What food is famous in Xiamen?
Imagine this: You’re strolling through a beautiful coastal city. A warm sea breeze gently caresses your face. The air is filled with the enticing aromas of grilled seafood, rich sauces, and fresh herbs. This is Xiamen, a pearl on China’s southeastern coast.
For American visitors, Xiamen is a culinary paradise. The flavors here are worlds apart from the “General Tso’s Chicken” or “Fried Offal” you might find in typical American Chinese restaurants. Xiamen cuisine (also known as Min Nan cuisine) centers around seafood, featuring light, fresh flavors with a hint of sweet and sour.
Ready to explore Xiamen with your taste buds? This guide will lead you to the most unforgettable culinary experiences.
Why is Xiamen’s cuisine so special?
Xiamen is an island city. This means seafood reigns supreme on the table. Cooking methods emphasize bringing out the natural flavors of ingredients. Steaming, boiling, and stewing are common techniques. Flavors are layered yet never overly greasy or spicy.
Xiamen locals also know how to savor life. Street food is the heart and soul of this city. From breakfast to late-night snacks, every street corner tempts with culinary delights.
Must-Try Signature Dishes of Xiamen
1.Satay Noodles – Xiamen’s Soul Food
If you can only try one dish in Xiamen, make it Satay Noodles.
What is it? A soup noodle dish. Its soul lies in the broth simmered with “satay sauce.” This sauce blends peanuts, dried shrimp, garlic, and spices into a rich, aromatic paste. Its flavor resembles slightly spicy, nutty satay sauce, but with greater complexity.
How to eat it? You choose your toppings. Common options include lean pork, pork liver, squid, tofu, large shrimp, and more. The vendor will blanch your desired toppings, place them in a bowl, and then pour piping hot satay broth over them.
Tip for foreign visitors: Think of it as a fully customizable, more flavorful version of ramen. Be bold and try various toppings! It’s the most direct way to experience local food culture.
2.Oyster Omelette – Delicious Seafood Pancake
One of Xiamen’s most famous snacks, found at any night market.
What is it? A pancake made by frying fresh oysters, eggs, sweet potato starch, and scallions together. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. A truly unique texture.
The key is in the sauce. It always comes with a distinctive pink sauce that’s both sweet and a little spicy. This isn’t just a condiment—it’s an essential part of the experience, lifting the rich flavor of the oysters to a whole new level. Who knew pink sauce could be so delicious?
Tip for American visitors: Think of it as a “seafood omelette,” but with a stickier texture. Don’t be put off by its slightly gooey appearance—the taste is absolutely delightful.
3.Tusun Dong – A Challenge for the Brave
This is Xiamen’s most adventurous delicacy. But if you dare to try it, you’ll gain a truly unique experience.
What is it? “Earthworm jelly” is actually made from star worms, a type of worm that lives in tidal flats. After boiling, the gelatinous substance in the worms dissolves into the water, forming a jelly-like substance when cooled.
How to eat it? Slice it and serve with soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, and cilantro. The texture is cool, smooth, and springy. The flavor itself is mild, relying heavily on the condiments.
Tip for foreign visitors: This is definitely “Fear Factor”-level food. The texture is like a firm Jell-O, but with a gentle, savory flavor. It’s a fun and mild adventure for your taste buds. Those brave enough to try it will earn the respect of the locals!
4.Ginger Duck – A Comforting Dish for Body and Soul
This nourishing dish is perfect for slightly cooler weather.
What is it? A whole duck slow-cooked with generous amounts of old ginger, sesame oil, and secret medicinal herbs. The duck meat becomes incredibly tender and melts in your mouth. The ginger flavor permeates the meat, offering warmth without heat.
How to eat it? Typically served in a whole pot at the table, it pairs well with rice.
Tip for American visitors: If you enjoy the richness of Thanksgiving roast duck, you’ll adore this dish. It’s moister than roast duck, with a unique Eastern flair from its medicinal herbal flavors.
5.Peanut Soup – A Simple Sweet Finale
Don’t be surprised to see locals enjoying this sweet soup for breakfast—it’s like a comforting, warm porridge. It’s also a popular choice for a delicate afternoon pick-me-up.
What is it? Peanuts are simmered for hours until incredibly tender, melting into the soup. The soup has a creamy white color and a rich, sweet flavor.
How to eat it? Enjoy it hot or chilled. Some people like to add an egg to make egg drop peanut soup, which gives it a smoother texture.
Tip for American visitors: Imagine it as a thinner, lighter version of peanut butter soup. It’s a simple, comforting dessert that perfectly rounds out a meal.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Where to find these delicacies?
Xiamen’s culinary treasures are scattered throughout the city, but several spots are must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street: This bustling thoroughfare is beloved by both tourists and locals. Snack shops and stalls line both sides of the street, allowing you to sample all the mentioned delicacies while strolling. It’s especially lively at night.
Eighth Market (Ba Shi): For an authentic local experience, head to Ba Shi. This vibrant traditional market offers not only fresh ingredients but also hides many legendary snack stalls. Here, you’ll see the most authentic side of Xiamen.
Zengcuoan: This former fishing village has transformed into a hipster haven. Narrow streets are lined with unique boutiques, cafes, and snack stalls. The atmosphere is younger and more international, perfect for leisurely exploration.
Practical Tips for Foreign Visitors
- The Golden Rule: Forget what you know. The best food in Xiamen often comes from the places that look the simplest. Trust your senses, be bold, and dive in. Your courage will be rewarded with incredible taste!
- Use Translation Apps: Many stalls lack English menus. Snapping photos of menus with translation apps (like Google Translate) is super helpful.
- Eat on the Go: Street food culture means “buy and eat immediately.” Most stalls lack seating. Be prepared to eat standing up or take your food to go.
- A good rule of thumb is to follow the crowd. Stalls with a steady stream of customers are your best bet for freshness and quality.
- Here’s a key travel tip for your food adventures: Always keep some small RMB bills on you. While mobile payments are the norm, the best street food stalls—often family-run for generations—frequently operate on a cash-only basis. Being prepared means you never miss a bite!
- Share dishes: Order one portion of each snack to share. This lets you sample more varieties.
Xiamen is a city born for food. Its flavors are fresh, brimming with ocean essence, and full of surprises. Forget the familiar Americanized Chinese cuisine. Immerse yourself in Xiamen’s streets and alleys, letting your taste buds guide you on an unforgettable adventure.
From a steaming bowl of satay noodles to the daring challenge of bamboo shoot jelly, every bite is a conversation with the city’s culture. Bon appétit!
Hope this guide helps you plan the perfect Xiamentrip. If you have any questions, leave a comment below!
