Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province, is a paradise for food lovers. Its street food scene is a vibrant mix of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, reflecting the city’s rich culinary heritage and maritime influences. From bustling night markets to hidden alleyway stalls, every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and local pride.
No visit to Xiamen is complete without exploring its legendary night markets. Zhongshan Road and Shapowei are two of the most famous spots, where the air is thick with the aroma of sizzling skewers, steaming soups, and freshly fried snacks. The energy is infectious—vendors call out to passersby, and the clatter of woks blends with the chatter of satisfied customers.
Given its coastal location, seafood is a cornerstone of Xiamen’s street food. Oysters (海蛎煎, or hai li jian), a crispy oyster omelette, is a must-try. The dish combines plump oysters with eggs, sweet potato starch, and a hint of garlic, fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy chili sauce. Another standout is sha cha mian (沙茶面), a noodle dish bathed in a rich, nutty broth made with shrimp paste and served with fresh squid, shrimp, and pork slices.
While Xiamen’s cuisine isn’t as fiery as Sichuan’s, it has its own subtle heat. Tu sun (土笋冻), a unique jelly-like snack made from sea worms, is often served with a spicy mustard sauce that adds a kick. For those who crave more heat, la zi ji (辣子鸡), a Fujian-style fried chicken with dried chilies, delivers a satisfying crunch and a slow-building burn.
What sets Xiamen’s spicy food apart is its harmony with other flavors. Dishes like hong you chao shou (红油抄手), or spicy wontons, balance heat with a touch of sweetness and umami, making them irresistible.
Xiamen’s sweet treats are just as iconic as its savory dishes. Hua sheng tang (花生汤), a warm peanut soup, is a comforting dessert with a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Another favorite is bing tang (冰糖葫芦), candied hawthorns on a stick, offering a delightful contrast between the crunchy sugar shell and the tart fruit inside.
Younger vendors are putting creative spins on traditional desserts. Matcha-flavored muachi (麻糍), glutinous rice balls filled with red bean paste, and mango shaved ice topped with condensed milk are becoming Instagram sensations.
Xiamen’s version of jian bing (煎饼), a savory crepe, is a breakfast staple. Stuffed with eggs, crispy wonton skins, and a smear of hoisin sauce, it’s the perfect grab-and-go meal.
Xiaolongbao (小笼包), steamed soup dumplings, are another crowd-pleaser. Bite into the thin wrapper, and a burst of hot, savory broth floods your mouth. For something heartier, zongzi (粽子), sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, are filled with pork, mushrooms, and chestnuts.
While tourist hotspots are great, some of the best eats are found in local neighborhoods. The alleys near Xiamen University are packed with tiny stalls serving everything from rou jia mo (肉夹馍) to dan dan mian (担担面).
Visit during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and you’ll find mooncakes with unique fillings like taro and salted egg yolk. In winter, warm up with a bowl of tangyuan (汤圆), sweet glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup.
Xiamen’s street food is more than just sustenance—it’s a sensory adventure. Whether you’re savoring the sweetness of peanut soup, the heat of chili-laced noodles, or the umami of fresh seafood, every flavor tells a story of this vibrant coastal city.
Copyright Statement:
Author: Xiamen Travel
Source: Xiamen Travel
The copyright of this article belongs to the author. Reproduction is not allowed without permission.