The Ultimate Foodie Guide To Xiamen

Xiamen is an enchanting coastal city in China’s Fujian province, just across the Taiwan Strait from Taiwan. This vibrant city is famous for its beauty, culture, and of course, its delicious food. With its vast array of local dishes, Xiamen is a foodie’s paradise! Whether you’re looking for seafood, street food, or traditional dishes, this city has something to offer every palate. Here, we’ll take you on a journey through the city’s mouth-watering culinary scene.

Seafood

Xiamen is a port city, so it comes as no surprise that seafood is a local specialty. One of the most popular dishes is the steamed sea cucumber with bean curd, a savory dish made with sea cucumbers, tofu, and a variety of spices. You’ll also find plenty of delicious seafood soups, such as the famous fish head soup. To make the most of your seafood experience, be sure to check out the seafood market in the city’s downtown area. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh seafood, including the famous Xiamen-style abalone.

Local Street Food

Xiamen is known for its vibrant street food scene. One of the most famous dishes is the “Eight Treasures”, a flavorful stew made with chicken, pork, beef, and a variety of vegetables. Other popular street foods include the steamed pork dumplings, the fried chicken cutlets, and the fried fish balls. Be sure to sample all of the local street snacks while you’re in town!

Traditional Dishes

Xiamen is known for its traditional dishes, such as the famous “Buddha Jumps over the Wall”, a flavorful soup made with a variety of seafood and other goodies. For something a little lighter, try the “Eight Delicacies”, a dish made with eight types of vegetables. Other traditional dishes include the “Five-Spice Chicken” and the famous “Tofu Salad”.

Famous Local Snacks

When it comes to snacks, Xiamen has something for every taste. One of the most famous snacks is the “Fried Dough Sticks”, a deep-fried doughy treat served with sugar and sesame. Other popular snacks include the “Fried Lotus Root”, the “Egg Waffles”, and the “Sticky Rice Cake”. Be sure to try them all while you’re in town!

Coffee and Tea

Xiamen is home to a vibrant coffee and tea culture. Two of the most popular drinks are the “Xiamen Coffee”, a creamy, strong espresso-style coffee, and the “Xiamen Tea”, a delicate green tea. Be sure to try them both while you’re in town!

Food Tours

If you’re looking for the best way to experience Xiamen’s food culture, consider taking a food tour. There are a variety of tours available, from walking tours of the city’s famous food markets to cooking classes and food tastings. You’ll be able to sample all the local delicacies and learn about the city’s culinary history.

Bakeries and Desserts

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be in heaven in Xiamen. The city is home to a variety of bakeries, from traditional Chinese bakeries to French-style patisseries. Don’t miss the famous “Buddha’s Delight”, a sweet treat made with coconut, sesame, and other delicious ingredients. Other popular desserts include the “Sweet and Sour Rice”, the “Fried Banana Cake”, and the “Coconut Pudding”.

Traditional Drinks

Xiamen is known for its traditional drinks, such as the “Fried Rice Wine”, a sweet and fragrant wine made with rice and other ingredients, and the “Five-Spice Liquor”, a strong spirit distilled from rice and spices. Other popular drinks include the “Fruit and Flower Tea”, a drink made with a variety of fruits and flowers, and the “Xiamen Beer”, a light and refreshing lager.

Nighttime Eats

Xiamen is a great city for a night out. The city is home to a variety of restaurants and bars, from traditional Chinese eateries to modern fusion restaurants. Be sure to try the “Fujian-Style Hot Pot”, a hearty stew made with a variety of meats and vegetables, and the “Fried Rice with Seafood”, a delicious combination of flavors. And be sure to wash it all down with a cold Xiamen Beer!

Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes

Xiamen is a great place for vegetarians and vegans. The city is home to a variety of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, offering dishes such as the “Fried Tofu with Vegetables”, a savory stir-fry made with tofu and a variety of vegetables, and the “Vegan Fried Noodles”, a flavorful noodle dish made with a variety of vegan ingredients. Be sure to sample the city’s vegetarian and vegan offerings while you’re in town!

Cuisine from Other Provinces

Xiamen is home to a variety of restaurants serving dishes from other provinces. Be sure to try the “Sichuan-Style Hot Pot”, a spicy stew made with a variety of meats and vegetables, and the “Fuzhou-Style Fish”, a savory dish made with fish and a variety of spices. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the “Beijing-Style Roast Duck”, a delicious dish made with duck and a variety of herbs and spices.

Food Festivals

If you’re in town during one of Xiamen’s food festivals, you’re in for a treat. The “Xiamen Seafood Festival” is a great opportunity to sample all of the city’s seafood delicacies, while the “Xiamen International Food Festival” offers a variety of dishes from around the world. Be sure to check out the local food festivals while you’re in town!

Conclusion

Xiamen is a foodie’s paradise! From seafood to street food, traditional dishes to international cuisine, this city has something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a unique culinary experience or just want to sample some delicious local dishes, Xiamen is the place to be! So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready to explore this vibrant city’s mouth-watering culinary scene.