Jiaxing's most famous food export is zongzi — glutinous rice packed around a filling of pork belly, salted egg yolk, and seasoning, wrapped in bamboo or lotus leaves and steamed. The Jiaxing version uses pork belly braised until the fat becomes almost translucent and the rice absorbs its flavour; the result is richer and fattier than the Cantonese style. Zhengyuanhe is the most respected producer, with shops near South Lake selling freshly made zongzi in several sizes and fillings. You can also find them in morning markets throughout the old town, sold from bamboo steamers by vendors who have been at it since before dawn.
Beyond zongzi, Jiaxing's food culture reflects the Jiangnan tradition: freshwater fish and crabs in season, braised meats, rice wine sauces. The night market along the lanes near the canal serves a good range of local snacks and grilled items alongside the usual street food staples. For a sit-down meal, the restaurants around South Lake cater primarily to tour groups and Chinese day-trippers, but the side streets behind the main visitor area have smaller family places serving plainer and better food.