chinese street food recipes from savory Jianbing crepes to steaming Baozi buns, Chinese street food is a delicious and diverse culinary adventure.
Join us as we explore the many mouthwatering options available, and discover why street food is a beloved tradition in China with these 25 tasty and simple recipes.
Chinese food night never looked so good!
Best Chinese Street Food Recipes: Quick Table
Recipe | Calories (Per Serving) | Total Preparation Time |
Jianbing | N/A | N/A |
Jiaozi | 570 | 30 Min |
Sweet Rice Cakes | 330 | 30 Min |
Baozi | 179 | 25 Min |
Mala Huo Guo | N/A | N/A |
Rou Jia Mo | 549 | 2 Hours |
Donkey Sandwiches | 472 | 20 Min |
Yangrou Chuan | 230 | 1 Hour |
Tanghulu | N/A | 5 Min |
Banmian | N/A | N/A |
Chinese Scallion Pancakes | N/A | 15 Min |
Dou Fu Fa | N/A | N/A |
Hong Kong Egg Waffles | N/A | 1 Hour |
Peking Duck | N/A | 3 Hour |
Shaobing | 248 | 30 Min |
Chinese Tea Eggs | 85 | 5 Min |
Fried Rice | 612 | 10 Min |
Liang Pi | 425 | 10 Min |
Jujube Tea | N/A | N/A |
Braised Chicken Feet | 496 | 20 Min |
Shanghai Breakfast Rice Rolls | N/A | 20 Min |
Tang Yuan | N/A | 50 Min |
Sichuan Hot Pot | N/A | 1 Hour |
Chinese Fried Dough | N/A | 1 Hour |
Jian Bao | N/A | 30 Min |
1. Jianbing (Chinese Crepes)
Get ready to experience the flavor s of China in your own kitchen with this delicious recipe for Chinese Jianbing!
This popular street food is made with a crispy crepe filled with savory toppings and a mouthwatering egg and chili sauce.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: N/A
2. Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)
Step into the world of Chinese cuisine with these succulent Pork and Chive Dumplings.
These dumplings are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a comforting meal at home.
Calories Per Serving: 570
Total Preparation Time: 30 Minutes
3. Sweet Rice Cakes
Welcome in the Chinese New Year with this traditional and delicious Nian Gao recipe!
This sweet sticky rice cake is a must-have in any Chinese New Year feast and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.
Calories Per Serving: 330
Total Preparation Time: 30 Minutes
4. Baozi (Chinese Bread Buns)
Experience the famous Chinese street food in your own kitchen with these steamed Chicken Buns.
Soft and fluffy buns filled with savory and juicy chicken filling are perfect for any meal, or even as a snack.
Calories Per Serving: 179
Total Preparation Time: 25 Minutes
5. Mala Huo Guo
Mala Huo Guo is a staple of Sichuanese cuisine, featuring a spicy and delicious broth made from Sichuan peppercorn and chili.
This recipe shows you how to make the broth from scratch, allowing you to fully customize the level of spiciness to your preference.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: N/A
6. Rou Jia Mo (Chinese Hamburger)
Level up your hamburger game with this delicious recipe for Chinese Hamburgers, also known as Rou Jia Mo.
These sandwiches are made with a soft and fluffy bun filled with savory braised meat, perfect for a summer get-together .
Calories Per Serving: 549
Total Preparation Time: 2 Hours
7. Donkey Sandwiches
Satay Beef Sandwich is a fusion of Asian and Western cuisine.
This recipe uses marinated, thinly sliced beef, piled high on a bun and topped with a homemade peanut sauce, making it a perfect meal for a quick lunch or dinner.
Calories Per Serving: 472
Total Preparation Time: 20 Min
8. Yangrou Chuan
Yangrou Chuan is a classic Chinese street food, originating from the Muslim quarter in Beijing.
These skewers are marinated with a tantalizing combination of spices, giving them a bold and complex flavor profile.
Calories Per Serving: 230
Total Preparation Time: 1 Hour
9. Tanghulu
Indulge in the sweet and nostalgic flavors of China with this recipe for Tanghulu.
This traditional Chinese snack is made with skewered fruits, coated in a shiny and sweet sugar syrup, that will make your mouth water.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 5 Min
10. Banmian
Find comfort in this traditional Chinese recipe for Banmian, a noodle dish that will warm your heart and soul.
This comforting bowl of noodles in savory broth is the perfect dish for a quiet night in or a cozy family dinner.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: N/A
11. Chinese Scallion Pancakes
Chinese Scallion Pancakes is another popular Chinese street food and a great dish to make as a side, appetizer or even as a light meal.
These pancakes are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a wonderful aroma and taste of scallions that make them irresistible.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 15 Min
12. Dou Fu Fa
Unlock the secrets of Chinese traditional desserts with this recipe for Dou Fu Fa, also known as Bean Curd Jelly.
This sweet, silky and smooth tofu dessert is the perfect way to end a meal on a refreshing note.
Make sure to add the ginger syrup for an extra hint of spice and flavor!
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: N/A
13. Hong Kong Egg Waffles
Get ready to take a bite out of the streets of Hong Kong with these delicious and fluffy egg waffles!
Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these tasty treats are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 1 Hour
14. Peking Duck
Peking duck is a traditional Chinese dish that’s known for its crispy, golden brown skin and juicy, succulent meat.
The duck is slow-roasted to perfection and traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce for a truly mouth-watering experience that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 3 Hours
15. Shaobing
Shaobing is a staple of Chinese cuisine, originating from the northern regions of the country.
This fluffy, flaky, and crispy bread is perfect to enjoy as a breakfast or snack, and pairs well with a variety of savory toppings and fillings.
Calories Per Serving: 248
Total Preparation Time: 30 Min
16. Chinese Tea Eggs
Chinese Tea Eggs are a deliciously comforting snack that are steeped in a savory tea-infused broth, giving them an irresistible depth of flavor.
These eggs are a staple in Chinese street vendors and make for the perfect addition to any meal.
Calories Per Serving: 85
Total Preparation Time: 5 Min
17. Fried Rice
Say goodbye to ordering take-out and hello to this delicious and easy-to-make fried rice recipe that will satisfy your cravings for Chinese cuisine.
This recipe is packed with flavor from a variety of ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and scrambled eggs, and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Calories Per Serving: 612
Total Preparation Time: 10 Min
18. Liang Pi
Liang pi, also known as “cold skin noodles,” is a popular street food from the Shaanxi province in China that is perfect for a hot summer day.
This recipe for Liang pi is simple to make and packed with flavor from a delicious mixture of savory sauce, fresh vegetables and chewy wheat-flour noodles.
Calories Per Serving: 425
Total Preparation Time: 10 Min
19. Jujube Tea
Jujube tea is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional tea that is packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
Made from the fruit of the jujube tree, this tea is known for its ability to promote relaxation and improve digestion and is a fan favorite amongst Chinese street food enthusiasts.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: N/A
20. Braised Chicken Feet
Braised chicken feet may seem unusual, but in China, they are a delicacy.
This recipe combines savory spices and a slow-cooking method to create tender, juicy chicken feet that are packed with flavor and nutrition.
Calories Per Serving: 496
Total Preparation Time: 20 Min
21. Tang Yuan
Tang Yuan, also known as glutinous rice balls, is a traditional Chinese dessert that is both comforting and indulgent.
This recipe features the addition of black sesame paste, adding a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that compliments the chewy glutinous rice balls perfectly.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 50 Min
22. Shanghai Breakfast Rice Rolls
Shanghai breakfast rice rolls are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the traditional flavors of Chinese cuisine.
This recipe features a savory filling of Chinese sausage, scallions, and shrimp, wrapped in a soft and delicate rice noodle roll, making a perfect on-the-go breakfast option.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 20 Min
23. Sichuan Hot Pot
Malatang is a type of Sichuan hot pot that is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.
This recipe features a spicy broth that is loaded with a variety of meats and vegetables, which are cooked at the table, allowing you to customize your meal to your exact tastes.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 1 Hour
24. Chinese Fried Dough
Chinese fried dough, also known as Youtiao, is a popular and versatile breakfast food that is enjoyed all over China.
This recipe gives you step-by-step instructions on how to make this crispy and fluffy delicacy at home, which can be paired with soy milk, porridge, or even added as a topping for various desserts.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 1 Hour
25. Jian Bao (Pork Buns)
These Pan-Fried Pork and Scallion Buns are the perfect combination of savory and slightly spicy flavors, wrapped in a warm and fluffy bun.
One bite and you’ll be hooked on the authentic Chinese taste and texture of these Sheng Jian Bao.
Calories Per Serving: N/A
Total Preparation Time: 30 Min
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Popular Chinese Street Foods?
Some popular Chinese street foods include Jianbing (Chinese crepes), Roujiamo (Chinese pulled pork sandwiches), and Baozi (steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables).
Other popular street foods include Chinese-style fried dough (youtiao), Scallion Pancakes (congyoubing) and skewers of grilled meat (Chuan’r).
Where Can I Find Chinese Street Food?
Chinese street food can be found in street markets and night markets, as well as at street food vendors and food carts throughout China.
In urban areas, street food can also be found at food courts and food stalls in shopping centers and plazas.
Is Chinese Street Food Safe To Eat?
In general, Chinese street food is safe to eat as long as proper hygiene and food safety practices are followed.
As with any type of street food, it’s important to be mindful of the cleanliness of the vendors and the freshness of the ingredients.