If every city has a taste, then Rudong county in Nantong, Jiangsu province, must taste fresh. Here are five must-try umami dishes that cpature the county's freshness.

When wandering Bencha ancient town, be sure to try the razor clam soup. It is simply seasoned and retains the natural essence of the ingredients.

Bencha razor clam soup. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

In September 2020, it was named one of the "Top 100 Local Specialty Dishes in Jiangsu Province", becoming a standout symbol of Rudong's food culture.

The next must-try ingredient in Rudong is clam, which boasts delicious meat and rich nutrients. There are hundreds of dishes that can be made with clams in Rudong. For instance, sizzling clams are especially popular for their ability to lock in fresh, savory juices.

Next up for Rudong’s signature raw dishes is the drunken swimming crab. A well-made drunken swimming crab has creamy, delicate paste and cold, smooth meat. It combines the refreshing taste of wine with the fresh sweetness of the crab, with a dense texture that becomes more layered with every bite.

The drunken swimming crab in Rudong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The conch is another generous gift bestowed upon Rudong by the South Yellow Sea, known for its tight flesh and tender taste. The chef lightly seasons the conch meat with slightly spicy mustard sauce, which retains the conch’s original flavor and enhances its freshness.

In Rudong, there are as many as 1,093 famous types of seafood, offering a level of exquisite freshness that goes far beyond just a few varieties. A bowl of spring fish noodles combines seafood such as fish, shrimp and clam, delivering the essence of freshness to perfection.

Spring fish noodles. [Photo/Nantong Daily]