by subway. It’s famous for pan-fried dumplings (Guotie), Dan Dan noodles, and Dan Zhen glutinous rice balls. Open 24 hours, a traditional local breakfast here includes oil tea paired with fried dough twists.

Old Town Cross Street Night Market: As night falls, the streets light up with colorful lanterns. Strolling here in traditional Hanfu while sampling local snacks feels like stepping back into the Tang Dynasty. Try Luoyang specialties such as fermented noodle soup (Jiang Miantiao), no-flip soup, and stir-fried cold noodles, alongside snacks from all over China.

Yiyong Street: Tucked beneath residential buildings, this old street is a hidden gem for locals. It offers a taste of traditional Luoyang rural flavors, beloved by longtime residents.

Minzhu Street: A concentrated hub of Luoyang snacks. Here you can find fruit oil tea, Yushu Garden roast chicken, Pansheng Garden braised meat, beef soup, Hu La soup, pan-fried buns, and other classic flavors. Fruit oil tea is a popular breakfast choice for both young and old in Luoyang.

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