A Foodie's Guide to Xiamen: Must-Try Delights in Fujian

Xiamen, located in the coastal Fujian province, is a vibrant culinary destination renowned for its diverse and flavorful food scene. The city's cuisine is a perfect blend of traditional Fujianese flavors, with subtle yet distinct influences from nearby Taiwan and Southeast Asia, thanks to its history as a bustling port city. In Xiamen, street food takes center stage, offering a delightful mix of savory snacks, fresh seafood, and sweet treats that reflect the local culture and history. From the bustling night markets to the charming alleys of Gulangyu Island, Xiamen's food culture revolves around its local specialties, each bite offering a unique taste of the region's rich culinary heritage.

Xiamen’s Famous Street Food
Peanut Soup: Peanut Soup is a beloved street snack in Xiamen, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. This warm dessert soup is made from boiled peanuts simmered with sugar and a hint of salt, creating a comforting and rich flavor profile. Often served with a dash of ginger, it strikes a perfect balance between the natural nuttiness of the peanuts and the subtle sweetness of the broth. It’s a must-try snack for anyone visiting Xiamen, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike as a hearty treat during cool evenings or after a busy day of sightseeing.

Oyster Omelet: The Oyster Omelet is a signature dish of Xiamen, loved for its combination of fresh, plump oysters, eggs, and a starchy batter that gives it a unique, chewy texture. The dish is cooked on a hot griddle, where the oysters are quickly stir-fried with the egg and starch, then topped with a flavorful, slightly spicy sauce. The result is a savory and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Xiamen’s coastal cuisine. It’s a popular street food, often served in markets or small eateries, and is a must-try for those looking to experience the freshest seafood in the city.

Shacha Noodles: Shacha Noodles are a popular dish in Xiamen, featuring noodles served with a savory and aromatic sauce made from soybeans, garlic, and a blend of spices. The sauce, known as "shacha," is rich and flavorful, with a subtle umami taste and a hint of sweetness and spice. Often topped with sliced meat, vegetables, and sometimes seafood, Shacha Noodles offer a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. This dish is a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by locals for its deep, savory flavor and warming qualities, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Xiamen’s diverse culinary offerings.

Spring Rolls: Spring Rolls in Xiamen are a crispy and savory snack, often filled with a mixture of vegetables, pork, or even fresh local seafood. The thin, golden-brown wrappers are fried to perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite. Depending on the filling, they can have a delicate balance of flavors, from the savory richness of the pork to the sweet freshness of seafood. These crispy delights are commonly served with a light dipping sauce, enhancing their flavor. A popular street food and appetizer, spring rolls are an essential part of Xiamen’s vibrant food culture, offering a quick and delicious bite for both locals and visitors.

Local Delicacies to Savor
Xiamen Satay Beef: Xiamen Satay, or "Shacha Beef," is a flavorful dish that features tender slices of beef cooked in a rich and aromatic satay sauce. The sauce is made from a blend of soybeans, garlic, spices, and chili, giving it a unique balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. The beef absorbs the savory depth of the sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both tender and satisfying. Often served with rice or as part of a larger meal, Xiamen Satay is a popular choice for those who enjoy bold, flavorful dishes with a bit of heat. It’s a true reflection of the city’s diverse culinary influences and a must-try for meat lovers.

Seafood Delights: Xiamen’s coastal location makes it a haven for fresh seafood, with an abundance of fish, squid, crabs, and shellfish available daily. The city’s seafood is often prepared simply, allowing the natural flavors of the catch to shine. Grilled, steamed, or stir-fried with minimal seasoning, these dishes highlight the freshness and sweetness of the local seafood. Xiamen's seafood delicacies are renowned for their quality and tenderness, with dishes like steamed fish, stir-fried squid, and sweet, succulent crab being staples of the local dining scene. Whether enjoyed at seafood markets, coastal restaurants, or street vendors, Xiamen's seafood delights offer an authentic taste of the sea that shouldn’t be missed.

Bailu Pork: Bailu Pork is a traditional Xiamen dish known for its distinctive marinated flavor that sets it apart from other pork dishes. The pork is carefully seasoned with a special blend of spices, soy sauce, and sometimes rice wine, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. The result is tender, flavorful pork with a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes. Often served with steamed rice or in a rich broth, Bailu Pork is a comforting and hearty dish that reflects the culinary traditions of Xiamen. Its unique marination process and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the city’s authentic flavors.

Xiamen Rice Dumplings: Xiamen Rice Dumplings, or "Shacha Baozi," are a local favorite, featuring soft, sticky rice dough wrapped around a flavorful filling of minced pork or vegetables. The dumplings are steamed to perfection, creating a tender exterior that contrasts beautifully with the savory, juicy filling inside. Often served with a rich, savory dipping sauce made from the signature shacha (satay) sauce, these dumplings offer a satisfying balance of flavors. Whether enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal, Xiamen Rice Dumplings are a comforting dish that reflects the city’s fusion of savory ingredients and its love for rich, umami-packed flavors.

Xiamen Tea Culture and Local Beverages
Gulangyu Island's Tea Houses: Gulangyu Island is not only famous for its picturesque scenery and colonial architecture but also for its rich tea culture. The island is home to several traditional tea houses where visitors can explore the history of tea in Xiamen, particularly the renowned local oolong varieties. These tea houses offer a tranquil setting to experience the delicate art of tea brewing, with expert tea masters guiding you through the process. Xiamen, and especially Gulangyu, has a deep-rooted tea culture, and sipping freshly brewed oolong tea while enjoying the island’s serene atmosphere is an essential part of the local experience. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the city’s heritage and savor the fragrant, smooth flavors of one of China’s most beloved teas.

Bubble Tea: Though originally from Taiwan, bubble tea has become a beloved drink in Xiamen, with many local variations that add unique twists to this trendy beverage. The classic combination of sweet milk tea and chewy tapioca pearls is often enhanced with flavors like taro, coconut, or even fresh fruit, making it a refreshing and customizable treat. Xiamen’s bubble tea shops are known for their creative offerings, with some adding local ingredients like sweet potato or mung beans to give the drink a distinctly Fujianese flair.

Traditional Fujian Tea: Fujian is renowned for its rich tea culture, and Xiamen serves as a gateway to explore some of the finest teas in China. The region is especially famous for its oolong teas, with Tieguanyin being one of the most celebrated varieties. Known for its floral aroma and smooth, slightly sweet flavor, Tieguanyin is often regarded as the pinnacle of Fujian tea craftsmanship. In addition to oolong, Xiamen also offers Longjing tea, a prized green tea with a delicate, nutty flavor. Visitors can experience these teas firsthand at local tea houses, where they can learn about the traditional brewing techniques and the deep cultural significance of tea in the region. Whether sipping a delicate cup of Tieguanyin or savoring the earthy notes of Longjing, indulging in traditional Fujian tea is a must for any tea lover.

Xiamen’s Sweet Treats
Xiamen’s Sweet Tofu Pudding: Xiamen’s Sweet Tofu Pudding is a beloved dessert made from silky smooth tofu that melts in your mouth. The tofu is gently sweetened with syrup, offering a delicate balance of sweetness and creaminess. Often topped with roasted peanuts or a sprinkle of sesame, this comforting treat is both light and refreshing. The peanuts add a crunchy contrast to the soft tofu, enhancing the flavor and texture. Served warm or cold, Sweet Tofu Pudding is a popular dessert choice for locals and visitors alike, especially in the evening when it’s enjoyed as a soothing snack after a busy day of sightseeing. It’s a simple yet delightful treat that showcases the city's love for sweet, comforting desserts.

Fried Dough Rings: Fried Dough Rings are a light and sweet snack that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These golden, ring-shaped pastries are deep-fried to perfection, giving them a satisfying crunch with every bite. Typically sprinkled with a dusting of sugar or sesame, they offer a simple yet delightful treat. Often enjoyed as a breakfast snack or afternoon pick-me-up, these dough rings are commonly found at local street vendors and markets in Xiamen. Their light sweetness and crispy texture make them an irresistible snack for those looking to indulge in a traditional, easy-to-enjoy treat.

Chilli Cake: Chilli Cake is a savory, spicy snack that packs a punch with every bite. Made from a mixture of rice flour and chili, this cake is fried to a crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. The combination of the mild heat from the chili and the satisfying crunch makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy bold flavors. Often served as a side dish or snack, Chilli Cake is commonly found in local eateries and street food stalls across Xiamen. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a bowl of noodles or rice, this spicy treat adds a delicious kick to any meal.

Where to Eat in Xiamen
Local Specialty Dishes
Yuehua Sha Cha Noodles (Zhongshan Road Branch): A local favorite serving Sha Cha noodles, a traditional Fujian dish with a rich and savory broth.
Address: Zhongshan Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Lin Jia Minnan Cuisine: Offers authentic Minnan (Southern Fujian) dishes, known for their fresh ingredients and delicate flavors.
Address: No. 60, Gulangyu Island, Siming District, Xiamen
Jin Jiagang Seafood Diner: A great spot for fresh seafood, with a lively atmosphere perfect for seafood lovers.
Address: No. 9, Haicang District, Xiamen
Tang Yan · Old Xiamen Private Kitchen: Specializes in classic Old Xiamen home-style cooking, offering a taste of traditional Xiamen flavors.
Address: No. 88, Zhongshan Road, Siming District, Xiamen

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Xiao Yanjing Seafood Diner: A popular seafood diner offering authentic local flavors, loved by both locals and tourists.
Address: No. 121, Baicheng Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Hei Ming Restaurant: A trendy and popular spot among young locals, known for its creative and unique dishes.
Address: No. 18, Dongdu Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Nanputuo Vegetarian Cuisine: Located near the Nanputuo Temple, it provides a peaceful atmosphere to experience traditional vegetarian cuisine.
Address: Near Nanputuo Temple, Siming District, Xiamen

Michelin and International Restaurants
Liu Hua Qing Yu, Xian Cheng, Yan Yu: The first batch of Michelin-starred restaurants in Fujian, offering exquisite local dishes with a refined touch.
Address: No. 28, Xiamen Road, Siming District, Xiamen
Greg’s Xiamen French Restaurant: Fuses French and Chinese culinary traditions, offering innovative dishes that blend the best of both worlds.
Address: No. 95, East Huandao Road, Xiamen
You Chen Restaurant: A top choice for Japanese cuisine lovers, serving fresh and authentic Japanese dishes.
Address: No. 7, Dongmen Road, Xiamen
Xi Xi CCeveryday: Located in the Twin Towers, this is a trendy and popular restaurant known for its modern atmosphere and diverse menu.
Address: No. 68, Hubin North Road, Xiamen (Twin Towers)

Other Recommendations
Chao Fu Cheng: A great place to enjoy Hong Kong-style dim sum and fresh seafood, offering a casual dining experience.
Address: No. 16, Gulangyu Island, Siming District, Xiamen
Lujiang Hotel Seaview Dining Room: Enjoy your meal while taking in the stunning ocean views from this renowned hotel restaurant.
Address: No. 101, Lujiang Road, Siming District, Xiamen