10 Popular Chinese Street Snacks

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Street snacks are always a foodie’s ultimate pursuit. Chinese cuisine is vast and diverse, with countless regional snacks. Some are local specialties only found in certain areas, while others have spread across the nation, making them available in any city.

Today, let’s count some regional delicacies that have gained nationwide popularity. Have you tried these?

1. Jianbing Guozi

Jianbing Guozi is a famous street snack from Tianjin, made with a thin mung bean pancake, egg, and crispy fried dough (youtiao). In authentic Tianjin-style, youtiao is used, but newer variations include crispy crackers, chicken strips, and even ham. The unique sauce is the soul of Jianbing Guozi, giving it its irresistible flavor that’s now enjoyed in every corner of China.

recommend：How to Cook and Prepare Delicious Jianbing Guozi?

2. Liangpi

Liangpi is a cold noodle dish that originated in Shaanxi. Depending on the main ingredient, it comes in varieties like wheat noodles, rice noodles, or black rice noodles, with Hanzhong liangpi being the most popular. Common toppings include shredded cucumber, carrots, and mung bean sprouts, but the most essential addition is gluten (mianjin), which gives it a chewy texture. Liangpi is a street food staple, beloved for its flavorful, refreshing taste, available in cities across China.

3. Roujiamo

Roujiamo, also from Shaanxi, is often described as "the Chinese hamburger." With a saying that goes, "Give a Xian person a bun, and they’ll stuff the whole world in it," this snack is known for its endless filling options. In addition to the traditional meat filling, there are vegetable-filled versions. It’s recognized as an intangible cultural heritage and is a favorite snack nationwide for its affordable price and delicious flavor.

4. Scallion Pancake

Originating from Taiwan, scallion pancakes have become a popular street food throughout China. With its crispy, multi-layered exterior and soft, flaky inside, the pancake is often filled with egg, lettuce, sausage, or chicken. Brushed with a special sauce, it offers a satisfying blend of flavors that appeal to all ages.

5. Fried Skewers

Fried skewers come from Anhui province and are made by skewering various ingredients, frying them, and coating them in a secret sauce. The vibrant colors and irresistible aroma make fried skewers a street food favorite for young people all across China.

6. Stinky Tofu

Stinky tofu is one of the most controversial street snacks, famous for its strong odor. Hailing from Changsha, Hunan, where it's called "stinky dry tofu," it's known for its crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Despite its pungent smell, many people love its rich, savory taste. Whether it's in Wuhan, Nanjing, or other cities, stinky tofu has become a staple snack across China.

7. Malatang

Malatang, originating from Sichuan and Chongqing, is a spicy hot pot dish where customers can pick their own ingredients. It's widely loved for its rich, customizable flavors, with variations like sesame sauce malatang and bone broth malatang. This fiery street snack can now be found on nearly every corner in Chinese cities.

8. Hot and Sour Noodles

Hot and sour noodles, known as "the best noodles under heaven," are a famous snack from Chongqing. Made with sweet potato noodles, they're spicy, tangy, and mouthwatering. Topped with minced meat, beans, and a splash of red chili oil, this dish is a crowd favorite that you can find everywhere, from street carts to upscale restaurants.

9. Grilled Squid

Grilled squid, originally from Japan, has become a hugely popular street food in China. Skewered and cooked on a hot griddle, the squid is seasoned with a secret sauce and grilled until it's tender and flavorful. Found in street markets across the country, it's a must-try for seafood lovers.

10. Egg Burger

The origin of the egg burger is uncertain, but it's become one of China's most popular street snacks. Made with a fried egg, a spoonful of batter, and minced meat, it's cooked in round molds to create a golden, crispy treat. Sold from food carts outside schools, offices, and on bustling streets, the egg burger is a snack that every young person in China has enjoyed.

Have you tried these street snacks? What other popular snacks do you know? Share in the comments!