Top Chinese Street Food Dishes to Try
As someone who has had the privilege of traveling through various regions of China and experiencing its diverse food culture, I can confidently say that Chinese street food is an absolute treasure. Whether you're in bustling markets or quiet alleyways, Chinese street food offers a window into the heart of the country’s culinary heritage. Each dish tells a story, from savory snacks to indulgent meals. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the variety, flavors, and creativity behind these dishes. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the top Chinese street food dishes to try, especially if you’re looking to experience the best of what China has to offer – right here in the U.S.
1. Jianbing – The Ultimate Chinese Breakfast
Jianbing is one of my absolute favorite street foods, and it’s a popular breakfast dish throughout China. Picture this: a thin, crispy pancake is cooked on a hot griddle, then filled with a variety of savory ingredients like eggs, scallions, cilantro, and a layer of hoisin or chili sauce. It's often finished off with crispy crackers for a satisfying crunch. The jianbing is rolled up like a burrito and served fresh and hot – it's the perfect on-the-go meal. What makes it so special is the combination of textures: soft, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet. It’s no wonder jianbing is considered a go-to breakfast item in China, and you can now find it at Chinese street food markets in the U.S. too. If you’ve never had it, I highly recommend trying it at least once.
2. Baozi – Steamed Buns Filled with Flavor
Another beloved street food is baozi – steamed buns that are filled with either meat or vegetables. I remember the first time I had baozi at a night market in Beijing, and it quickly became one of my favorite snacks. The soft, fluffy dough is perfectly steamed, and inside, you’ll find an assortment of fillings ranging from savory pork and beef to vegetarian options like mushrooms and cabbage. The bun’s texture is light and pillowy, while the filling is juicy and flavorful. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or part of a meal, baozi can be found all over Chinese cities and at various Chinese street food vendors in the U.S. It’s comfort food at its finest!
3. Chuanr – Spicy Skewers of Grilled Meat
Chuanr is a popular street food from the Xinjiang region of China, known for its bold flavors and smoky aroma. Essentially, chuanr is skewered meat – often lamb or chicken – marinated in a blend of spices and grilled over an open flame. The result is a smoky, tender piece of meat that is both spicy and savory. What I love about chuanr is how the spices coat each piece of meat, creating layers of flavor with every bite. These skewers are typically served with a sprinkle of cumin, chili powder, and a touch of sesame seeds, giving them an irresistible appeal. If you're a fan of grilled meats with a kick of heat, chuanr is a must-try street food.
4. Xiaolongbao – Soup Dumplings with a Surprise
Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, are a type of dumpling that comes with a delightful twist: inside the delicate dumpling wrapper is a flavorful broth, which is released when you bite into it. These dumplings are typically filled with pork or sometimes crab, along with a rich, savory broth that’s made by simmering the filling for hours to extract all the flavor. The experience of eating xiaolongbao is unlike any other – the first bite gives you a burst of hot, savory liquid followed by the tender filling. While this dish is traditionally from Shanghai, you can find it in Chinese street food markets in the U.S., and I promise it’s worth trying. It’s a playful, delicious dish that’s a true testament to Chinese culinary craftsmanship.
5. Lu Rou Fan – Braised Pork Over Rice
Lu Rou Fan is one of the most comforting Chinese street food dishes I’ve ever had. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal consisting of braised ground pork that’s simmered in soy sauce, five-spice powder, and other seasonings. The braised pork is then served over a bowl of warm, fluffy rice, making it a fulfilling meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. What makes this dish special is the deep umami flavor that the braised pork brings to the rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce. Lu Rou Fan can be found at many Chinese street food vendors, especially in Taiwan, and it’s a popular choice for street food lovers who are craving something hearty and satisfying.
6. Scallion Pancakes – Crispy, Savory, and Irresistible
Scallion pancakes, or cong you bing, are crispy, flaky pancakes filled with finely chopped scallions. They are fried to perfection, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, chewy inside. The savory flavor of the scallions combined with the crispy texture of the dough makes for a delicious snack that’s perfect for street food lovers. I first tried scallion pancakes at a street food stall in Shanghai, and they quickly became one of my go-to snacks whenever I wanted something light but flavorful. Whether served on their own or with a soy dipping sauce, these pancakes are a must-try for anyone exploring Chinese street food.
7. Tanghulu – A Sweet and Sour Treat
Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese street food that features fruit – typically hawthorn berries – coated in a hard candy shell. The fruit is skewered on a stick, and then coated in a syrup that hardens as it cools, giving it a shiny, sweet coating. While hawthorn berries are the classic choice, other fruits like strawberries, grapes, or kiwis are often used as well. The combination of sweet, tart fruit and the crispy candy shell is utterly addictive. I remember walking through a street market in Beijing and being drawn to the vibrant colors of the tanghulu stands. It’s a fun, nostalgic treat that captures the sweetness of Chinese street culture.
8. Fried Tofu – Crispy, Savory, and Satisfying
Fried tofu is another street food dish I’ve grown fond of over the years. It’s made by deep-frying cubes of tofu until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. The tofu is often served with a soy-based dipping sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder, making it a savory snack that’s both crunchy and satisfying. I love how versatile this dish can be – sometimes it’s served with a drizzle of sweet sauce, other times it’s paired with spicy toppings. Regardless of how it’s served, fried tofu is always a hit when I’m craving something crispy and satisfying.
9. Grilled Corn on the Cob – A Street Food Staple
Grilled corn on the cob is a classic street food item that’s found in many Chinese cities, and it’s one of those simple pleasures that always hits the spot. The corn is grilled over an open flame and then slathered with a mixture of spices, soy sauce, and sometimes a bit of chili powder for an added kick. The smoky flavor from the grill combined with the savory sauce makes it a satisfying, yet light, snack. If you’re in the mood for something that’s a little sweet, savory, and smoky, grilled corn on the cob should definitely be on your list of Chinese street foods to try.
10. Egg Tarts – A Sweet, Creamy Dessert
Egg tarts are a popular dessert in Chinese street food markets, and they’re perfect for those with a sweet tooth. These tarts have a crisp, buttery crust filled with a smooth, custard-like egg filling. When baked to perfection, the custard has a rich, creamy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. I can still remember my first bite of a warm egg tart from a street vendor in Hong Kong, and it was such a delightful experience. The combination of the flaky crust and the silky custard is simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it as an afternoon snack or as a sweet treat after a meal, egg tarts are a must-try Chinese street food.
Chinese street food is an exciting and diverse culinary experience that’s full of unique flavors, textures, and stories. From savory dishes like jianbing and baozi to sweet treats like tanghulu and egg tarts, there’s something for every palate. I encourage you to explore the street food scene in your local Chinese community and try some of these incredible dishes for yourself. Each bite is a taste of culture, history, and tradition, all rolled into one delicious experience.
