A bowl of wontons at Jiangjunyuan Eatery. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

As the morning mist gently envelops Haohe River and frost adorns the plane trees, the winter day in Chongchuan district, Nantong, awakens in the morning light.

Unlike the midday bustle, the mornings here hold a warmth that comforts the soul. It's in the familiar greetings of the seasoned patrons and the nostalgic morning flavors of Chongchuan.

The red soup wontons at Jiangjunyuan Eatery are the unforgettable flavor of numerous Chongchuan residents. The wonton skins are as thin as cicada wings, revealing the tender pink filling inside and the broth is not the spicy red oil variety but a savory blend of soy sauce, lard, and scallions.

For a breakfast with strong local character, the "Dragon and Tiger Fight" at Sijie Snacks is a must-try. This isn't a real battle of dragons and tigers but a clever combination of noodles and wontons in a single bowl. The chewy, silky noodles and tender wontons coexist like martial arts masters – one firm, the other gentle.

Yonglong Breakfast. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Opposite the gas station on Yaogang Road, you'll find the long-standing taste of Sister Huojiao, or Sister Fried Dumplings. The fried dumplings are a must-order item. Bite into one while it's hot, and the juices from the filling almost spill out, with the aroma of meat mixed with the pungent scent of scallions and ginger.

Pair it with a freshly made egg pancake, where the soft, tender pancake wraps around a crispy, fragrant egg. A bite of pancake, a bite of dumpling... the contrasting textures and aromas mingle on the palate, creating the perfect satisfaction of a winter morning.

At Yonglong Breakfast, you can savor the most traditional Nantong dishes, including an old-fashioned breakfast – glutinous rice rolls. These rolls are enhanced with a secret sauce unique to the place, with a richer array of fillings, such as fried dough sticks, pork floss, and salted egg yolk, which are key to elevating the flavor.