Xiamen China Video
Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Xiamen China to Try
Xiamen, a coastal city in southeastern China, is known for its vibrant street food culture. The city offers a wide variety of delicious and unique street foods that are a must-try for any food enthusiast. From savory snacks to sweet treats, Xiamen’s street food scene has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore ten mouthwatering street foods that you should definitely try during your culinary journey in Xiamen.
Xiamen Street Food 1: Oyster Omelette (蚝仔煎)
- Fresh oysters
- Eggs
- Potato starch
- Garlic
- Cilantro
The oyster omelette, also known as “hǎo zǎi jiān” in Mandarin, is a popular street food in Xiamen. It is made by frying fresh oysters with eggs and potato starch to create a thick and flavorful omelette. The dish is often garnished with garlic and cilantro, adding a refreshing touch to the savory flavors. The combination of the crispy edges, tender oysters, and fluffy eggs make this street food a true delight.
Xiamen Street Food 2: Shacha Noodles (沙茶面)
- Shacha sauce
- Thin noodles
- Minced pork
- Bean sprouts
- Green onions
Shacha noodles, or “shā chá miàn,” are a popular street food dish in Xiamen. This dish features thin noodles topped with a rich and flavorful shacha sauce, which is made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, dried shrimp, and various spices. The noodles are usually garnished with minced pork, bean sprouts, and green onions, adding texture and freshness to the dish. The combination of the chewy noodles and the savory sauce makes this street food a true Xiamen specialty.
Xiamen Street Food 3: Seafood Skewers (海鲜串烧)
- Shrimp
- Squid
- Scallops
- Octopus
- Vegetables
If you’re a seafood lover, you can’t miss the seafood skewers, or “hǎi xiān chuàn shāo,” in Xiamen. These skewers are made with a variety of fresh seafood, including shrimp, squid, scallops, and octopus, as well as vegetables. The skewers are grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and flavorful taste. Whether you enjoy them on their own or dipped in a tangy sauce, these seafood skewers are a must-try for any street food enthusiast.
Xiamen Street Food 4: Peanut Soup (花生汤)
- Peanuts
- Rock sugar
- Water
Peanut soup, or “huā shēng tāng,” is a popular street food dessert in Xiamen. This sweet and nutty soup is made by simmering peanuts with rock sugar and water until the flavors meld together. The result is a creamy and comforting soup that is perfect for cooling down on a hot day or satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, peanut soup is a delicious treat that shouldn’t be missed.
Xiamen Street Food 5: Spring Rolls (春卷)
- Spring roll wrappers
- Ground pork
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
Spring rolls, or “chūn juǎn,” are a classic street food snack in Xiamen. These crispy and delicious rolls are filled with a mixture of ground pork, shredded cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. The filling is then wrapped in a thin spring roll wrapper and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a flavorful and satisfying snack that is perfect for munching on the go. Don’t forget to dip them in a tangy sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Xiamen Street Food 6: Fried Oysters (炸蚵仔)
- Fresh oysters
- Flour
- Eggs
- Spices
- Vegetable oil
Fried oysters, or “zhá ěr zǐ,” are a popular street food dish in Xiamen. This crispy and savory snack is made by coating fresh oysters in a mixture of flour, eggs, and spices, and then deep-frying them until golden brown. The result is a crunchy exterior with a tender and flavorful oyster inside. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a dipping sauce, fried oysters are a must-try street food in Xiamen.
Xiamen Street Food 7: Fried Rice Noodles (炒米粉)
- Rice noodles
- Bean sprouts
- Green onions
- Eggs
- Soy sauce
Fried rice noodles, or “chǎo mǐ fěn,” are a popular street food dish in Xiamen. This simple yet delicious dish features stir-fried rice noodles with bean sprouts, green onions, eggs, and soy sauce. The combination of the chewy noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and savory flavors make this dish a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a filling meal, fried rice noodles are a great option.
Xiamen Street Food 8: Fried Dumplings (煎饺)
- Dumpling wrappers
- Ground pork
- Cabbage
- Chives
- Spices
Fried dumplings, or “jiān jiǎo,” are a popular street food in Xiamen. These crispy and flavorful dumplings are made by filling dumpling wrappers with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, chives, and spices, and then pan-frying them until golden brown. The result is a combination of crispy and chewy textures, with a savory filling that is bursting with flavor. Don’t forget to dip them in a tangy sauce for an extra kick.
Xiamen Street Food 9: Coconut Milk Pudding (椰汁糕)
- Coconut milk
- Gelatin
- Sugar
- Water
Coconut milk pudding, or “yē zhī gāo,” is a popular dessert street food in Xiamen. This creamy and refreshing pudding is made with coconut milk, gelatin, sugar, and water. The mixture is then chilled until it sets, resulting in a silky smooth pudding with a delicate coconut flavor. Whether you enjoy it on its own or topped with fresh fruits, coconut milk pudding is a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings.
Xiamen Street Food 10: Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
- Fermented tofu
- Spices
- Sauces
- Pickled vegetables
- Chili oil
If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss the stinky tofu, or “chòu dòu fǔ,” in Xiamen. This infamous street food is made by fermenting tofu in a mixture of spices and sauces, resulting in a pungent aroma that gives it its name. Despite its strong smell, stinky tofu has a unique and addictive flavor that many locals and visitors love. It is often served with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of chili oil, adding a tangy and spicy kick to the dish.
References
- cityloco.net
- xiamenguide.com
- chinadiscovery.com
