Best Budget Eats in Huainan, China

1. Lao Cheng Steamed Buns (老程包子)

A popular street food joint known for its affordable and delicious steamed buns filled with various fillings like pork, vegetables, and red bean.

Affordable: Offers budget-friendly prices with a single bun costing less than $0.25
Authentic: Uses traditional recipes passed down for generations, giving you an authentic taste of Huainan's culinary heritage
Convenient: Located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible to tourists and locals alike

A bustling street filled with various food stalls offering local specialties such as skewered meats, rice cakes, and fried dough sticks.

Variety: Offers a wide variety of budget-friendly dishes, making it a great place to try multiple local delicacies
Cultural Experience: Provides a unique insight into Huainan's local culture and social life as you dine among the locals
Affordable Prices: Most dishes are priced between $0.50 to $2, allowing for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank

A popular noodle dish from Guangdong province served in a flavorful, spicy broth with various toppings like shrimp, pork, and vegetables.

Tasty: Boasts a rich and spicy broth that is both satisfying and flavorful
Budget-Friendly: Usually priced between $2 to $4, making it an affordable option for budget travelers
Quick Service: Ideal for quick meals as it's served swiftly and can be found at various street food stalls throughout Huainan

A traditional dish made from local ducks, served with a sweet and savory sauce. The duck is tender and flavorful.

Tender Meat: The meat is slow-cooked to perfection, making it incredibly tender
Authentic Experience: Provides a genuine taste of Huainan's culinary traditions and history
Moderate Prices: Priced between $5 to $10 per serving, offering good value for the quality and portion size

A hearty dish made with thin rice noodles, served in a flavorful broth with various toppings like pork, vegetables, and egg.

Hearty Meal: Makes for a filling meal due to its generous portion size
Budget-Friendly: Typically priced between $1.50 to $3, making it an affordable option for budget travelers
Quick Service: Ideal for quick meals as it's served swiftly and can be found at various street food stalls throughout Huainan

A local delicacy made from snake meat and various herbs and spices. The soup is warming and flavorful.

Unique Taste: Offers a unique taste that you won't find elsewhere, making it a must-try for adventurous eaters
Warming: The soup is warming and comforting, perfect for chilly days in Huainan
Moderate Prices: Priced between $5 to $10 per serving, offering good value for the unique taste and experience

A sweet dessert made from tofu and sugar syrup. It is soft, silky, and has a slightly sweet flavor.

Delicious Dessert: Offers a refreshing and delightful dessert option after a heavy meal
Affordable Prices: Typically priced between $0.50 to $1, making it an affordable treat for budget travelers
Traditional Snack: Represents a traditional Huainan snack that has been enjoyed for generations

Steamed buns filled with pickled vegetables and a savory sauce. The combination is tangy, salty, and satisfying.

Tasty: The tangy pickled vegetables provide a unique flavor that complements the soft, doughy bun
Budget-Friendly: Usually priced between $0.50 to $1, making it an affordable and tasty snack option
Quick Service: Ideal for quick meals as it's served swiftly and can be found at various street food stalls throughout Huainan

A savory pancake made with various fillings like vegetables, pork, and shrimp. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Crispy Texture: The crispy exterior provides a satisfying contrast to the soft filling
Budget-Friendly: Typically priced between $0.50 to $2, making it an affordable and tasty meal option
Quick Service: Ideal for quick meals as it's served swiftly and can be found at various street food stalls throughout Huainan

Sticky rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves. They are chewy and have a slightly sweet flavor.

Traditional Snack: Represents a traditional Huainan snack that has been enjoyed for generations
Affordable Prices: Typically priced between $0.50 to $1, making it an affordable and tasty snack option
Unique Texture: The chewy texture provides a unique eating experience unlike other rice cakes

A stir-fried noodle dish made with various ingredients like pork, vegetables, and egg. It is served hot and spicy.

Spicy Flavor: The spicy flavor gives it a unique twist compared to other noodle dishes
Budget-Friendly: Typically priced between $1.50 to $3, making it an affordable meal option for budget travelers
Quick Service: Ideal for quick meals as it's served swiftly and can be found at various street food stalls throughout Huainan

Various types of meat and vegetables skewered and grilled over an open flame. The skewers are seasoned with spices for added flavor.

Flavorful: The skewers are seasoned with a variety of spices, providing a burst of flavors in each bite
Budget-Friendly: Typically priced between $0.50 to $2 per skewer, making it an affordable snack option for budget travelers
Street Food Experience: Provides a traditional street food experience as you dine among the bustling market atmosphere

A dish made with thin rice vermicelli noodles, served in a flavorful broth with various toppings like pork, vegetables, and egg.

Hearty Meal: Makes for a filling meal due to its generous portion size
Budget-Friendly: Typically priced between $1.50 to $3, making it an affordable option for budget travelers
Quick Service: Ideal for quick meals as it's served swiftly and can be found at various street food stalls throughout Huainan

A traditional dish made from fish, stewed in a flavorful broth with various vegetables and seasonings.

Tender Fish: The fish is tender and melts in your mouth
Authentic Experience: Provides a genuine taste of Huainan's culinary traditions and history
Moderate Prices: Priced between $5 to $10 per serving, offering good value for the quality and portion size

A variety of pickled vegetables that are sour and tangy. They can be eaten as a side dish or added to other dishes for extra flavor.

Tangy Flavor: The tangy flavor provides a unique taste contrast in your meals
Affordable Prices: Typically priced between $0.50 to $1 per serving, making it an affordable addition to other dishes
Traditional Snack: Represents a traditional Huainan snack that has been enjoyed for generations