A Culinary Journey Through China: Best Street Foods You Must Try

China’s street food culture is a vibrant and essential part of its culinary landscape. From bustling night markets to roadside stalls, street food offers a delicious and affordable way to experience the diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re exploring the spicy streets of Sichuan or the coastal delights of Guangdong, here are some of the best street foods you must try on your culinary journey through China.

China’s street food culture is a vibrant and essential part of its culinary landscape. From bustling night markets to roadside stalls, street food offers a delicious and affordable way to experience the diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re exploring the spicy streets of Sichuan or the coastal delights of Guangdong, here are some of the best street foods you must try on your culinary journey through China.

1. Jianbing (Chinese Crepes)

Where to Find It: Beijing, Tianjin, and other northern cities

Jianbing is a popular breakfast food that has become a beloved street snack across China. It’s a savory crepe made from a batter of mung bean flour and wheat flour, cooked on a griddle, and filled with a variety of ingredients.

• Ingredients: The crepe is typically filled with egg, scallions, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and a crispy fried cracker (baocui). You can also add other fillings like sausage, chicken, or tofu.
• Why You Should Try It: Jianbing is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

2. Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Where to Find It: Nationwide

Baozi are soft, fluffy steamed buns filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings. They are a staple of Chinese street food and can be found in almost every city.

• Ingredients: Common fillings include pork, beef, vegetables, red bean paste, and custard. The buns are steamed to perfection, making them warm and comforting.
• Why You Should Try It: Baozi are versatile and convenient, making them a perfect snack or meal on the go. They are also a great introduction to the diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine.

3. Chuan’r (Skewers)

Where to Find It: Beijing, Xinjiang, and other northern regions

Chuan’r, or skewers, are a popular street food originating from the Xinjiang region. These grilled meat skewers are seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked over an open flame.

• Ingredients: Lamb is the most traditional meat used, but you can also find beef, chicken, seafood, and even vegetables. The skewers are seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and other spices.
• Why You Should Try It: Chuan’r are flavorful and aromatic, offering a taste of the bold and spicy flavors of northern Chinese cuisine.

4. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Where to Find It: Shanghai, Jiangsu Province

Xiaolongbao are delicate steamed dumplings filled with a savory meat filling and a burst of hot soup inside. They are a specialty of Shanghai and a must-try for any food lover.

• Ingredients: The filling is usually made from pork, though you can also find versions with crab or other meats. The soup inside is created by adding gelatinized broth that melts during steaming.
• Why You Should Try It: The combination of tender dumpling skin, flavorful filling, and rich broth makes xiaolongbao a unique and delicious experience.

5. Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger)

Where to Find It: Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

Roujiamo is often referred to as the Chinese hamburger. It’s a street food favorite in Xi’an, combining tender, flavorful meat with a crispy bun.

• Ingredients: The meat, typically pork or beef, is slow-cooked with a blend of spices until tender. It’s then stuffed into a flatbread called “mo,” which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Why You Should Try It: Roujiamo offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying and hearty snack.

6. Tanghulu (Candied Hawthorn Berries)

Where to Find It: Beijing and other northern cities

Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack made from hawthorn berries coated in a hard sugar shell. It’s a popular treat during the winter months.

• Ingredients: Hawthorn berries are the most common fruit used, but you can also find versions with strawberries, grapes, and other fruits.
• Why You Should Try It: Tanghulu is both sweet and tart, offering a refreshing and crunchy treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

7. Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

Where to Find It: Shanghai

Sheng Jian Bao are pan-fried buns filled with juicy pork and a bit of broth. They are a staple of Shanghai street food and are known for their crispy bottoms and soft tops.

• Ingredients: The filling is typically pork mixed with ginger, scallions, and a bit of broth. The buns are pan-fried until golden brown on the bottom and steamed on top.
• Why You Should Try It: Sheng Jian Bao offers a delightful contrast of textures and a burst of savory flavor with each bite.

8. Chao Shou (Sichuan Wontons)

Where to Find It: Chengdu, Sichuan Province

Chao Shou are Sichuan-style wontons served in a spicy, tangy broth. They are a popular street food in Chengdu and are known for their bold flavors.

• Ingredients: The wontons are filled with minced pork and served in a broth made from soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Why You Should Try It: Chao Shou offers a taste of Sichuan’s famous spicy cuisine, with a perfect balance of heat and tanginess.

9. Jianbing Guozi (Fried Dough Stick Crepe)

Where to Find It: Tianjin

Jianbing Guozi is a variation of the traditional jianbing, featuring a crispy fried dough stick (youtiao) wrapped inside the crepe. It’s a popular breakfast food in Tianjin.

• Ingredients: The crepe is made from a batter of mung bean flour and wheat flour, filled with egg, scallions, cilantro, hoisin sauce, and a fried dough stick.
• Why You Should Try It: The combination of the soft crepe and the crispy dough stick creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

10. Stinky Tofu

Where to Find It: Changsha, Hunan Province, and other regions

Stinky tofu is a polarizing street food known for its strong smell and unique flavor. Despite its pungent aroma, it is beloved by many for its taste and texture.

• Ingredients: The tofu is fermented in a brine made from vegetables, meat, and herbs, then deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Why You Should Try It: Stinky tofu is an adventurous choice that offers a truly unique culinary experience. If you can get past the smell, you’ll find a delicious and savory snack.

China’s street food scene is a culinary adventure that offers a taste of the country’s diverse regional flavors and traditions. From the savory jianbing of Beijing to the spicy chao shou of Sichuan, each street food item tells a story of local culture and history. So, the next time you find yourself wandering through a bustling market or a quiet alley, be sure to indulge in these must-try street foods for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.