A Guide To The Best Street Food In China: What To Eat And Where To Go

China is renowned for its variety of street food and the sheer amount of deliciousness it has to offer. From the bustling night markets of Shanghai to the winding alleyways of Beijing, the range of dishes is both overwhelming and exciting.

Whether you’re exploring China’s cities or small towns, trying the local street food is a must. From the sizzling hotpots of Chengdu to the mouth-watering dumplings of Tianjin, there are endless possibilities to explore.

This guide will help you discover the best street food in China – what to eat and where to go. From delicious snacks to heartier dishes, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds.

Dumplings

Dumplings are a classic Chinese snack that can be found in every corner of the country. From simple boiled dumplings in Beijing to the traditional sheng jian in Shanghai, there’s something to suit every palate.

In Beijing, the most popular dumplings are the boiled jiaozi, filled with meat and vegetables. In Shanghai, the sheng jian are a must-try. These pan-fried dumplings are served with a crispy base and filled with pork and green onions.

For a unique experience, head to Tianjin and try the guotie. These dumplings are pan-fried in a special clay pot and filled with juicy pork and cabbage.

Rice Noodles

Rice noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be found in almost every region. From the spicy dan dan noodles of Sichuan to the hearty beef noodles of Shanghai, the range of flavors and textures is vast.

In Sichuan, the dan dan noodles are a must-try. These noodles are served with a spicy chili oil sauce and topped with pork mince and spring onions. In Shanghai, the beef noodles are a hearty dish. These noodles are served in a rich beef broth and topped with braised beef and pickled vegetables.

For something a little different, head to Guangzhou and try the Cantonese-style cheung fun. These steamed rice noodles are served with a variety of toppings, such as char siu pork and shrimp.

Soups & Stews

Soups and stews are an integral part of Chinese cuisine and can be found in almost every region. From the fiery hotpots of Chongqing to the comforting braised pork belly of Guangdong, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

In Chongqing, the hotpot is a must-try. This spicy soup is served with a variety of meats and vegetables and can be customized to your taste. In Guangdong, the braised pork belly is a comforting dish. This stew is served with a rich pork broth and topped with soft pork belly and Chinese vegetables.

For something a little different, head to Yunnan and try the guoqiao mixian. This spicy and sour soup is served with a variety of meats and vegetables and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Seafood

Seafood is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is popular in many regions. From the steamed fish of Guangdong to the clam soup of Jiangsu, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

In Guangdong, the steamed fish is a classic dish. This light and fragrant dish is served with a variety of sauces and is sure to tantalize your taste buds. In Jiangsu, the clam soup is a must-try. This comforting soup is served with fresh clams and vegetables and is sure to warm your soul.

For something a little different, head to Shanghai and try the xiaolongbao. These steamed buns are filled with juicy pork and shrimp and are sure to delight.

Street Snacks

Street snacks are an integral part of Chinese cuisine and can be found in almost every region. From the spicy dan dan noodles of Sichuan to the sweet sesame balls of Shanghai, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

In Sichuan, the dan dan noodles are a classic snack. These noodles are served with a spicy chili oil sauce and topped with pork mince and spring onions. In Shanghai, the sesame balls are a must-try. These sweet and sticky balls are filled with red bean paste and are sure to delight.

For something a little different, head to Beijing and try the jianbing. This savory crepe is served with a variety of fillings, such as eggs and pickled vegetables, and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Skewers & Grilled Meats

Skewers and grilled meats are a popular street food in many parts of China. From the spicy lamb skewers of Xinjiang to the delectable beef skewers of Shanghai, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

In Xinjiang, the lamb skewers are a must-try. These skewers are served with a spicy chili sauce and are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In Shanghai, the beef skewers are a classic. These skewers are marinated in a variety of spices and grilled to perfection.

For something a little different, head to Sichuan and try the yangrou paomo. This hearty dish is served with a rich lamb broth and topped with tender lamb and Chinese vegetables.

Dim Sum

Dim sum is a classic Chinese snack that can be found in almost every region. From the steamed dumplings of Guangdong to the fried dumplings of Shanghai, there’s something to suit every palate.

In Guangdong, the steamed dumplings are a must-try. These dumplings are filled with a variety of fillings, such as pork and shrimp, and are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In Shanghai, the fried dumplings are a classic. These dumplings are pan-fried and served with a variety of fillings, such as pork and cabbage.

For something a little different, head to Jiangsu and try the xiaolongbao. These steamed buns are filled with juicy pork and shrimp and are sure to delight.

Noodles

Noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be found in almost every region. From the spicy zhajiangmian of Beijing to the hearty beef noodles of Shanghai, there’s something to suit every palate.

In Beijing, the zhajiangmian is a must-try. These noodles are served with a spicy bean sauce and topped with pork mince and spring onions. In Shanghai, the beef noodles are a hearty dish. These noodles are served in a rich beef broth and topped with braised beef and pickled vegetables.

For something a little different, head to Fujian and try the mifen. These noodles are served with a variety of toppings, such as pork and mushrooms, and are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Rice Dishes

Rice dishes are a staple in Chinese cuisine and can be found in almost every region. From the comforting congee of Guangdong to the spicy fried rice of Sichuan, there’s something to suit every palate.

In Guangdong, the congee is a must-try. This comforting dish is served with a variety of toppings, such as pork and shrimp, and is sure to warm your soul. In Sichuan, the fried rice is a classic. This dish is served with a spicy chili sauce and topped with pork mince and spring onions.

For something a little different, head to Fujian and try the zongzi. These sticky rice parcels are filled with a variety of fillings, such as pork and mushrooms, and are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Sweets & Desserts

Sweets and desserts are a popular street food in many parts of China. From the sweet sesame balls of Shanghai to the delectable almond jelly of Guangdong, there’s something to suit every palate.

In Shanghai, the sesame balls are a must-try. These sweet and sticky balls are filled with red bean paste and are sure to delight. In Guangdong, the almond jelly is a classic. This sweet and creamy dessert is served with a variety of toppings, such as fruits and nuts, and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

For something a little different, head to Beijing and try the jianbing. This savory crepe is served with a variety of fillings, such as eggs and pickled vegetables, and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Drinks

Drinks are an integral part of Chinese cuisine and can be found in almost every region. From the refreshing sugarcane juice of Guangdong to the sweet bubble tea of Taiwan, there’s something to suit every palate.

In Guangdong, the sugarcane juice is a must-try. This refreshing drink is served with a variety of fruits and is sure to tantalize your taste buds. In Taiwan, the bubble tea is a classic. This sweet and creamy drink is served with a variety of toppings, such as tapioca pearls and jelly, and is sure to delight.

For something a little different, head to Sichuan and try the chuanyu. This refreshing drink is made with a mix of herbs and spices and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Conclusion

China is renowned for its variety of street food and the sheer amount of deliciousness it has to offer. From the bustling night markets of Shanghai to the winding alleyways of Beijing, the range of dishes is both overwhelming and exciting.

Whether you’re exploring China’s cities or small towns, trying the local street food is a must. From the sizzling hotpots of Chengdu to the mouth-watering dumplings of Tianjin, there are endless possibilities to explore.

This guide has helped you discover the best street food in China – what to eat and where to go. From delicious snacks to heartier dishes, there’s something to tantalize your taste buds. So, the next time you’re in China, be sure to explore the street food scene and discover something new!