SATV 22 April, Kathmandu: China is a culinary haven for food lovers. There are various delicious dishes to eat. To fully savor the diverse and authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine, venture beyond the main restaurants and explore the labyrinth of small alleys. By perusing the enticing food streets on offer, one can experience the true essence of Chinese gastronomy.
1. Wangfujin Food Street
Chinese: 王府井美食街 Wángfǔjǐng Měishí Jié
Location: Wangfu Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Must try snacks: Chuan'r, Jianbing, candied hawthorn
Price: 5-30 yuan
Open hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Wangfujing Food Street is a popular place to immerse in the local Beijing culture and try authentic local street foods. There is a vast range of street food from China such as spicy Sichuan dishes, Beijing local flavors, etc.
Many of the dishes served on Wangfujing Food Street are unique local specialties, which are difficult to find elsewhere in China or even abroad. These dishes, such as "Chuan'er" (meat skewers) and "jianbing" (pancake), offer tourists an authentic culinary experience.
You will see locals eating food or strolling around, so it is also a good place to explore Beijing's street culture.
2. Huguo Temple Snack Street
Chinese: 护国寺小吃街 (Hù Guó Sì Xiǎo Chī Jiē)
Location: In the Huguosi neighborhood of Xicheng District in Beijing
Must Try Snacks: Fried Dough Twist (Mahua), Beijing-style fried rice cakes
(Za Latiao), Grilled meat skewers (Chuar)
Price: around RMB 10 to RMB 30
Operation hours: around 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Huguosi Food Street is a great place to visit if you're looking for a taste of traditional Beijing snacks and street food.
The street has a long history of offering local snacks with unique flavors and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The street also offers a glimpse into the culture and history of Beijing, making it a popular destination for tourists. So, if you want to experience authentic Chinese street food, Huguosi Food Street is definitely worth a visit.
3. Muslim Quarter in Xian
Chinese: 回民街 (Huímín Jiē)
Location: in the heart of the ancient city of Xi'an, in the Beilin District, just
north of the Drum Tower.
Must Try Snacks: Roujiamo, lamb skewers, Yangroupaomo (lamb noodle soup) Price: 5-15 yuan
Open hour: The best time to visit is from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
The Muslim Quarter is a must for any trip to Xian. The street is always bustling with activity and flavors. It is a great place to try many different types of local snacks and street foods. Many of the dishes are unique to Xi’an or the Hui ethnic group.
Besides the food, it is also a great place to immerse in the local culture. Strolling on the back alleys, you can experience the lifestyle of the local community, how they eat, how they shop, and what is popular among them.
4. Chenghuangmiao Snack Street
Chinese: 城隍庙小吃街 (Chénghuángmiào Xiǎochī Jiē)
Location: in the Old Town area of Shanghai, near the City God Temple
Must try snacks: Xiaolongbao, Shengjianbao
Price: 10 to 30 yuan
Open hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Chenghuangmiao or City God Temple is one of the classical itineraries for most travelers to Shanghai. The area is part of Old Shanghai. The street is filled with different ranges of shops and stalls selling a great variety of snacks and souvenirs.
The street is always bustling filled with tourists and locals alike. You can find a great variety of local food and snacks here. Remember to try the Xiaolongbao and shenjianbao, both are local specialties.
5. Jinli Ancient Street
Chinese: 锦里 (Jǐn Lǐ)
Location: in the heart of Chengdu, near the Wuhou Temple
Must-try snacks: spicy hot pot, Dan Dan noodles
Price: 10 - 30 Yuan
Operation hours: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
Jinli Ancient Street is a great place to experience ancient Chinese culture and
tastes authentic Sichuan cuisine.
There are so many local dishes offered like hot pot, dan dan noodles, Long
chaoshou(a kind of wontons)etc.
Besides, As you wander through the street, you will also see various arts and
crafts on display, including shadow puppet shows, clay figurines, and embroide ry.
6. Beijing Road Street
Chinese: 北京路步行街 (Běijīng Lù Bùxíng Jiē)
Location: Yuexiu District of Guangzhou, exactly at the northern end of Beijing Road Pedestrian Street.
Must-try snacks: steamed rice rolls, fried rice noodles
Price: 10-30 yuan
Open hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Beijing Road Food Street is a great place for food lovers to explore Cantonese food. The street offers a variety of typical Cantonese snacks and foods, such as Dim Sum, Wonton Noodles, and Congee.
The street is very popular among travelers and locals alike. There are always lines in front of food shops.
7. The Confucius Temple Street
Chinese:"夫子庙" (Fūzǐmiào)
Location: No. 1 Zhongshan Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing
Must Try Snacks: Duck Blood Soup, Steamed Soup Dumplings, and Fried
Dumplings
Price: 20 - 50 yuan
Operation hour: 7 am - Midnight
It is a beautiful place to spend hours with friends and family. The area is filled with a diverse range of local shops selling traditional snacks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere while enjoying delicious food.
For an unforgettable experience, watch boats come and go on the Qinhuai River while savoring local dishes at a riverside shop. The scenery is especially beautiful at night when the whole area is illuminated by colorful lights.
8. Taiping Old Street Night Market
Chinese：太平老街夜市" (Tàipíng Lǎojiē Yèshì)
Location: Taiping Street, Yuelu District, Changsha
Must try snacks: stinky Tofu, grilled Hunan fish
Price: 20-50 yuan
Operation hours: 5 pm to midnight
The Taiping Street Night Market in Changsha is a vibrant and bustling food street that offers a lively and colorful atmosphere. This popular market offers a great variety of traditional local snacks, including spicy hotpots, grilled Hunan fish, and lamb skewers.
In addition to the delicious food, the night views in the alleys and lanes of the old street are enchanting. They have a traditional charm that exemplifies old Changsha. The street is beautifully illuminated, showcasing the old architecture and vibrant atmosphere that transports visitors to a different era.
