Live Your Best Lives
I believe many tourists refer to online travel guides when traveling. For my hometown of Xiamen, there are countless such guides. However, many food restaurants are hyped up online, and Xiamen locals will never go to them. For example, a certain Huasha tea noodles or a certain peanut soup. They used to be very famous, but now they are no longer as delicious as before.
Having worked as a food editor in Xiamen for three years, I've eaten my way through six districts. Sweeping the streets in search of authentic local delicacies is my daily routine. Xiamen's reputation for being bourgeois and artistic is just superficial. For foodies, it's a culinary wonderland, and eating right is crucial. So, I've decided to sincerely share my personal favorites with you, so let's unlock the authentic, beautiful food of old Xiamen together. Let's go! ~
A food base behind Kaihe Road Station
Food is paramount, and the most authentic delicacies naturally require a humane market. Xiamen's Eight Markets embodies this essence. It's free of overly embellished imagery, free of the filters of influencers. It's a place where you can experience firsthand the vibrant energy of Xiamen amidst the vibrant crowds.
The old-fashioned flavor of the Eighth Market is a kind of inheritance. The owners of the old shops and their children and grandchildren all have their own stories.
This shop is probably the hardest-working in the Eighth Market, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The five-spice powder they use is truly authentic, high-quality, and affordable. The oil used in making the five-spice powder is excellent, allowing you to enjoy it with peace of mind while still enjoying its delicious flavor.
Since opening in 1991, almost all Xiamen residents have tried their flatbreads. The taste remains the same over the years, and they insist on using fresh ingredients. The skin is thin, the meat is tender, and the texture is chewy. I love it!
Xiamen is known for its shacha noodles, but did you know that we're also famous for our shrimp noodles? Leading the way is Ming Yue Shrimp Noodles, located right next to Lao Song Dumplings. They use shrimp heads and shells to create a rich broth, then add vinegar pork, fish balls, small intestines, lean shrimp, and other condiments to enjoy alongside the noodles. The broth is incredibly fresh, with a rich shrimp flavor!
Zhong Lijun's Manjiangao at the Eighth Market is incredibly popular, thanks to its location inside the market. They have two stalls, one specializing in sesame-filled and the other in peanut-filled. The sweet, bouncy cakes instantly brighten your day. A single Manjiangao takes less than 10 minutes to make and remove from the pan, perfect for the fast-paced early morning life at the Eighth Market.
I don't like fried chicken because it's too greasy, and I don't like grilled chicken because the heavy sauce will cover up the fat aroma of the chicken. The best thing about their shredded chicken is that it retains the original flavor of the chicken and is very refreshing.
This might be my favorite brand! Their traditional mung bean pie and water chestnut pastry are incredibly delicious. Many grandparents line up with their grandchildren to buy them. They're freshly baked every day, and they've been doing a thriving business for over a decade. They also own the Jizhi Department Store, which is right at the entrance of the alley. If you're interested, stop by and experience the rich Minnan flavor.
A big bowl of malt milk for 4 yuan! The shop with the word "malt milk" written on it in marker is this place! They also have chive boxes and the traditional sweet rice cakes! The rich malt flavor is so strong that after finishing a bowl, I couldn't help but take it back for more.
The Taro Bun King's four-generation legacy is legendary, and you can find it right across from Yaben Wheat Milk! These handmade taro buns, made by hand, have a unique texture and are filled with minced lean meat, bamboo shoots, and other ingredients. Topped with pickled radish, cilantro, and a sweet and spicy sauce, they're a truly unique dish.
If you ask an old Xiamen resident which satay noodle restaurant their favorite is, everyone will have a different answer. Some people like Sili satay noodle, but I only love Yousheng’s satay noodle.
This restaurant has been open for 40 years. The owner, Xia Sheng, has always loved to wear white shirts, white pants, and white shoes when welcoming guests. Besides shacha noodles, their clear soup noodles, braised noodles, and pork trotter noodles are also specialties. The bone broth is refreshing and delicious, and paired with meatballs and other condiments, it's absolutely delicious! It's unforgettable!
This Xiao Long Bao shop is run by a grandmother and her son. As the name suggests, the shop is the most delicious and famous of course, their Xiao Long Bao. Dip it in a little Xiamen sweet and spicy sauce, and pair it with their classic pig heart soup. I really want to sigh, this is life!
The night sky is shining with golden light, and the authentic flavor is hidden in the alleys
Zhongshan Road is Xiamen's most prosperous area. Besides the magnificent main street's night scene, its side streets are even more spectacular: the ancient arcades and the rich, traditional flavor are all worth exploring!
The ingredients of Baxian Po Po Shao Cao Jelly are very rich, including kidney beans, coix seed, red beans, peanuts, qu fruit, tortoise jelly, etc. Finally, add sweet honey or rich milk tea. Drink a full cup of it, it will nourish your heart and spleen and satisfy your appetite!
Address: No. 22 Taiping Road, Siming District
This shop has been open for decades, specializing in Minnan-style braised pork dumplings. Ingredients include fragrant and tender braised pork belly, mushrooms, chestnuts, egg yolk, and dried shrimp, creating a rich, layered flavor that's distinct from the traditional Jiangsu and Zhejiang varieties. The cilantro and sweet and spicy sauce add the finishing touch.
Address: No. 353, Zhongshan Road, Siming District
This is a snack from a time-honored Xiamen restaurant, a taste etched in the memories of generations of Xiamen residents. Located at the intersection of Sibei and Datong Roads, it offers a refreshing bowl of peanut soup paired with a chive box – a standard breakfast in Xiamen – simple and heartwarming.
Address: No. 64 Siming North Road (near Datong Road)
Hidden away in a small alley on Zhongshan Road, it's a must-see. The broth is rich and flavorful, tinged with the aroma of peanut butter. The noodles are thick, soft, and incredibly flavorful. You can choose toppings from the restaurant or choose your own. Tofu, fried dough sticks, shrimp, squid, duck gizzards, and more are all soaked in the broth, making them incredibly delicious!
Address: No. 49, Zhongshan Road, Siming District
This fried skewers stall at Shengping Road has been around for at least a decade. The owner's photo is their signature dish. Now passed down to the next generation, the flavor of the pork tenderloin skewers remains unchanged.
Address: Side door of Xia Shang Department Store, Zhongshan Road, Siming District, next to Ba Po Po
Hidden beneath a discreet storefront is a traditional dessert shop that's been operating for over a decade. This is a craft that Auntie Chen learned while living in Hong Kong before the handover. Their tortoise jelly is incredibly delicious, with a rich, unique bitterness that evokes a taste of childhood. A must-visit for Xiamen residents in the summer!
Address: No. 65 Zhenbang Road, Siming District
This must-try secret snack, once a haunted sight on Zhongshan Road, is now a fixture at Chen Jia Desserts. Its thin pancake wrapper is filled with candied scallions, cilantro, pickled radish, and chopped sugar. It's so delicious you'll want to sign up for a Bite of China show right away.
Address: In front of Chenjia Dessert
Lancuo Coffee's signature dish is their meticulously crafted signature soufflé, hailed by foodies as the best in Ludao! The interior is as light and smooth as a cloud, while the slightly textured exterior complements the frosting perfectly. Their secret pudding is also delicious!
Address: No. 21, Tianyilou Lane, Siming West Road
This legendary street vendor, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, opens around 2 PM every day, rain or shine. They've always had the longest lines. You can smell the aroma from afar, and their egg burgers are perfectly fried on both sides, generously topped with fillings. It's incredibly delicious!
Address: No. 58 Siming West Road
This is an exquisite Japanese restaurant hidden downstairs of a five-star hotel. Yes, it is Japanese food. The reason it is on the list is because its fried chicken and passion fruit draft beer are the No. 1 in Xiamen in my mind. They are cooked to perfection and are refreshing and not greasy. I give it a thumbs up.
Address: Downstairs of Indigo Building, Lujiang Road, Siming District
As someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder, I had to recommend one more restaurant out of the ten, because they are really worth visiting. On Shengping Road where no one cares about the restaurants, their business is really booming. Their authentic and refreshing Vietnamese cuisine is really the most appetizing cuisine after visiting Zhongshan Road. No one can refuse it, the environment is good, and the food is delicious.
Address: No. 2 Shengping Road
The artistic fishing village that became popular overnight
I know you guys are disobedient, but I just feel you have to go to Zengcuo'an. In fact, this is a place you will regret not coming, and even more regretful if you come. I walked around three times to find the only few restaurants where you can eat. I also missed the forgotten internet celebrity restaurant by accident.
You can find the popular "Xiao Ma Ge" (Little Ma Ge) snack in Zengcuo'an, where you'll have to queue up for it on Gulangyu Island. This creative snack is made by peeling a whole potato, mashing it into a paste, coating it in breadcrumbs, and deep-frying it. It's topped with homemade cheese sauce and tastes soft and fluffy.
Address: No. 7, 375, Zengcuo'an Community
The sugar cube shaved ice is really soft and icy. There's only a small sign on the road. The first bite was filled with a rich milky aroma that made me feel intoxicated. The shape of the ice and the delicate texture were also very pleasantly surprising.
Address: No. 378 Zengcuo'an
It used to be the "most willful" internet celebrity store. It was not open on rainy days but it was open on sunny days. The flavors of ice cream were different every day, all depending on the boss's mood. What flavors he would recommend depended on what flavors he had available that day.
Address: No. 369, Zengcuo'an Community
There are Q-version cartoon images of Mayday painted on the walls of the store, Mayday's music is playing, and even the owner himself looks a bit like Ashin.
This is a simple little shop with clean decor. The toast is excellent, especially the thick toast with ice cream. The toast is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a light sweetness. The ice cream has a hint of peanut flavor, and the hot and cold taste is very delicious.
Address: No. 328-15 Tianquan Road
A trendy mecca where tradition and innovation coexist
This was once the port of Xiamen, a place of constant hustle and bustle. Later, with its transformation, many passionate young artists have come together to support Shapowei's artistic journey. The internet-famous restaurants that have settled here are also leaders in Xiamen's culinary world.
Of all the cake shops in Xiamen, this one is my favorite. From the details to the flavors to the packaging, every detail is meticulously crafted. Adhering to the craftsmanship of pure handmade craftsmanship, they strictly control every step and meticulously craft their products, ensuring their original intentions are reflected in every little detail! This is the first one, Gangqi!
Address: 91 Daxue Road
This off-white, three-story building stands out amidst the vibrant artsy shops of Daehak-ro. Founded by seven young architects, its unique design is evident in its cotton-padded speakers, tall indoor trees, and shattered tile flooring. Calling it a restaurant serving delicious food is inaccurate; they prefer to call it a place of professionalism, design, and sentiment.
Address: No. 124, University Road, Siming District
The shop's signature dish is the black burger, infused with squid ink. The bun is soft and slightly sweet, making it delicious without being overpowering. They don't have a wide selection of burgers, but the Hawaiian beef burger, mushroom beef burger, and BBQ pork burger are all incredibly delicious, and their recently introduced foie gras burger is irresistible.
Address: No. 129-2, Siming District (at the intersection facing Jianfu Convenience Store, turn right and walk straight into the alley)
The Instagram-famous Thai fried ice cream has landed in Shapowei, featuring a bright, clean, and simple palette. Each ice cream is made with fresh, locally available fruit, fried to order, ensuring a worry-free experience. The cream is incredibly refreshing, and the ice cream is topped with a variety of colorful additions like nuts, seasonal fruits, and marshmallows. The vibrant colors are sure to whet your appetite!
Address: No. 98, Daxue Road, Siming District (opposite Xiashang Farmers Market)
As a finale, Juicy in Shapowei deserves a mention. Their lemon pie is incredibly refreshing, tart, and sweet. The crust is firm and crispy, and the strawberry tart is incredibly satisfying. This is a fantastic afternoon tea spot, small but incredibly captivating. It's a place where you can't go wrong with anything you order, and it's now one of Xiamen's most popular online restaurants.
Address: Back door of No. 92, Daxue Road, Xiagang Subdistrict (near Shapowei)
Avoid minefields and find secret food spots
Gulangyu is a garden on the sea and an island of literature and art. Every street has its own unique charm, every corner has the most beautiful scenery, and you are the most surprising existence.
This is one of the more conscientious seafood restaurants on Gulangyu Island. They offer group buys, and their ambiance, service, and menu are truly a benchmark for the island's dining scene. Their signature fried crab is a must-try. The shell is rosy and shiny, and the meat is white, firm, and just a touch sweet. Definitely a must-try!
Address: No. 4, Zhonghua Road, Gulangyu Island (next to Mayouhan Square)
As a famous food landmark on Gulangyu Island, this restaurant is highly recommended. They specialize in Minnan cuisine and seafood, and the service is excellent. As a star restaurant, the taste is unmistakable, authentic Minnan flavor, and it's delicious!
Address: No. 15, Fujian Road, Gulangyu Island
The Chu family, a prominent Gulangyu family with a century-long history, transformed their home into a cafe in their fourth generation, making it one of the island's oldest coffee shops. Their coffee, crafted by a World Barista Championship champion, pairs well with a tiramisu, making it the perfect place for a relaxing break.
Address: No. 15, Zhonghua Road
This shop specializes in puffs, but I want to recommend their Watermelon Jasmine. Trust me, after a day of walking around Gulangyu, a cup of this will instantly revitalize you. Every time I come to Gulangyu, I must order the Watermelon Jasmine. I think the Watermelon Jasmine on Gulangyu is the best drink in the world. No argument!
Address: No. 66 Quanzhou Road
They have a wide selection of beers from around the world, and the first thing that comes to mind is the excitement. They have both traditional and fruity beers. The food here is a must-try. The ingredients are fresh, and the grilled meat is tender. After eating, I just want to exclaim, "It's so delicious!" ~
Address: No. 111, Kangtai Road, Gulangyuan District (110 meters behind Neicuoao Wharf)
This tradition, spanning a century, begins at 8 a.m. Every day, the stall owner sets out early, expertly pulling out the drawer beneath his cart and taking out a glutinous rice cake. He then rolls it in a filling made from crushed peanuts, black and white sesame seeds, and powdered sugar, kneading it into a ball and coating it in black sesame powder. Mochi is ready. It's sweet but not greasy, glutinous but not sticky, and incredibly delicious.
Address: Shop 3, No. 58, Longtou Road
The decor is unique, with some Japanese-style private rooms that create a wonderful atmosphere. The main dishes are barbecue and omurice. The barbecue meat is excellent, chewy but not too chewy, and the omurice is incredibly fragrant. It's a perfect place to enjoy a meal all to yourself.
Address: No. 244 Neicuoao Road (diagonally opposite Zhongde Palace)
After eating here for so many years, I always feel that it is not easy for the authentic taste to be maintained until now. Food is the most direct business card of a city.
Many travelers come to Xiamen for its diverse charm, but what remains in their hearts is the pure taste of the street corner delicacies they inadvertently taste.
If sightseeing is about seeing the bright and beautiful side of a city, then eating is about discovering the unique and authentic flavor of this city.
I hope that you can join me in discovering the little joys of every city during your journey, and follow us to make friends through food and explore the world.
