Chinese street food: What to try for a tourist

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, many of us immediately imagine the dishes that can be found in restaurants. However, the real soul of Chinese food is revealed in the streets. Chinese street food is not just a way to get a quick snack, but also a real part of the cultural heritage, reflecting the diversity of the region, as well as local traditions and tastes.

China's street food is diverse and teeming with flavors, textures and flavors that can surprise even the most sophisticated foodies. For a tourist, this is a great way to try authentic Chinese cuisine and enjoy unique dishes that you will not find in ordinary restaurants. In this list, we will tell you about the most popular and delicious street dishes to try in China.

1. Xiaozang (小吃) - Chinese snacks

Chinese street food is often xiaochi - small snacks you can pick up on the go while enjoying them while walking. These snacks range from fried and boiled to steamed and fried, and include a wide variety of flavors.

1.1 Zhiyuan (煎饼果子) - China filled pancakes

Zhiyuan is one of the most popular street products in China, especially in northern cities. It's a bit of a thin pan-cooked pancake with a variety of toppings. These are usually egg, spring onions, sauerloin radish and a crispy cracker for texture, served in a pita lavash or soft tortilla.

- Zhiyuan can be found on every corner and this simple but hearty dish will work for both breakfast and snack throughout the day.

1.2 Doufu fu (豆腐腐) - Fried fermented tofu

Doufu fu is a popular street snack, especially in southern China, such as in Suzhou or Shanghai. This is fermented tofu that is fried until crisp and then served with sauce and spices. The dish has a bright taste and smell that may be unusual for unusual European tourists, but it's worth trying if you want to experience real Chinese cuisine.

1.3 Chiaozi (巧克力) - Chinese pies with meat and vegetables

Chiaozi are fried patties filled with meat, vegetables and sometimes even sweet ingredients. These patties are often served with soy sauce, giving them extra richness. It's a hearty and delicious snack, perfect for those who want something hot and savoury.

2. Gong bao (宫保) - Popular dishes on the streets of China

2.1 Gongbao Jidin (宫保鸡丁) - Peanut and Sauce Chicken

Gongbao jidin is one of the most famous Chinese street dishes that combines chicken, peanuts and savory chili sauce. This dish has become internationally famous and is ideal for lovers of spicy and spicy. Tourists often meet it in street markets, where it is served in small portions with rice.

2.2 Liuzhi (卤鸡) - Pickled Chicken Feet

Liuzhi is a dish that is made by marinating chicken feet in sauces with the addition of spices and herbs. It is a very popular snack in China's street markets. Despite its unusual texture and appearance, the paws have a rich taste and are very popular with the locals. If you want to try something custom, this dish is a great choice.

3. Street food in China for sweets

3.1 Tanshui (糖水) - Sweet dishes and drinks

For those who love sweets, Chinese street markets offer plenty of interesting options. One popular street sweet dish is tanshui, a sweet soup often made with various ingredients such as Chinese peach, sesame, sticky rice or fruit. This refreshing dish works like dessert or a light snack, especially on hot days.

3.2 Tianfu (甜馃) - Chinese Sweet Dumplings

Tianfu is a dessert in the form of small dumplings filled with sweet red bean paste or food wort. These dumplings are steamed and often served with powdered sugar or syrup. They are incredibly popular in winter, when they are served hot and soft.

4. Soups and roasts

4.1 La mian (拉面) - Handmade noodles

La mian is a traditional Chinese hand-made noodle. It is cooked in broth with various additives such as pork, chicken, beef or seafood. This is not only a dish, but also a performance: in front of customers, chefs show how they cook and stretch noodles by hand. Noodle soup is a dish worth trying, especially if you want to enjoy a hot, rich taste and see the cooking process live.

4.2 Fried kebabs (串烧, chuàn shāo)

Kebabs are one of the most popular types of street food found in markets and street stalls in China. Kebabs are made from meat (pork, chicken, beef) or seafood, as well as vegetables that are strung onto skewers, charcoal-fried and served with a variety of spices. This is the perfect snack for those looking for a delicious and fragrant dish.

Conclusion

Chinese street food is an integral part of the country's culture, which is a variety of flavors and flavors. Tourists who have visited China must definitely try local street dishes in order to fully experience the atmosphere of the country and enjoy its culinary traditions. From spicy and spicy to sweet and exotic, China's street food offers unique gastronomic experiences that leave an unforgettable experience.