Huaiyang cuisine is one of the eight traditional cuisines in China. "Yang" means Yang cuisine, and "Huai" means Huai cuisine in the Yangtze River basin represented by Yangzhou and Huaihe River basin represented by Huai 'an. Huaiyang cuisine refers to the Huaiyang regional cuisine formed in Yangzhou and Huai 'an with Yangzhou and Huai 'an as the center. Huaiyang cuisine began in the Spring and Autumn Period, flourished in Sui and Tang Dynasties, and flourished in Ming and Qing Dynasties. Known as "the most delicious in the southeast and the most beautiful in the world."
The selection of Huaiyang cuisine is rigorous, and the art is consistent with its materials; Fine production and elegant style; Pursue original flavor, freshness and peace. "Drunken crabs don't watch the lights, pheasants don't watch the lights, swordfish don't watch Tomb-Sweeping Day, and sturgeon don't watch the Dragon Boat Festival." This time-varying principle ensures that the food ingredients on the plate come from the best state, and people can feel the beauty of Huaiyang at any time. Huaiyang cuisine is very particular about swordsmanship, which is fine, especially melon carving. The dishes are exquisite in shape and mellow in taste; Make good use of heat in cooking, pay attention to firepower, and be good at stewing, stewing, stewing, steaming, burning and frying; Most of the raw materials are aquatic products, which are fresh, mild, fresh and slightly sweet. Its dishes are exquisite and elegant.
Later generations often use the word "expensive" when commenting on Huaiyang cuisine. This should be related to the food consumption of salt merchants and river officials of Huaiyang cuisine, which is also a great guarantee for the growth of Huaiyang cuisine. Xu's "A Brief Introduction to Yangzhou" said: "Yangzhou aborigines mostly make a living from salt affairs, are used to glitz and are good at cooking, so Yangzhou banquets are famous all over the world, and snacks are extremely fine, especially soup packets and oil cakes." The style of huge scene, elegant environment, strange dishes, strict selection of materials and exquisite utensils formed by the dietary norms of salt merchants and salt officials is basically a replica of the main characteristics of Huaiyang cuisine.