Hubei used to be the state of Chu in ancient times. Hubei food is famous for its freshwater fish dishes since almost every fish available in Hubei can be prepared into different dishes. Among the dishes, steamed bream without soy sauce turtle with wax gourd, instant-boiled fish with tangerine pulp, and braised chicken with chestnuts are all well known.

An important feature of Hubei food is its blending of fish without other ingredients. The main cooking methods are steaming and simmering.