Welcome, food lovers! Planning a trip to China means preparing for an incredible culinary adventure. While fine dining is a wonderful experience, the true heart and soul of Chinese cuisine are found on the streets. From bustling night markets to small, family-run stalls, the street food scene is vibrant, diverse, and incredibly delicious. This guide will walk you through 10 essential dishes you absolutely must try to get a taste of authentic local life.

Why You Can’t Miss Chinese Street Food

Street food isn’t just a snack; it’s a window into China’s culture. It’s affordable, fast, and often a more authentic taste of a city than what you’ll find in a restaurant. Don’t be shy—grab a skewer or a steamed bun and join the locals. The best way to experience a city is often one bite at a time.

1. Jianbing (煎饼): The Breakfast Pancake

Think of a Jianbing as the ultimate savory breakfast crepe. A thin pancake is fried on a hot griddle, then brushed with a savory sauce, cracked with an egg, and topped with chopped scallions, cilantro, and a crispy wonton cracker. It’s a perfect mix of soft, crunchy, and savory, and it’s a morning ritual for many Chinese people.

• Where to find it: Look for stalls near metro stations, office buildings, and residential areas in the morning.

2. Roujiamo (肉夹馍): The Chinese Hamburger

Often called the “Chinese hamburger,” Roujiamo is a classic street food from Shaanxi province. It features tender, slow-braised pork belly, finely minced and seasoned, stuffed into a baked flatbread. The meat is juicy, the bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and it’s a simple, perfect meal.

• Where to find it: This is a specialty of Xi’an, but you can find it at street food stalls and small shops across China.

3. Tanghulu (糖葫芦): Candied Fruit Skewers

For a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with Tanghulu. These are traditional skewers of Chinese hawthorn berries (or other fruits like strawberries and grapes) coated in a hard, crystallized sugar syrup. The berries are tart and crunchy, while the sugar shell is a sweet, glistening surprise.

• Where to find it: Tanghulu is especially popular during the winter and can be found at night markets and tourist areas.

4. Baozi (包子): Steamed Buns

A staple of Chinese cuisine, Baozi are steamed buns filled with either savory or sweet ingredients. Common fillings include minced pork, vegetables, and red bean paste. They are warm, soft, and a satisfying snack or light meal any time of day.

• Where to find it: Baozi shops are everywhere, especially near train stations and bus stops.

5. Chuan’r (串儿): Meat Skewers

Chuan’r are grilled meat skewers, a favorite among locals for a casual dinner or late-night snack. Lamb, chicken, and beef are marinated, skewered, and grilled over charcoal, then dusted with a mix of cumin and chili powder. The smell alone is enough to draw you in!

• Where to find it: Night markets are the best place to find a wide variety of Chuan’r.

6. Cong You Bing (葱油饼): Scallion Pancake

This is a simple yet incredibly flavorful street food. A Cong You Bing is a flaky, pan-fried flatbread made with scallions. It’s crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, and it’s often served with a savory dipping sauce.

• Where to find it: Look for small vendors with a large griddle. It’s a common street food in Shanghai and other parts of eastern China.

7. Malatang (麻辣烫): Numbing & Spicy Soup

For those who love spicy food, Malatang is a must-try. This is a customizable, hot and numbing soup. You pick your desired ingredients—from vegetables to different kinds of noodles and meats—and a vendor cooks it all in a fiery, rich broth.

• Where to find it: Malatang is a popular dish in Sichuan and is available at countless small restaurants and food stalls throughout China.

8. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐): A Smelly Surprise

Don’t let the name deter you! Stinky Tofu is a famous street snack known for its pungent aroma. The fermented tofu is deep-fried to a golden crisp and then topped with a spicy or savory sauce. It’s an experience for the senses that you just have to try for yourself.

• Where to find it: You’ll know it by its distinctive smell. It’s particularly popular in cities like Changsha and Shaoxing.

9. Cifantuan (糍饭团): Sticky Rice Roll

This is another popular breakfast food, especially in Shanghai. A Cifantuan is a sticky rice roll filled with savory or sweet ingredients like preserved vegetables, pork floss, fried dough sticks (youtiao), or sugar. It’s a filling and satisfying way to start your day.

• Where to find it: Look for it at street food stalls in the morning.

10. Shengjian Bao (生煎包): Pan-Fried Dumplings

Shengjian Bao are a Shanghainese specialty. These dumplings are pan-fried on the bottom, giving them a crispy, golden-brown crust, while the top remains soft and fluffy from being steamed. They’re filled with juicy pork and a savory broth, so be careful on your first bite!

• Where to find it: Found at restaurants and street stalls in Shanghai.

Embrace the flavors, smells, and sounds of China’s street food scene. It’s a culinary journey you’ll never forget!

What’s the first dish you’d try from this list? Tell us in the comments!