When it comes to street food, the varieties we have in China could fill an encyclopedia. Nation wide, and even world wide, we are known for our various dumplings, pancakes, steamed rolls (baozi) and more. However, there many dishes or snacks that also deserve this fame and acclaim. Below, you will be introduced to 3 of my favorite underrated Chinese street foods.
- 鸭血粉丝汤/Duck’s Blood Vermicelli Soup
What is it?
Although it may sound intimidating, duck’s blood vermicelli soup is exactly what it is. That is, with the addition of duck intestines, duck liver, duck gizzard, tofu and cilantro. But don’t worry, I’ve eaten it many times and I’m still here. At this point, you may be asking yourself: who would even invent such a thing? Yes, I understand. However, once the flavors of this dish hit your tongue, you will understand. I’m sure the people of Nanjing 1400 years ago who invented this dish would also agree. As the saying goes, “No duck can walk out of Nanjing alive（没有一只鸭子能活着走出南京）”
Taste
The taste of this dish is simple but cohesive. The broth tastes mostly of salt and meat but you can customize to your preferences by adding vinegar and chili oil. With the different parts of duck, you have the pleasure of enjoying different textures. Combined with stretchy vermicelli noodles and soft juicy tofu, it makes for varied and complex textures.
On what occasion should it be eaten?
This dish never fails to satisfy me whether it be breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner or midnight. It gives you that excitement that can turn any bad day around. I would suggest getting it from local stores by the road with a decent amount of customers. Another option would be 回味, a famous casual chain restaurant famous for their duck blood vermicelli soup. You can even buy their instant version of duck blood vermicelli soup for a quick fix.
2. 冰粉/Ice Jelly
What is it?
Ice jelly (bingfen) consists of a bowl of jelly floating in a mixture of water and brown sugar. It’s served cold in a bowl and eaten with a spoon, which allows you to take in all the flavors in one bite. Different stores will have their own take Ice jelly, adding different toppings such as, raisins, Hawthorne crisps, sesame, fruits, nuts, tapioca pearls and more (all of which taste amazing). The ingredients of the jelly come from a plant known as apple-of-Peru or shoo-fly plant while the dish itself originated and is known in Sichuan.
Taste
The ice jelly itself is light and jiggly without much flavor. That’s why we have toppings and the sugary liquid to add a contrast of flavor and texture. I usually try to get as much variety on a spoonful to get the full experience. Other than that, there’s not much to elaborate as each store or restaurant has a different take on ice jelly.
On what occasion should it be eaten?
Too hot outside in June? Tongue burning from the spicy Chongqing hot pot? Consider ordering or making ice jelly, a perfect remedy to counter anything hot and spicy.
3. 龙须糖/Dragon’s Whisker Candy
Dragon’s whisker candy is a popular snack unique to China. The candy is made out of thousands of “hairs”, wrapped together into round or square bites made of flour and maltose. In terms of history, this snack goes back more than 2,000 years. It is said to have gained popularity when Emperor Zhengde of the Ming Dynasty discovered dragon’s whisker candy being made while traveling to local areas. Impressed by the taste, he ordered to have the candy made in the palace. Originally, dragon’s whisker candy was named “silver strand candy”. However, as the candy gained even more popularity, its name was changed to dragon’s whisker candy by Emperor Yongzheng. He then served this as part of a the Manchu-Han Imperial Feast (满汉全席), a large banquet with more than 100 important officials.
Taste
Initially, as your teeth first sink in, the whisker feel crunchy and even tough as the strands are tangled together. However, within seconds, the distinct strands start melting into one. The fresh sweetness of the candy becomes more prominent. By the end, you’re left with nothing but satisfaction and a strong craving for another piece.
On what occasion should it be eaten?
Dragon’s whisker candy is a great treat at the end of a long day. At the same time, it’s a spark of light in your mouth, releasing energy and wonder. It’s the snack you didn’t think you needed.
Next time you’re out and about, consider trying new Chinese dishes or street foods. In particular, look out for these 3 foods listed above. Keep your mind open to new experiences. You’ll never know what gems you’ll discover!