Top Snacks in Xiamen

Top Snacks in Xiamen

Xiamen’s street food beautifully blends Southern Fujian (Minnan) flavors with fresh seafood. Here’s your guide to the most delicious and unique local snacks!

🌟 Must-Try Classics

Shacha Noodles (沙茶面) 🍜

Xiamen’s most iconic dish! Features a rich, aromatic broth made with peanut butter, dried shrimp, and fish. Served with alkaline noodles and your choice of toppings like pork liver, squid, or tofu.

Where to try: Yuehua Shacha Noodles, Wutang Shacha Noodles
Price: ¥25+ (≈$3.5+)

Oyster Omelette (海蛎煎) 🦪

Fresh local oysters pan-fried with eggs and sweet potato starch until crispy outside and juicy inside. Served with Xiamen’s special sweet chili sauce.

Where to try: Lianhuan Oyster Omelette, Kangjia Longtou Oyster Omelette
Price: ~¥20 (≈$3)

Sea Worm Jelly (土笋冻) 🪱

Xiamen’s most unique snack! Made from starfish worms boiled and cooled into jelly. Served cold with soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Surprisingly refreshing!

Where to try: Ximen Tudong
Tip: Choose clean, reputable vendors

Peanut Soup (花生汤) 🥜

A sweet, comforting dessert soup made from slow-cooked peeled peanuts. Often served with an egg stirred in during winter months.

Where to try: Huangzehe Peanut Soup
Price: ~¥10 (≈$1.5)

🥢 Other Local Specialties

Zongzi (烧肉粽) 🫔

Glutinous rice dumplings stuffed with pork, mushrooms, shrimp, chestnuts, and egg yolk. Steamed to perfection and served with sweet chili or shacha sauce.

Where to try: 1980 Shaorouzong

Five-Spice Rolls (炸五香) 🌯

Bean curd skin wrapped around minced pork, water chestnuts, and onions, then deep-fried until crispy. bursting with aromatic flavors.

Where to try: Ah Jie Wuxiang (No. 8 Market)
Price: ~¥4/roll (≈$0.6)

Taro Bun (芋包) 🍠

Savory steamed buns with outer layer of mashed taro and filling of mushrooms, tofu, shrimp, and pork. Topped with sweet chili and mustard sauce.

Where to try: Yubaowang Minnan Teahouse, Yubaosao
Price: ~¥7 each (≈$1)

Wonton (扁食) 🥟

Southern Fujian-style wontons with paper-thin wrappers and minced pork filling. Served in light, clear broth.

Where to try: Laosong Wonton, Lai Cuocheng Wonton

Ginger Duck (姜母鸭) 🦆

Braised duck with aged ginger, sesame oil, rice wine, and Chinese herbs. Tender, aromatic, and considered medicinal food.

Where to try: Dajiaxiang Ginger Duck, Guanding Ginger Duck

🗺️ Food Hunting Guide

Best Food Streets 🗺️

No. 8 Market (八市) – Local favorite for authentic snacks
Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street (中山路) – Classic snacks and established brands
Zengcuoan (曾厝垵) – Tourist area with variety (be selective)
Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿) – Try Yeshi Mochi and other specialties