15 Essential Foods and Drinks You Must Try In China

China’s food scene is an adventure packed with flavors that range from sweet and tangy to fiery and bold. Every region adds its own twist to the table, making Chinese cuisine one of the most exciting in the world.

Slurping noodles at a street cart or savoring duck at a fine restaurant, each bite tells a story, showcasing dishes and drinks that make China a food lover’s paradise.

1. Peking Duck

Crispy, golden skin that crackles with every bite—Peking Duck is Beijing’s crown jewel. Roasted to perfection after being air-dried, the duck is served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh scallions.

Wrapping up your own little parcel is half the fun, and the combination of textures is unbeatable. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a full-on experience.

Locals have been perfecting this dish for centuries, and one taste will show you why it’s legendary.

2. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

One wrong move and you’ll have hot soup all over your plate—that’s the thrill of xiaolongbao. These delicate Shanghai dumplings are filled with savory broth and tender pork, steamed in bamboo baskets until they’re ready to burst.

The trick? Nibble a tiny hole, sip the broth, then devour the rest.

It’s like a flavor bomb wrapped in dough.

Street vendors and fancy restaurants alike serve these little pockets of joy, making them a must-try for any visitor.

3. Mapo Tofu

Sichuan cuisine doesn’t mess around, and Mapo Tofu proves it. Soft tofu cubes swim in a fiery, numbing sauce made with fermented bean paste, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns that make your tongue tingle.

Add some minced pork for extra heartiness, and you’ve got a dish that’s both comforting and intense. It’s the kind of spicy that sneaks up on you, then refuses to let go.

Pair it with steamed rice to balance the heat—you’ll need it!

4. Dan Dan Noodles

Spicy, nutty, and downright addictive—Dan Dan Noodles are Sichuan’s gift to noodle lovers everywhere. The noodles are tossed in a rich sesame or peanut sauce, topped with minced meat, pickled vegetables, and scallions.

Each bite delivers layers of flavor, from the savory sauce to the crunchy pickles. Street vendors whip up bowls in minutes, making it the ultimate quick meal.

Fair warning: once you try these, plain noodles will never be the same.

5. Biang Biang Noodles

Wide, chewy, and impossibly satisfying, Biang Biang Noodles from Shaanxi province are named after the sound they make when slapped on the counter. These hand-pulled beauties are served with chili oil, garlic, vinegar, and sometimes vegetables or meat.

The noodles are thick enough to really soak up all that bold, tangy flavor. Watching them being made is almost as fun as eating them.

Pro tip: don’t wear white—this dish can get messy!

6. Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Fluffy clouds of dough stuffed with savory fillings—baozi are breakfast heroes all across China. Whether filled with juicy pork, tender beef, or fresh vegetables, these steamed buns are warm, comforting, and ridiculously easy to eat on the go.

You’ll find them at street stalls, breakfast shops, and even convenience stores. They’re cheap, filling, and endlessly customizable.

Grab a few for breakfast and you’ll understand why locals can’t start their day without them.

7. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Soup Buns)

Imagine xiaolongbao, but with a crispy, golden-brown bottom—that’s shengjianbao. These pan-fried buns from Shanghai are steamed on top and fried on the bottom, giving you the best of both worlds.

Inside, you’ll find juicy pork and a savory broth that’s just waiting to escape. The contrast between the crunchy base and soft top is pure magic.

Bite carefully, though—hot soup and eager eaters don’t always mix well!

8. Jianbing (Chinese Pancake)

Street food doesn’t get better than jianbing. This savory pancake starts with a thin layer of batter cooked on a hot griddle, then gets loaded with eggs, scallions, cilantro, crispy wonton chips, and a drizzle of sweet soy sauce.

It’s folded up into a portable package that’s perfect for busy mornings. Every vendor has their own twist, so no two jianbings taste exactly alike.

Crunchy, savory, and just a little messy—this is breakfast done right.

9. Tanghulu (Candied Hawthorns)

Sweet, tart, and dangerously addictive, tanghulu are hawthorn berries coated in a shiny, crunchy sugar shell and skewered on a stick. They’re especially popular in winter, when vendors line the streets with these glossy red treats.

The contrast between the sour fruit and sweet coating is surprisingly balanced. Kids and adults alike can’t resist the satisfying crack when you bite through the candy shell.

One stick is never enough—trust us on that.

10. Baijiu (Chinese Liquor)

Strong, bold, and not for the faint of heart—baijiu is China’s national liquor, distilled from sorghum or other grains. It packs a serious punch, with alcohol content that can reach up to 60 percent.

Traditionally served at banquets and celebrations, it’s meant to be sipped slowly and toasted often. The flavor varies wildly depending on the brand and region, from floral to earthy.

First-timers beware: this spirit commands respect, so pace yourself and enjoy responsibly!

11. Soy Milk (Dòujiāng)

Forget your morning coffee—many Chinese locals start their day with a warm cup of soy milk. Made from soybeans, this plant-based drink is creamy, slightly sweet, and incredibly comforting.

You can find it served hot or cold, plain or sweetened, often paired with fried dough sticks called youtiao. It’s a breakfast staple that’s been fueling people for centuries.

Light, nutritious, and delicious, soy milk is the ultimate morning pick-me-up that won’t weigh you down.

12. Suanmei Tang (Sour Plum Drink)

When summer heat hits hard, nothing beats a cold glass of suanmei tang. This traditional drink is made from sour plums and has a sweet-tart flavor that’s incredibly refreshing.

It’s tangy enough to wake up your taste buds but balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Street vendors and restaurants serve it chilled, making it the perfect antidote to sticky weather.

One sip and you’ll understand why this centuries-old beverage is still a summer favorite across China.

13. Yangzhou Fried Rice

Fried rice is everywhere in China, but Yangzhou’s version is the one that probably looks most familiar. Fluffy grains of rice are stir-fried with eggs, shrimp, ham, peas, and carrots, creating a colorful and flavorful dish.

Each ingredient is carefully balanced so nothing overpowers the rest. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.

Whether served as a main dish or a side, Yangzhou fried rice never disappoints hungry diners.

14. Egg Tart

Creamy, custardy, and impossibly delicious—egg tarts are a beloved treat in Hong Kong and Macau. Inspired by Portuguese pastel de nata, the Macau version features puff pastry and a caramelized top, while Hong Kong’s uses a buttery short crust.

Both versions are baked until the custard is silky smooth and the pastry is golden. They’re often enjoyed alongside milk tea for the ultimate afternoon snack.

One bite and you’ll be hooked on these sweet little pastries!

15. Hot Pot

Hot pot is less of a meal and more of an event—a bubbling cauldron of broth sits at the center of the table, and everyone cooks their own ingredients. Choose from thinly sliced meats, fresh vegetables, tofu, noodles, and dumplings, then dip them in your favorite sauce.

It’s interactive, social, and endlessly customizable. Sichuan-style hot pot brings the heat with spicy broth, while other regions offer milder options.

Gather your friends, grab your chopsticks, and prepare for a feast!