Top 3 snacks in Beijing - where to find them?
No travel in Beijing would be complete without tasting the local snacks in Beijing! Most visitors are deeply impressed by those snacks and regard them as the living fossils of Beijing. Go with the locals and try some distinct snacks of Beijing cuisine! Here are the top 3 snack foods. Plus highly recommended restaurants in Beijing!
The Top 3 Snack Foods in Beijing
1. Seasoned Millet Mush (面茶 Miàn Chá)
Roughly means noodle tea, but it isn't tea and is eaten for breakfast or supper. Made from millet flour with sesame sauce on the top, it looks light yellow and smells of the rice aroma of sesame. The most important part is the way of eating. The seasoned millet mush is hot, however, the old Beijingers don't use chopsticks or spoons. They rotate the bowl to let the millet mush and sesame flow together to the bowl side and swallow it, thus, every sip includes everything. If you have seen this way of eating in restaurants in Beijing, you are so lucky because this form of art is gradually dying out.
Cultural Significance
The Seasoned Millet Mush, a staple of Beijing's breakfast and supper menus, embodies the simplicity and depth of local culinary traditions. Its unique consumption method reflects not just a culinary preference but also a deep-rooted cultural practice. This dish serves as a bridge connecting the modern inhabitants of Beijing with their ancestors, showcasing the continuity of tradition in the rapidly changing landscape of the city.
Nutritional Value of Seasoned Millet Mush
Rich in nutrients, Seasoned Millet Mush offers a wholesome start or end to the day. Millet, the main ingredient, is known for its high fiber content, essential minerals, and vitamins. Coupled with sesame sauce, this dish provides a balanced meal with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, making it not only a cultural experience but also a healthy dietary choice.
Variations Across Regions
While the Beijing version of Seasoned Millet Mush is the most renowned, variations of this dish can be found across different regions of China, each adding its local flavors and ingredients. This diversity highlights the adaptability and widespread appeal of millet-based dishes in Chinese cuisine. Travelers interested in culinary explorations can seek out these variations to compare and appreciate the regional differences.
Tips for Travelers
For travelers eager to experience this traditional dish, it's recommended to visit older, well-established eateries in Beijing, where the authenticity and traditional methods of preparation are preserved. Engaging with locals or guides can also enhance the experience, as they can offer insights into the dish's cultural background and suggest the best places to try it. Additionally, observing the traditional way of eating Seasoned Millet Mush firsthand not only enriches the culinary experience but also deepens one's appreciation for Beijing's culinary heritage.
2. Sugar Gourd (糖葫芦 Táng Hú Lu)
Whatever the age of the people, they love it, even if you can't stop tasting the sweet-twinkle candies. Its history dates back to the Song Dynasty of China, and in old times it was popular in winter. In many Beijingers' eyes, Tang hu lu represents their childhood. The warm and fresh Sugar Gourd consists of candied fruits on bamboo skewers about 20 cm (0.6 ft.). Traditionally, the fruits used are Chinese hawthorn (known as 山楂 Shān Zhā), but recently, strawberries, apples, or bananas have been used traditionally. It is widely found in the local streets as a snack in Beijing that you can easily buy in any season.
Sugar Gourd, beyond being a beloved snack, symbolizes joy and festivity in Chinese culture. Often seen during celebrations and festivals, it's not just a treat but a part of the collective memory of many Chinese, embodying the sweetness of life's moments. The vibrant colors and glossy appearance of the candied fruits make them not only a delight to eat but also a visual treat, often used in decorations during important cultural festivities.
Health Benefits
Despite its sweet coating, the core of Sugar Gourd - the fruit itself - retains much of its nutritional value. Hawthorn, the traditional fruit used, is known for its cardiovascular benefits, aiding digestion, and promoting heart health. When strawberries, apples, or bananas are used, they add their own set of vitamins and antioxidants to the mix, making Sugar Gourd a snack with hidden health benefits, provided it's consumed in moderation.
Modern Adaptations
In recent years, innovative variations of Sugar Gourd have emerged, catering to contemporary tastes and health-conscious consumers. Chocolate-dipped, nut-encrusted, and even sugar-free versions are now available, expanding its appeal beyond traditionalists to a wider audience. These modern twists on the classic Sugar Gourd allow it to continue its legacy in the changing culinary landscape of China.
Tips for Travelers
Travelers keen on experiencing the authentic taste of Sugar Gourd should seek out vendors in local markets or near historical sites in Beijing, where the traditional methods of preparation are still practiced. Winter remains a special time to enjoy this snack, reflecting its historical roots, but its availability year-round means that no visitor needs to miss out. Sampling different fruit varieties can also offer a broader taste of this traditional Chinese treat, making for a delicious culinary exploration.
3. Douzhi (豆汁 Dòu Zhī)
It must be the most necessary food for Beijingers' breakfast. People love to drink it, which could go back hundreds of years and it is still popular today. The beans are the main material inside, which has plenty of rich nutrition. It looks grayish-green, tastes slightly sour, and smells unique. When you try it for the first time, its flavor may not be easy to swallow, but after the second time, you won't stop praising this drink. Traditionally, the locals would drink Douzhi with some Beijing cakes.
Nutritional Profile
Douzhi stands out not only for its unique taste but also for its nutritional benefits. Being a fermented bean drink, it is rich in proteins and probiotics, which are beneficial for digestive health. This traditional beverage is a testament to the wisdom of ancient Chinese dietary practices, emphasizing balance and health. Its low-calorie content makes it a favored option for those looking for nutritious yet light breakfast alternatives.
Cultural Significance
As a centuries-old staple of Beijing's cuisine, Douzhi is more than just a beverage; it's a cultural heritage. Its enduring popularity reflects the continuity of Beijing's culinary traditions amidst the city's rapid modernization. Drinking Douzhi is akin to partaking in a daily ritual that connects the present with the past, offering a tangible link to the generations of Beijingers who have savored this drink through the ages.
Variations and Accompaniments
While Douzhi is traditionally enjoyed with Beijing cakes, contemporary variations and accompaniments have emerged, catering to diverse palates. Some enjoy it with savory pastries or deep-fried dough, enhancing its flavor profile. The modern culinary scene in Beijing has seen chefs experimenting with Douzhi, incorporating it into innovative dishes that appeal to both traditionalists and modern food enthusiasts alike.
Tips for Travelers
For travelers eager to experience Douzhi authentically, it's recommended to visit traditional breakfast spots in old Beijing neighborhoods where the drink is freshly prepared each morning. Being open to the initial taste challenge is part of the experience, as the unique flavor of Douzhi is unlike anything found in Western cuisine. Engaging with locals over a shared meal of Douzhi and Beijing cakes can offer insights into the city's culture and daily life, making for a memorable culinary adventure.
Highly Recommended Restaurants
Which are the best restaurants in Beijing to taste these delicious snacks? You can try Wangfujing Snacks Street (王府井小吃街 Wáng Fǔ Jǐng Xiǎo Chī Jiē), which is near Tiananmen Square. Do not miss these tasty yet cheap Beijing snacks when you travel to Beijing!
Final Words
In exploring the culinary heart of Beijing through its traditional snacks—Seasoned Millet Mush, Sugar Gourd, and Douzhi—we not only indulge in the flavors that have sustained generations but also connect with the rich tapestry of culture and history that defines this vibrant city. These dishes are more than mere sustenance; they are storied expressions of Beijing's identity, offering insights into the daily lives, celebrations, and traditions of its people.
As we conclude this culinary journey, we're reminded that food is a universal language, capable of bridging cultures and time. To partake in these traditional snacks is to participate in living history, to savor the essence of Beijing not just through its monuments and museums but through the tastes and aromas that fill its streets and homes.
For travelers and food enthusiasts alike, the adventure doesn't end with the last bite. It's an invitation to continue exploring, to seek out the stories and flavors that lie waiting in the hidden corners of Beijing and beyond. Whether it's the warmth of a freshly skewered Sugar Gourd on a winter day, the communal joy of sharing Douzhi at a bustling morning market, or the complex simplicity of Seasoned Millet Mush, these experiences are a testament to the enduring allure of Beijing's culinary heritage.