A delicious breakfast sets the tone for a great day, so let's explore some mouthwatering spots in Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China, or OVC) and discover the unique breakfast cultures that are on offer.

1 Lin Shuangqin's Tofu Skin

Operating Hours: 6:00-14:00

The Tofu skin with rich ingredients. [Photo/Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau]

Right at the entrance of Lin Shuangqin's Tofu Skin, the rich aroma of the food fills the air, followed by a prominently displayed sign that reads "the Rolls-Royce of Tofu Skin".

These ingredients are luxurious, with shrimp, ham, mushrooms, ample meat, and green beans, making it the most traditional Tofu Skin in Wuhan.

2 Zhenpinju Shaomei

Operating Hours: 5:30-14:30

The chewy Shaomei. [Photo/Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau]

Not far from Lin Shuangqin's Tofu Skin, you'll find Zhenpinju Shaomei. Two steamers line the entranceway, where the owners busily operate them.

Their Shaomei are truly traditional: the dough is made with cold water, providing a chewy texture, and the lard in the filling is rich and moist, not greasy. Paired with the free safflower tea, these embody the authentic taste of Wuhan.

3 Traditional Youtiao Snacks

Operating Hours: 2:30-10:30

The traditional Wuhan fried breakfast snacks. [Photo/Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau]

Traditional Youtiao Snacks, located next to Luxiang Square, may have a tiny storefront, but it has been serving surrounding residents for 23 years.

Despite its size, the menu is diverse, offering cockscomb-shaped dumplings, Shaomianwo (a kind of pastry made of sweet potato), sticky rice chicken, and other common Wuhan fried breakfast snacks. 

4 He Laotou Traditional Congee Noodles

Operating Hours: 7:20-13:00/17:00-19:30

The glutinous congee rice noodles that can melt in mouth. [Photo/Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau]

Unlike Wuhan's common fresh fish congee noodles, He Laotou Traditional Congee Noodles utilizes pig bones for the broth and fine, smooth, and glutinous rice noodles that almost melt in your mouth.

You can lift the bowl and "drink" the noodles in big bites, with the spicy kick of the pepper and the warmth of the noodles instantly boosting your energy.

5 Mengji Beef Noodles

Operating Hours: 6:30-20:30

The beef noodles with a layer of red chili oil and tender, braised beef chunks. [Photo/Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau]

Mengji Beef Noodles is a top-notch noodle shop near Chuangye Street in OVC. Now in its fourth year, the restaurant often sees long queues during meal times.

Mengji's noodle soup features a classic Wuhan-style broth with a layer of red chili oil, offering a savory and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with chewy noodles and tender, braised beef chunks.

These spots reveal that OVC offers more than just typical chain restaurants; here, you can find authentic Wuhan-style breakfasts and a lively atmosphere that starts every day off right.