Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Xiamen, China
1. Hongshao Rou (Red Braised Pork Belly)
Savory pork belly slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, a must-try for meat lovers. It's best enjoyed at the renowned Yongjiu Red Braised Pork Restaurant.
- Unique Ingredients: Uses special soy sauce and wine from Xiamen.
- Cooking Technique: The slow-cooking process gives the pork a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Authenticity: Yongjiu is a well-established restaurant known for preserving traditional cooking methods.
2. Oyster Omelette (Huazi Jian)
A popular street food made from oysters, eggs, and starch. It's best enjoyed at the bustling Zhongshan Road Night Market.
- Freshness: Uses fresh, locally sourced oysters.
- Cultural Significance: Originates from the Hokkien culture that has deep roots in Xiamen.
- Taste and Texture: The crispy exterior with gooey, savory interior makes it a delight to eat.
3. Xiamen Lobster (Xiamen Haizi)
Famous for its tender meat and sweet taste, the Xiamen Lobster is a seafood delight best savored at local seafood restaurants like Wanshi Seafood Restaurant.
- Taste: The unique taste comes from the lobsters' specific diet in Xiamen waters.
- Cooking Style: Steamed or stir-fried, the simple cooking method lets the natural flavor of the lobster shine.
- Local Sourcing: The lobsters are sourced directly from Xiamen's coastal waters.
4. Gulangyu Island Fish Ball Soup
A light and flavorful soup filled with fish balls, mushrooms, and vegetables. It's best experienced at the many street food stalls on Gulangyu Island.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional Fujianese recipe passed down through generations.
- Island Flavor: The unique island environment contributes to the flavor profile of the soup.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoying the soup at a bustling street food stall adds to the authentic local experience.
5. Wanshi Tofu (Wanshi Doufu)
Silky soft tofu served in a flavorful broth with seafood and vegetables. Wanshi Tofu is a must-try at the famous Wanshi Tofu Restaurant.
- Tofu Quality: The tofu is made fresh daily using traditional methods.
- Seafood Freshness: Uses locally sourced seafood, ensuring optimal freshness.
- Authenticity: Wanshi Tofu Restaurant is a well-known landmark in Xiamen.
6. Xiamen Shrimp Roll (Xiamen Xia Jiu Tang)
A crispy spring roll filled with shrimp and vegetables. It's a popular snack found at street food stalls throughout Xiamen.
- Taste: The combination of salty shrimp and crispy roll is a delightful contrast.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional Fujianese recipe for the filling and wrapping method.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoying the shrimp rolls at a bustling street food stall adds to the authentic local experience.
7. Xiamen Mushroom Roll (Xiamen E'er Shen Chun)
A crispy spring roll filled with enokitake mushrooms and vegetables. It's a vegetarian delight found at street food stalls throughout Xiamen.
- Taste: The umami flavor from the enokitake mushrooms is a unique treat.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional Fujianese recipe for the filling and wrapping method.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoying the mushroom rolls at a bustling street food stall adds to the authentic local experience.
8. Xiamen Pork Belly Buns (Xiamen Rou Bao)
Steamed buns filled with tender pork belly. They're a popular street food found at many food stalls in Xiamen.
- Taste: The combination of savory pork belly and soft bun is a classic comfort food.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional Fujianese recipe for the filling and bun making.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoying the pork belly buns at a bustling street food stall adds to the authentic local experience.
9. Xiamen Salted Duck (Xiamen Yan Rou)
A local delicacy where the duck is preserved in salt for several days. It's best enjoyed at restaurants like Xiangyu Salted Fish Restaurant.
- Preservation Method: The unique preservation method enhances the flavor of the duck.
- Authenticity: Xiangyu Salted Fish Restaurant is a well-established restaurant known for preserving traditional cooking methods.
- Taste: The salted duck has a distinct, umami flavor that's hard to find elsewhere.
10. Xiamen Oyster Vermicelli (Huazi Fen Zi Mian)
A light and refreshing dish made with oysters, vermicelli noodles, and vegetables. It's best enjoyed at the bustling Zhongshan Road Night Market.
- Freshness: Uses fresh, locally sourced oysters.
- Cultural Significance: Originates from the Hokkien culture that has deep roots in Xiamen.
- Taste and Texture: The combination of chewy noodles, savory oysters, and crunchy vegetables is a delightful mix.
11. Xiamen Wonton (Xiamen Wantan)
A savory dumpling filled with pork and shrimp. It's best enjoyed at local restaurants like Wantuan Xiaoyuan.
- Taste: The combination of pork and shrimp filling gives the wontons a unique flavor.
- Cooking Technique: The wontons are boiled, giving them a tender texture and delicate broth.
- Authenticity: Wantuan Xiaoyuan is a well-known landmark in Xiamen known for its traditional dumpling making.
12. Xiamen Tea-Smoked Duck (Xiamen Chaye Shi Zi)
A local delicacy where the duck is smoked with tea leaves. It's best enjoyed at restaurants like Yunji Teahouse.
- Preservation Method: The unique smoking method gives the duck a distinct, aromatic flavor.
- Authenticity: Yunji Teahouse is a well-established teahouse known for preserving traditional cooking methods.
- Taste: The tea-smoked duck has a fragrant, smoky flavor that's hard to find elsewhere.
13. Xiamen Clam Pot (Huazi Gui Guo)
A hearty dish made with clams, vegetables, and tofu in a flavorful broth. It's best enjoyed at local seafood restaurants.
- Taste: The combination of salty clams, savory broth, and soft tofu is a comforting meal.
- Local Sourcing: Uses locally sourced clams and vegetables.
- Cooking Style: The dish is cooked in a clay pot, enhancing the flavor of the ingredients.
14. Xiamen Fried Noodles (Xiamen Chao Mian)
A popular street food made with wide noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of meat. It's best enjoyed at the bustling Zhongshan Road Night Market.
- Taste: The combination of savory noodles, crunchy vegetables, and your choice of meat is a satisfying meal.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional Fujianese recipe for the stir-fry method.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoying the fried noodles at a bustling street food stall adds to the authentic local experience.
15. Xiamen Danzhai Tofu (Xiamen Danzai Doufu)
A soft tofu dish served in a flavorful broth with peanuts, coriander, and chili oil. It's best enjoyed at the famous Danzai Tofu Street.
- Taste: The combination of silky tofu, savory broth, and spicy chili oil is a unique flavor experience.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows a traditional Fujianese recipe for the tofu preparation and seasoning.
- Authenticity: Danzai Tofu Street is a well-known landmark in Xiamen known for its traditional tofu making.