Xiamen, a coastal city in China’s Fujian province, is renowned not only for its beautiful scenery but also for its rich and diverse culinary culture. The city offers a unique blend of traditional Fujianese flavors combined with influences from nearby regions, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Exploring Xiamen’s food scene means diving into a world of fresh seafood, distinctive snacks, and vibrant street foods that reveal the city’s heritage and innovative spirit. Whether you are wandering through bustling markets or dining at local eateries, the culinary experiences here provide a taste of history, culture, and the coastal lifestyle that defines Xiamen.
Famous Seafood Dishes in Xiamen
Being a coastal city, Xiamen’s seafood is fresh, abundant, and expertly prepared. Many dishes feature local catches, offering flavors that are both delicate and savory.
Oyster Omelette
This popular street food is a must-try in Xiamen. The oyster omelette combines fresh oysters with eggs and a starchy batter, fried to a crispy yet chewy texture. It is typically topped with a tangy sweet sauce that complements the briny taste of the oysters. Visitors often find this dish satisfying and emblematic of Xiamen’s coastal charm.
Seafood Congee
Congee is a comforting rice porridge enjoyed throughout China, but Xiamen’s version stands out due to the addition of fresh seafood like shrimp, clams, and fish. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that warms the soul and highlights the freshness of the local ingredients.
Steamed Scallops with Garlic
Another favorite is steamed scallops topped with minced garlic and vermicelli noodles. This dish is simple yet rich in flavor, allowing the natural sweetness of the scallops to shine through, enhanced by the pungent garlic aroma.
Traditional Fujianese Dishes to Try
Xiamen’s cuisine reflects the broader Fujianese culinary tradition, characterized by light seasoning, a focus on umami flavors, and the use of seafood and local vegetables.
Buddha Jumps Over the Wall
One of Fujian’s most famous dishes, this elaborate soup features a mix of premium ingredients like abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, and chicken simmered slowly to develop deep, complex flavors. Known for its luxurious taste and health benefits, this dish is a symbol of Fujianese culinary sophistication.
Fried Peanut Soup
A unique local specialty, fried peanut soup is made from roasted peanuts, sweetened and blended into a creamy dessert soup. It offers a rich, nutty flavor and is often enjoyed as a comforting treat after a meal.
Fish Ball Soup
Xiamen’s fish balls are famous for their springy texture and fresh taste. Served in a light broth with vegetables or noodles, fish ball soup is a staple comfort food and a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Street Food and Snacks in Xiamen
Exploring street food markets is one of the best ways to experience Xiamen’s culinary diversity. The vibrant stalls offer a wide range of snacks that showcase local ingredients and creative cooking methods.
Peanut Soup
This sweet soup is a common street snack in Xiamen. Made from boiled peanuts and sweetened with sugar, it’s served warm or cold and is known for its smooth texture and comforting flavor.
Shacha Noodles
A local noodle specialty, shacha noodles are tossed in a savory, slightly spicy peanut and seafood sauce known as shacha sauce. The sauce is made from ingredients like dried shrimp, garlic, shallots, and chili, giving the noodles a bold and distinct flavor.
Spring Rolls
Xiamen spring rolls often contain fresh vegetables, shredded meat, and sometimes seafood, wrapped in thin pastry and fried to a golden crisp. They are a popular snack and appetizer that perfectly balances texture and flavor.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
After enjoying savory dishes, indulging in Xiamen’s traditional sweets and desserts provides a delightful end to any meal.
Taro Balls
Made from mashed taro mixed with tapioca starch, these chewy balls are often served in sweet soups or cold desserts with syrup and ice. Taro balls are a popular dessert not only in Xiamen but throughout Taiwan and Fujian due to their pleasing texture and subtle sweetness.
Peach Blossom Cake
This traditional cake is shaped like a peach blossom and filled with sweet red bean paste. It is a symbolic pastry enjoyed during festivals and special occasions in the region.
Sesame Soup
Black sesame soup is a warm dessert soup with a rich nutty flavor and smooth texture. It is considered healthy and is often consumed as a nourishing treat.
Dining Experiences and Where to Eat in Xiamen
Xiamen offers a wide variety of dining options, from street food stalls and night markets to modern restaurants serving traditional and fusion dishes. Many local eateries focus on authenticity and fresh ingredients, making every meal a memorable experience.
Zhongshan Road Food Street
This bustling street is one of Xiamen’s most famous food destinations, lined with vendors and small restaurants offering a wide range of local specialties. Visitors can sample oyster omelettes, peanut soup, and much more while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Siming District
Known for its mix of modern and traditional dining, Siming District features several well-known restaurants where chefs put innovative spins on classic Fujianese dishes. It’s a great area for those wanting to experience both comfort food and culinary creativity.
Local Markets
Exploring local markets like the Jimei Farmers Market provides an authentic look at the ingredients that make Xiamen cuisine special. Visitors can watch vendors prepare fresh seafood and purchase snacks to try on the go.
Xiamen’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of coastal freshness, traditional Fujianese flavors, and dynamic street food culture. From oyster omelettes and seafood congee to sweet taro balls and fried peanut soup, the city offers an abundance of tastes that delight both locals and travelers. Whether dining at a bustling food street or a quiet local restaurant, the culinary experiences in Xiamen promise to be flavorful, authentic, and memorable. Exploring what to eat in Xiamen not only satisfies the palate but also connects visitors to the city’s rich cultural heritage and coastal charm.