Food and restaurants, what and where to eat in Xiamen

When first arriving in Xiamen, this garden on the sea, how could one not sample a few authentic Minnan signature dishes and risk missing out on the essence of this culinary journey? From the savory richness of Shacha Noodles, to the golden, crispy Oyster Omelette, and the flavorful, gelatinous Sipunculid Worm Jelly, each dish is a testament to the culinary wisdom of the Minnan people. Following are the best food and restaurant in Xiamen.

What to eat

Top 1: Shacha Noodles/沙茶面

Shacha noodles are a flavorful and affordable local snack found throughout the streets and alleys of Xiamen. As early settlers from Fujian ventured across the seas to Southeast Asia, they brought back exotic spices and cooking techniques. The shacha sauce is a result of this cultural fusion, combining Southeast Asian ingredients like peanuts, coconut cream, and dried shrimp with Minnan staples such as garlic, chili, and five-spice powder, all simmered over low heat to produce a rich, sweet and spicy blend.

The magic of Shacha Noodles lies in its broth. Made from shacha sauce and soup-stock, each of Shacha noodles has its own subtly unique broth recipe, reflecting the chef's honed craftsmanship or profound creativity. A great broth gleams in a rich orange-red hue, with a savory, refresh, and slightly spicy flavor that leaves a sweet aftertaste without feeling greasy, and the aroma drifting from the street corners to the alleyways.

Top 2: Oyster Omelette/蚵仔煎

Oyster omelette, originated and developed in the Xiamen and Taiwan regions, with crispy texture and smooth filling. In addition to being a local favorite in Xiamen, it is also a beloved delicacy among people in southern Fujian, Taiwan, the Chaoshan area, and overseas Chinese communities. The coast of Xiamen is rich in oysters, making it a popular dish throughout local, and locals also frequently use oysters to make congee. Legend has it that oyster omelette was a creative invention by early coastal residents during times of scarcity, serving as a substitute staple when food was limited.

Fresh oysters are mixed with sweet potato starch, eggs, and scallions, seasoned with soy sauce, then pan-fried until golden and crispy on both sides. A drizzle of sesame oil and special sauce finishes the dish, making a sharp aroma that keeps people coming back for more.

Top 3: Five-Spice Pork Rolls/五香条

Five-spice Pork Rolls is a traditional snack from Xiamen, Fujian, and are part of the Min cuisine, named after the use of "five-spice powder". Lean pork is mixed with green onions, water chestnuts, onions, etc., seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and five-spice powder, then blended thoroughly. The mixture is wrapped in tofu skin to form rolls, which are deep-fried until golden and crispy. Once cooked, the rolls are cut into bite-sized pieces. When served with sauces like shacha chili or red chili sauce, the result is a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-and-juicy-on-the-inside delicacy.

Top 4: Braising Meat Zongzi/烧肉粽

Zongzi (Rice Dumplings) comes in many varieties across Fujian, including savory, sweet, bean and meat versions. However, Xiamen's Braising Meat Zongzi is the most renowned, with rich Minnan flavor. The Braising Meat Zongzi are filled with a variety of stuffings such as pork, dried scallops, taro, dried shrimp, and salted duck egg, making them a popular traditional snack available all year round.

These zongzi are fragrant and sweet, rich but not greasy, with a glossy red-golden hue that makes them irresistibly tempting. After wrapping, the zongzi are only placed in boiling water for cooking when the water reaches a full boil. They are typically enjoyed with sauces like satay and minced garlic, and must be eaten hot, or the flavor is greatly diminished.

Top 5: Xiamen Misua Paste/面线糊

Misua Paste originated in Quanzhou and become a popular snack in Xiamen. The misua, or wheat vermicelli, used is a specialty of Fujian, known as the longest and thinnest noodle in China. Different from Quanzhou's version, Xiamen's Misua is thicker, and the ingredients are mostly various kinds of seafood

Xiamen Misua Paste is made by simmering delicious and fresh seafood such as shrimp, oysters, small cuttlefishes, and mussels into a broth, then cooking it with wheat vermicelli until it thickens into paste. It's typically served with fried dough sticks and flavored with crispy shallots and ground pepper. The taste is fresh, sweet, and smooth, with the distinctive flavors of southern Fujian cuisine.

Top 6: Xiamen Oyster Pancake/薄饼

Oyster Pancake is a traditional delicacy of Minnan originating in Tong'an, Xiamen. During the Ming Dynasty, a woman in Xiamen created the dish for her husband's health by stewing ingredients like fish, meat, shrimp, vegetables, bamboo shoots, and beans, wrapping them in spring roll wrapper, and placing it on his desk so he could eat while working. This was the prototype of today's oyster pancake.

To make it, pork, shredded dried tofu, shrimp, and oysters are first stir-fried in oil, then julienned bamboo shoots, carrots, cabbage, and garlic stems are added and simmered with rich broth until tender. It is then wrapped in a thin, soft pancake to form a roll. When eaten with chili sauce and mashed garlic, it is tender and smooth, with a sweet, savory flavor.

Top 7: Yeap's Muah Chee/叶氏麻糍

Yeap's Muah Chee is a famous traditional snack from Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, with a history spanning over a hundred years. It is made from glutinous rice flour, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and white sugar. After steaming the glutinous rice flour, it is kneaded into a soft, chewy dough, divided into small portions, and filled with a sweet mixture of crushed peanuts, sesame, and sugar. Each piece is then coated with cooked glutinous rice flour.

Yeap's Muah Chee has a soft, chewy texture with a delightful bounce, its filling is fragrant and sweet, and it doesn't stick to the teeth when eaten. Petite and delicate, each bite-sized piece leaves an unforgettable aftertaste.

Top 8: Sipunculid Worm Jelly/土笋冻

Sipunculid Worm Jelly is a famous snack of Xiamen, originating in Anhai and developed in Xiamen. Made from the unique marine product, sipunculid worms, this dish is crystal-clear, tender, and springy in texture. After thoroughly cleaning the sipunculid worms, they are quickly boiled for two to three minutes over high heat. The broth is then poured into small bowls and left to cool naturally, forming a gelatinous jelly. While eating, it is typically flavored with sauces according to personal preference, which is a truly dark cuisine.

Where to eat

Top 1: Azhong Seafood Stall/阿忠食坊

Azhong Seafood Stall is a seafood eatery with a 20-year history that has weathered the years to become an unmissable culinary landmark in Xiamen. Though the atmosphere can be lively and noisy, the place is remarkably clean and well-maintained. Among Xiamen's many seafood stalls, Azhong stands out for its excellent value, earning a place as a must-visit spot in the hearts of tourists.

Despite its popularity, Azhong Seafood Stall remains true to its authentic Minnan-style seafood. The ingredients are fresh, the dishes are served quickly, ensuring every diner enjoys a truly satisfying culinary experience.

• Recommended: Oyster Rice, Fourfinger Threadfin with Sichuan Pepper, Sipunculid Worm Jelly, Grouper, seafoods
• Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 02:00 PM & 05:00 PM – 02:00 AM
• Address: No. 111, Jinbang Road, Siming District, Xiamen
• Telephone: 0592-5852680

Top 2: Ginger Duck Aqiang Fried Crab · XINAQIANG/姜母鸭阿强煎蟹·鑫阿强海鲜特色菜

XIN'AQIANG is a Minnan-style restaurant specializing in Ginger Duck Aqiang Fried Crab created by Chef A-Qiang, who has over fifteen years of culinary experience. The dishes are rich in flavor, aromatic, and nourishing. The restaurant features traditional wooden-structured Minnan-style arcades and serves local seafood with authentic Minnan flavors, offering diners a true taste of Xiamen's local culture and regional cuisine.

• Recommended: Ginger Duck, Sipunculid Worm Jelly, Five-spice Pork Roll, Tong'an Pork, Fried Crab, seafood
• Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Address: No. 78, Siming East Road, Siming District, Xiamen
• Telephone: 0592-2028623

Top 3: Yousheng Flavor Snack Stall/友生风味小吃

Yousheng Flavor Snack Stall is a well-known eatery in Xiamen, located at the entrance of the Eighth Market, with a history of 40 years. For four decades, it has remained steadfast on Kaiyuan Road. The shop is hailed as one of the "Four Culinary Treasures of Xiamen", mainly serving Shacha noodles, pig trotter noodles, and Lor mee (braised noodles). Customers can customize their bowls with a variety of toppings, such as pork liver, pork intestines, oysters, tofu, meatballs, and pig trotters.

• Recommended: Shacha Noodles, Pig Trotter Noodles, Lor mee
• Operating Hours: 06:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Address: No. 147, Kaiyuan Road, Siming District, Xiamen
• Telephone: 13774652928

Top 4: Braising Meat Zongzi 1980/1980烧肉粽

Near the former site of the Workers' Cultural Palace on Zhongshan Road in Xiamen, there is a shop called Braising Meat Zongzi 1980, a local culinary icon that has been passed down for three generations over forty years. For many longtime Xiamen residents, it holds cherished memories of traditional flavors.

Even before stepping through the door, the rich aroma of zongzi fills the alleyway. Paired with the homemade mustard sauce and Xiamen chili sauce, the taste is so mouthwatering that words simply can't do it justice.

• Recommended: Braising Meat Zongzi, Shacha Noodles, Sipunculid Worm Jelly, Five-spice Pork Roll, Oyster Omelette
• Operating Hours: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM
• Address: No. 353, Zhongshan Road, Siming District, Xiamen
• Telephone: 0592-2032869

Top 5: Yeap's Muah Chee/叶氏麻糍

The small pushcart at the three-way intersection of Longtou Road on Gulangyu Island is the entire storefront of Yeap's Muah Chee. It is said to be the only street stall on the island officially allowed to operate on the roadside, with a history of over a hundred years. Located in the bustling heart of Gulangyu, the stall is always surrounded by crowds. For just one yuan, you can watch the Ye family expertly and fluidly craft muah chee and enjoy a sweet, chewy treat.

• Recommended: Yeap's Muah Chee
• Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 07:00 PM
• Address: No. 145, Longtou Road, Gulangyu, Siming District, Xiamen