China has many interesting, original and tasty snacks, many of which are more nutritious and natural than chocolate, sweets and chips. Below are a few famous Chinese snack restaurants in Beijing listed on “A Taste of Beijing” Food Map.
Chenji Dehuiyuan Shaomai
Shaomai is a type of "open-face" dumpling, originating from Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Shaomai first appeared in Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, and were usually served in teahouses as a side dish.
Different from Cantonese Shaomai, the most well-known variety in foreign countries, Hohhot Shaomai is made with minced mutton or beef, along with scallion and ginger, creating a dense combined scent, and a slightly spicy taste. They go very well with a cup of brick tea, another Mongolian specialty.
It's never difficult to find Shaomai restaurants in Hohhot- there are thousands in the city. Now, Chenji Dehuiyuan Shaomai restaurant has also made it possible for food enthusiasts to indulge in the delicacy in Beijing.
Chenji Shaomai features thin, round sheet and flower-like pleats, with fresh but not greasy flavor. Shaomai here is served in the unit of "Liang", which means a portion of eight steamed ones served in a steamer tier. To better serve its customers, Chenji has developed other three flavors: Jingsanxian (stuffed with three kinds of seafood), Susanxian (stuffed with Chinese chives, egg and dried small shrimps) and Rousanxian (stuffed with shrimp, pork and Chinese chives). Each table is equipped with a tea set, where customers can enjoy the fun of tea making while eating.
Address: No. 110, Building No. 2, Shangbeixinzuo, West Street, Huilonguan, Changping District
Tel: 010-57170440
Hello Coarse Cereals Spring Pancake
Spring pancake is a traditional Chinese food popular in northern China. It originated in the Jin Dynasty (265-420) and has prospered since the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
People eat spring pancakes on the day of “Lichun”, the first of the 24 solar terms in Chinese lunar calendar, to celebrate the beginning of the spring. Generally, the pancake is wrapped around fresh vegetables and meat, in wish for good luck all year long. In the Qing Dynasty, spring pancakes became a fried pancake wrapped with fillings of ham, chicken, pork, black dates, scallions, walnuts and sugar.
The spring pancake at Hello is unique with five flavors including mung bean, millet, purple sweet potato, back rice and original taste, thus showing different colors. A great variety of side dishes are served with it, such as stir-fried eggs, smoked meat, Jingjiangrousi (Sauteed Shredded Pork in Sweet Bean Sauce), as well as the iconic Beijing cuisine, Peking duck.
Address: 4F, BHG Hualian Shopping Mall, No. 14, Chengnanjiayuan Yichengyuan, Fengtai District
Tel: 10-58310887
Chuange Fish Dumplings
Dumpling (Jiao Zi) is also called zhu bo bo by the Manchu and Mongolian people in Beijing. It resembles an ancient gold ingot. It comes in various fillings, such as minced pork, minced beef and other minced meat and chopped vegetables. Dumpling is apparently the most representative food of Chinese food culture, a symbol of reunion and happiness.
Chuange is a famous seafood dumplings brand founded in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. Fish dumplings are stuffed with fresh sea fish and other seafood, featuring rich fishing flavor. Chuange Fish Dumplings is renowned for its uniqueness, like the most sought-after cuttlefish dumpling, mackerel dumpling, and yellow croaker dumpling. With squid ink, the wrapper of the cuttlefish dumpling is black, but its taste is the same as other dumplings. And as a more essential part, its finely-made fillings are ample and taste fresh.
Address: 3/F, The Gate City Mall, No. 19 Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District
Tel: 010-57010083
Longji Changsha Rice Noodles
Hunan cuisine, also known as Xiang cuisine, one of the Eight Chinese Cuisines, is well known for its hot and spicy flavors, fresh aroma and deep colors. Changsha Rice Noodles is one of the most famous snacks of Hunan Province. As a local specialty, it is the most preferred Hunan breakfast, dating back to Emperor Yongzheng of Qing Dynasty.
The signature dish of Longji, Beef Rice Noodles, is simple in appearance, with several slices of beef, wide-cut rice noodles, and soup in a big bowl. The beef slices are marinated well and cooked till tender.
Apart from different flavors of rice noodles, we also recommend Changsha-style stinky tofu, a common street snack in China. Unlike the stinky tofu with a golden crust you may have seen before, this tofu is black and topped with a layer of red chilies and coriander. It has crispy crust, thanks to the deep-frying process, which also keeps the juicy and soft white tofu inside.
Address: Snack Street, Exit E of the Olympic Green subway Station
Tel: 13466512780
