China is a vast and diverse country with a rich culinary tradition, and its snack foods reflect this diversity. From savory street foods to sweet treats, Chinese snack foods offer a wide range of flavors and textures. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most popular snack foods in China, from traditional staples to modern favorites.
Jianbing is a popular street food that originated in northern China. It's a thin, crepe-like pancake made from mung bean flour, which is filled with egg, scallions, cilantro, and a crispy fried wonton wrapper. The pancake is then folded up and served hot, often with a spicy sauce.
Roujiamo is a type of Chinese sandwich made with steamed bread and a filling of spiced pork or beef. The meat is slow-cooked with aromatic spices like star anise and Sichuan peppercorns, and then shredded and stuffed into the bread. Roujiamo is a popular street food in China, especially in the northwest.
Baozi are steamed buns that are filled with meat or vegetables. The dough is made from flour, water, and yeast, and is rolled out and filled with a savory filling before being steamed. Baozi are a popular breakfast food in China, and are often served with soy milk or tea.
Xiaolongbao are small, steamed dumplings that are filled with pork or shrimp. They originated in Shanghai and are often served as an appetizer. Xiaolongbao are unique because they are filled with soup, which is created by adding a gelatinous broth to the filling before steaming.
Tanghulu is a popular sweet snack made from skewered fruit, typically crab apples or hawthorn berries, that are dipped in sugar syrup and allowed to harden. The result is a sweet, crunchy treat that is popular during the winter months.
Mahua is a type of fried dough that is sweet and chewy. The dough is made from flour, yeast, and sugar, and is twisted into a long, thin shape before being fried. Mahua is often sold on the street, and is a popular snack among students and young people.
Red bean paste cake is a sweet cake made from red bean paste and glutinous rice flour. The red bean paste is sweetened and then wrapped in a layer of glutinous rice flour before being steamed. Red bean paste cake is often served during the Chinese New Year and other festive occasions.
Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese pastry that are often eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are made from a pastry dough that is filled with sweet or savory fillings like lotus seed paste or egg yolks. Mooncakes are often intricately decorated, with symbols like the moon, flowers, and Chinese characters.
Bubble tea, also known as boba tea or pearl milk tea, originated in Taiwan but has become popular throughout China and the world. It's a sweet, milky tea that is often flavored with fruit syrups or powders, and is served with chewy tapioca balls or other toppings like jelly or fruit.
Potato chips have become a popular snack food in China in recent years, with local companies like Calbee and Lay's creating unique flavors that cater to Chinese tastes. Some popular flavors include hot and sour fish soup, spicy lobster, and crispy duck.
Try an assortment of Chinese snacks today when your order from Snack Shack Drive Thru!