Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Xiamen: A Delicious Journey Through Coastal Flavors

Xiamen, a city brimming with literary charm and coastal beauty, is not only renowned for its stunning scenery but also for its mouthwatering cuisine. From street snacks tucked in alleyways to traditional delicacies hidden in deep lanes, every bite carries the unique charm of this city. Let’s explore Xiamen’s top 10 must-try foods—don’t miss out!

1. Satay Noodles (沙茶面)

As the “signature” of Xiamen cuisine, satay noodles boast a rich, mellow broth simmered with satay sauce, peanut butter, and pork bone soup, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and mild spiciness with an irresistible aroma. The alkaline noodles are smooth and chewy, topped with fresh shrimp, oysters, lean pork, fish balls, tofu puffs, and other ingredients. Each bite blends the flavors of the sea and urban life, making it a delightful choice for breakfast to kickstart your day or midnight snack to soothe a tired soul.

2. Sea Worm Jelly (土笋冻)

A distinctive Minnan snack, sea worm jelly is made from Sipunculus nudus (locally called “tǔsǔn”), a type of sea worm found in coastal mudflats. When boiled, the worm’s natural collagen cools and solidifies into a crystal-clear jelly, resembling gelatin. Served with soy sauce, vinegar, wasabi, minced garlic, and chili shreds, it’s QQ and smooth, with a fresh seafood sweetness balanced by the zesty 调料. Refreshing and cooling, it’s a perfect summer treat—its unique taste is definitely worth a try.

3. Oyster Omelette (海蛎煎)

A representative “taste of the sea” in Xiamen, this dish uses freshly harvested oysters, mixed with sweet potato starch and egg, then pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, tender inside. Biting into it releases the oysters’ umami, which pairs beautifully with Xiamen’s signature sweet-spicy sauce. The combination of sweetness and freshness makes this smoky, flavorful dish unforgettable.

4. Ginger Duck (姜母鸭)

A savory and nourishing delicacy, ginger duck features tender duck and old ginger, simmered with wolfberries and other Chinese herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, the duck meat stays juicy, infused with a rich ginger aroma. The ginger, mellowed by cooking, absorbs the duck’s 油脂 and flavor, turning soft and sweet. Not only delicious, it also warms the body, aids digestion, and nourishes the blood—ideal for all seasons and a must-try for visitors.

5. Braised Pork Zongzi (烧肉粽)

With a long history, Xiamen’s braised pork zongzi is sweet, tender, and rich without being greasy. Glutinous rice is stuffed with mushrooms, fatty pork, dried shrimp, chestnuts, scallops, and even a whole salted egg yolk. Steamed to blend rice, meat, and seafood aromas, it’s often enjoyed with sweet-spicy sauce for extra layers of flavor. Best eaten hot to savor its full deliciousness.

6. Peanut Soup (花生汤)

A classic street dessert, peanut soup is made by boiling peanuts until soft, then simmering with glutinous rice flour to create a creamy, milky broth. The nutty aroma of peanuts harmonizes with the sweetness of sugar, resulting in a smooth, non-cloying treat. Warm and comforting, it’s perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

7. Five-Spice Rolls (五香卷)

A beloved fried snack in Minnan households, five-spice rolls are made by wrapping a filling of pork belly, water chestnuts, onions, celery, and five-spice powder in thin bean curd sheets, then deep-frying until golden. The outer layer is slightly crispy, giving way to the tender bean curd sheet and a burst of flavors—meatiness, crunch from water chestnuts, and freshness from celery. It’s a popular appetizer or drink companion.

8. Vermicelli Soup (面线糊)

A breakfast favorite, this soup features delicate vermicelli simmered in savory broth, topped with pig intestines, shrimp, oysters, duck blood, or marinated eggs. The warm, silky soup warms the body and heart, making it a cozy start to the day. A bowl of hot vermicelli soup brings instant happiness.

9. Xiamen Pastry (厦门馅饼)

A classic snack with a crispy crust that crumbles at the touch, filled with red bean, mung bean, lotus seed paste, or peanut. Sweet fillings are mild and non-greasy, while savory options offer a unique twist. Each bite balances flaky crust and rich filling, making it a perfect souvenir or everyday treat.

10. Four Fruits Soup (四果汤)

The most popular summer dessert, despite its name, “four fruits soup” offers over 20 ingredients to choose from, including grass jelly, seaweed jelly, taro balls, red beans, and barley. Topped with osmanthus syrup or rock sugar syrup, it’s icy, sweet, and refreshing. With varied textures in every spoonful, it banishes summer heat instantly.

Xiamen’s cuisine is a unique 名片 of the city, each dish carrying Minnan’s culinary culture and life memories. When in Xiamen, wander the streets, savor these flavors, and feel the city’s warmth and charm!