Chinese street food is one of the most exciting parts of China’s food culture. From smoky grills in Beijing to spicy night markets in Chengdu and sweet dessert stalls in Shanghai, street food shows the real taste of everyday Chinese life. These foods are fast, affordable, full of flavor, and deeply connected to local traditions. Whether you are traveling in China, exploring Chinatowns abroad, or simply curious about global cuisine, Chinese street food offers endless variety. In this guide, we explore the top 10 Chinese street foods that are loved both in China and around the world.
1. Jianbing (Chinese Savory Crepe)
Jianbing is one of the most popular Chinese street foods, especially for breakfast, and you will find it on almost every busy street in northern China. This thin, crispy crepe is made from a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, spread on a hot griddle, then topped with egg, scallions, cilantro, pickles, chili sauce, and sweet bean sauce. Vendors usually add a crunchy fried cracker inside before folding it into a handheld wrap. Jianbing is loved because it is quick, filling, affordable, and customizable to your taste, making it the perfect street food for students, office workers, and travelers alike.
2. Chuan’r (Chinese BBQ Skewers)
Chuan’r, or Chinese barbecue skewers, are a street food favorite across China, especially in northern cities and Muslim communities. Small pieces of lamb, beef, chicken, or vegetables are skewered, grilled over charcoal, and heavily seasoned with cumin, chili flakes, garlic, and salt. The smoky aroma of chuan’r fills the air at night markets, drawing crowds instantly. These skewers are usually eaten late at night with friends, often paired with cold beer, making chuan’r not just food but a social experience deeply rooted in Chinese street culture.
3. Baozi (Steamed Buns)
Baozi are fluffy steamed buns filled with juicy meat or vegetables, and they are one of the most comforting Chinese street foods. Popular fillings include pork, beef, chicken, cabbage, mushrooms, and sometimes sweet red bean paste. Vendors stack bamboo steamers high, and when they open them, hot steam and delicious smells rise into the air. Baozi are soft, warm, and satisfying, making them perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack. You can find them in almost every Chinese city, sold from carts, small shops, and street stalls.
4. Tanghulu (Candied Fruit Skewers)
Tanghulu is a famous Chinese street dessert made by dipping fruits in hot sugar syrup that hardens into a shiny, crunchy shell. The most traditional tanghulu uses hawthorn berries, but modern versions include strawberries, grapes, kiwi, pineapple, and even cherry tomatoes. These fruits are skewered on sticks and sold especially in winter, when the cold air makes the sugar coating extra crisp. Tanghulu is loved for its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors and its bright, eye-catching appearance.
5. Roujiamo (Chinese Meat Sandwich)
Roujiamo is often called the “Chinese hamburger” and comes from Shaanxi province. It consists of slow-cooked, chopped pork or beef stuffed inside a crispy flatbread. The meat is braised with soy sauce, spices, and herbs until extremely tender and flavorful. When served, the juicy meat soaks into the bread, creating a rich, savory bite. Roujiamo is filling, affordable, and incredibly tasty, making it one of the most popular Chinese street foods for people who want something hearty and satisfying.
6. Stinky Tofu (Chòu Dòufu)
Stinky tofu is one of the most famous and controversial Chinese street foods because of its strong smell. Despite the odor, it tastes much better than it smells. Tofu is fermented in a special brine, then deep-fried until crispy outside and soft inside. It is usually served with chili sauce, pickled vegetables, or garlic sauce. Stinky tofu is especially popular in night markets in cities like Changsha, Taipei, and Shanghai. Once you get past the smell, you will discover a surprisingly rich and savory flavor.
7. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Soup Dumplings)
Shengjianbao are crispy-bottomed dumplings filled with juicy pork and hot soup, especially popular in Shanghai. They are cooked in a pan with oil and water, which makes the bottom golden and crunchy while the top stays soft. When you bite into one, hot soup bursts out, so you must eat them carefully. Shengjianbao are usually topped with sesame seeds and scallions, adding extra flavor and aroma. These dumplings are a favorite breakfast and snack food in eastern China.
8. Liangpi (Cold Noodles)
Liangpi are cold, chewy noodles made from wheat or rice flour, commonly found in Shaanxi and western China. They are served chilled and mixed with cucumber, bean sprouts, chili oil, vinegar, garlic, and sesame paste. Liangpi is refreshing, spicy, sour, and slightly nutty, making it perfect for hot summer days. This street food is loved because it is light but flavorful and offers a great balance of textures, from soft noodles to crunchy vegetables.
9. You Tiao (Chinese Fried Dough Sticks)
You tiao are long, golden-brown fried dough sticks that are crispy on the outside and soft inside. They are a classic Chinese breakfast street food, often eaten with hot soy milk, rice porridge, or stuffed into flatbread. You tiao are simple but addictive, with a light salty taste that pairs well with both sweet and savory foods. You will see them frying in large woks early in the morning on Chinese streets, attracting long lines of hungry locals.
10. Malatang (Spicy Hot Pot Skewers)
Malatang is a spicy street food that comes from Sichuan province and is similar to hot pot. Customers choose from a wide range of skewered ingredients like meat, seafood, tofu, mushrooms, vegetables, and noodles. The vendor then cooks everything in a spicy, numbing broth made with chili and Sichuan peppercorn. The finished bowl is hot, fragrant, and packed with bold flavors. Malatang is popular because it is customizable, fast, and perfect for people who love spicy food.
Conclusion
Chinese street food is more than just fast food; it is a living part of Chinese culture. Every skewer, bun, noodle bowl, and sweet treat tells a story about local life, history, and taste. From crispy jianbing and smoky chuan’r to sweet tanghulu and spicy malatang, these top 10 Chinese street foods offer something for everyone. Whether you try them in China or in your own city, they will give you a true taste of Chinese street life, one delicious bite at a time.