Top 3 Places to Eat in Luoyang

Written by Alexander Kopp, Wei Li
18/08/2025
Stunning view of the ornate and illuminated Yingtian Gate at night in Luoyang, China.
Kingdom Chai, Pexels

Luoyang's culinary landscape is deeply rooted in its imperial history, characterized by its unique 'Water Banquet' and a strong tradition of nourishing soup-based dishes, complemented by a vibrant street food culture catering to various tastes.

1. Zhenbutong Restaurant

Cuisine: Luoyang Water Banquet (Henan Cuisine)

As a historic establishment founded in 1895, Zhenbutong Restaurant offers an authentic experience of the Luoyang Water Banquet, a traditional feast dating back to the Tang Dynasty. This elaborate meal features 24 soup-based dishes served in a specific sequence, blending meat and vegetarian options with sour, spicy, sweet, and salty flavors. Signature dishes include the visually appealing Peony Swallow Dish, made with shredded radish resembling bird's nest soup. The restaurant maintains a classical dining environment, with some branches occasionally offering cultural performances, making it suitable for families and those seeking a refined cultural dining experience.

Price: A Water Banquet set meal for four typically costs around 136 CNY (approximately 19 USD). Individual dishes within a banquet may range from 15 to 30 CNY (approximately 2-4 USD).

Getting There: The Zhongzhou East Road branch is located at No. 393 Zhongzhou East Road. It is generally accessible by taxi or local bus routes depending on your starting point in the city.

2. MaJie Shan NiuRouTang Guan

Cuisine: Beef Soup and Local Snacks

Known as a top spot for beef soup in Luoyang, MaJie Shan NiuRouTang Guan offers a quintessential local breakfast or lunch experience. The beef soup is celebrated for its fresh, light flavor, with diners able to customize it with salt, chili, and vinegar available at each table. Homemade beef meatballs and Guokui pancake shreds are popular accompaniments, often broken into the soup. This establishment has a canteen-like atmosphere, popular with locals seeking an authentic and affordable meal.

Price: Beef soup starts from approximately 20 CNY (around 3 USD), with an overall affordable pricing.

Getting There: Located in the Old Town Center, it is best reached by taxi or a short walk if staying in the old city area.

3. Luoyang Old Street

Cuisine: Diverse Street Food and Local Snacks

Luoyang Old Street (including areas like Cross Street, West Street, South Street, and Xinghua Street) is a bustling hub for exploring a wide array of local street food. Visitors can discover traditional snacks such as Hu La Soup, various noodle dishes, water-fried buns, pot stickers, and grilled items. The atmosphere is vibrant, especially in the evenings when street food stalls become lively, offering a casual and immersive dining experience. It is ideal for those looking to sample many different local flavors at low cost.

Price: Snacks and light bites are generally very affordable, with beef soup from 40 CNY (around 6 USD), water-fried buns at 2 for approximately 1 USD, and pot stickers for around 0.5 CNY each (0.07 USD).

Getting There: The Old Street stretches from Lijing Gate in the west to the Drum Tower in the east. It can be reached by taking various local bus lines (e.g., Bus 41, 101, 9, 8, 48, 53, 65) to Lijing Gate, or by subway Line 1 to Qingniangong Station (Exit A1), followed by a short walk.

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