Joanna James
Planning to visit China? During your visit, you’ll quickly discover that food is an important part of Chinese culture. Here are the top Chinese foods you must try during your time in China.
Often referred to as Chinese Crepes, Jianbing is typically eaten for breakfast, but you can enjoy it at any time. The crepes are made from wheat and mung bean flour and are then served with a filling of egg, scallions, cilantro, and crispy wonton sheets. Local vendors often add a drizzle of savoury sauce to enhance the flavour, along with sausages. Most locals love to have Jianbing on the go.
Another must-try culinary delight, Baozi translates to ‘steamed buns’. These are soft and fluffy steamed buns filled with delicious ingredients like pork, veggies, or sweet bean paste. Baozi is a staple in Chinese households and is loved by all ages. You’ll find a variety of flavours and sizes. Locals often enjoy Baozi for breakfast, but feel free to enjoy it at any time. The tender bun and savoury filling complement each other, creating a unique and absolutely delicious flavour profile. Where can you find these delicious buns? Anywhere from humble stalls to fancy restaurants, and even hotels like those by Park Hotel Group.
Experiencing Chinese street food culture is one of the top things to do in Kunming. Chuan'r, or grilled skewers, is a common find at street markets. The meat options typically include lamb or chicken, marinated and grilled over charcoal. The dish originates from the Xinjiang region, but now the entire country is familiar with the taste of skewered meat. Chuan'r is one of the most popular street foods that people enjoy on the go, and it's commonly found at Chinese festivals as well.
Rice dumplings with a delicious filling, Zongzi is a traditional Chinese treat. These dumplings are wrapped in bamboo leaves, and the filling can be either sweet or savoury. Common ingredients include pork, beans, and salted eggs. While you can find Zongzi all year round, they are especially popular during the Dragon Boat Festival. These dumplings are steamed or boiled and acquire a unique flavour from the bamboo leaf wrapping.
This is a traditional Chinese snack consisting of skewered fruits, usually hawthorn berries, coated in hard sugar syrup. It’s sweet and sour, and the crunch of the candy coating adds to the experience. While hawthorn berries are the classic choice, these days you can also find fruits like strawberries and grapes in the place of hawthorn berries.
Don’t let the name put you off. Despite its strong odour, Stinky Tofu remains a favourite in China. Locals often deep fry the tofu and serve it with a spicy and sweet sauce, sometimes topped with garlic and coriander leaves. The taste is nothing like the smell; it has a crispy texture on the outside and a soft inside. If you’ve never tried tofu before, this version might not be the best introduction. However, Stinky Tofu offers food lovers an adventurous culinary experience, so go ahead and give it a try.
These are flaky pancakes made with dough, scallions, and sesame oil. Cong You Bing is a savoury dish loved by locals. The outside of this signature Chinese pancake is crispy, while the inside is chewy and delicious. Vendors often serve it with a side of soy sauce or vinegar.
Originating in Hong Kong, Egg Tarts are another popular food found in China. Though it's a Hong Kong favourite, the rest of China has also embraced it. These tarts feature a flaky pastry crust with a sweet custard filling, making them a delicious snack. It's best to enjoy them fresh out of the oven.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
