Chinese Street Food Guide: What to Eat and Where

Must-Try Street Foods

Jianbing (煎饼) — Chinese Crepe

Baozi (包子) — Steamed Buns

Yang Rou Chuan (羊肉串) — Lamb Skewers

Chou Doufu (臭豆腐) — Stinky Tofu

Tanghulu (糖葫芦) — Candied Hawthorn Sticks

Roujiamo (肉夹馅) — Chinese Hamburger

Where to Find Street Food

• Night markets — every city has them, best variety
• Breakfast stalls — near subway stations and markets (6-9 AM)
• Food streets — Wangfujing in Beijing, Yuyuan in Shanghai
• Temple fairs — especially during Chinese New Year

How to Order Without Speaking Chinese

1. Point and smile — universal language
2. Use your phone — show a photo of what you want
3. Watch what locals order — if there's a line, it's good
4. Bring cash — some stalls don't accept foreign cards

Food Safety Tips

• Look for busy stalls — high turnover means fresh food
• Watch it being cooked — hot and freshly made is safest
• Avoid raw foods — stick to cooked, hot dishes
• Drink bottled water — never tap water
• Peel fruits yourself — don't eat pre-peeled fruit from stalls

Pair With Great Restaurants

Street food is for snacking. For proper meals, check our Beijing restaurant guide for the best restaurants tourists should try.

And if you want a truly memorable food experience, try Peking Duck — China's most famous dish.

Make sure you have reliable internet to find the best street food spots and translate menus. For restaurant bookings and food tours, contact us on WhatsApp.