Fujian, China
Xiamen cuisine, a distinct branch of Minnan (Southern Fujian) cuisine, reflects the city's coastal location and historical influences. It presents a culinary identity shaped by its maritime heritage and ties to Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
Dishes often feature a delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors, with an understated use of spices to allow the natural taste of ingredients to shine.
Prawns, crabs, oysters, and various types of fresh fish are staples, often prepared simply to highlight their natural sweetness.
Peanuts are a prominent ingredient in sauces and snacks. Pork is a common meat, frequently braised to tenderness or in broths.
Noodles and rice are essential carbohydrates. Ginger, garlic, and spring onions supply aromatic depth to dishes.
A savory omelet with small, fresh oysters, eggs, sweet potato starch, and spring onions. Fried until crispy outside and tender within.
Widely available at street food stalls and local restaurants on Zhongshan Road.
Xiamen's iconic dish: noodles served in a rich, savory, slightly spicy, and distinctly peanut-based satay broth. Customize with various toppings.
Find the best versions at specialty noodle shops across the city.
A sweet, warm, and comforting soup from carefully boiled peanuts, incredibly tender and milky. Often for breakfast or a light dessert.
Huangzeji Peanut Soup (黄则和花生汤店) is a renowned spot.
Fujian province is famous for its oolong tea, especially Tieguanyin. Explore local tea houses for a traditional tea ceremony.
Common Chinese beer brands like Tsingtao are available. Huangzeji Peanut Soup is a must-visit for its famous peanut soup and other traditional snacks like Mochi.
Many luxury hotels in Xiamen (like the Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, Grand Hyatt) house upscale Chinese and international dining experiences.
Numerous mid-range restaurants operate across the Siming District, offering various cuisines including local Fujian, Cantonese, and Sichuan.
Excellent areas for budget-friendly dining, with abundant street food stalls and snack shops offering authentic Xiamen flavors at low prices.
A popular food court with many stalls specializing in local Xiamen and Fujian specialties, a convenient way to sample various dishes.
Convenient for sampling.
Mainly for fresh produce and seafood, these markets offer an authentic glimpse into local life and sometimes feature small cooked food sections.
Authentic local experience.
International cuisine is increasingly available, especially in upscale hotels and expat-frequented areas.
Find Japanese, Korean, Western (Italian, American), and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Upscale hotels often house the best international dining experiences.
These restaurants cater to a broader palate, providing a break from local flavors.
Carry pre-translated cards explaining dietary restrictions in simple Chinese. Find translation cards on Amazon.
Show them to restaurant staff or your tour guide.
This app can help locate vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Xiamen and other cities worldwide.
A useful tool for finding suitable dining.
Finding strictly gluten-free options is very challenging. Soy sauce commonly contains wheat, and many dishes use wheat-based products.
Communicating specific allergies can be difficult. Cross-contamination remains a risk in busy kitchens.
Some guesthouses or specialized tour operators run cooking classes focused on Minnan cuisine.
Guided food tours explore local markets and street food areas.
Direct engagement with food producers is less common within Xiamen city.
A must-visit for its famous peanut soup and other traditional snacks.
Iconic local spot.
Chewy rice balls, often coated in sweet peanut powder and sugar, a popular dessert or snack.
Sweet and satisfying treat.
Savor the authentic tastes of Xiamen, discover local favorites, and try dishes beyond your usual scope.
Xiamen cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood, light flavors, and traditional cooking methods like braising, stewing, and steaming.
Local residents can guide you to authentic and popular eateries away from tourist traps.
Be adventurous with street food. Look for stalls with long lines of locals; this often indicates quality and freshness.
