Shaoxing's culinary delights reflect the agricultural richness of the Yangtze basin. Food in Shaoxing takes advantage of Shaoxing's famed wine and many of the dishes have a distinct aroma. Shaoxing is made from preserved cabbage or mustard greens and served as a side dish or used as an ingredient for other dishes. Meat stew with preserved vegetables is one of Shaoxing's better-known traditional dishes.

Shaoxing preserved tofu takes tofu and preserves it in Shaoxing wine, giving it a mellow flavor. Steamed mandarin fish with Shaoxing wine is a delicious local specialty. Shaoxing stinky tofu tastes better than it sounds or smells, it's particularly good deep-fried.