We’ve heard that you’ve been in a very Chinese time of your life, and so we ask: have you heard of the Chinese proverb 民以食为天 (mín yǐ shí wèi tiān)? It translates to “food is the lord of the people”; in other words, nothing matters more than eating. So, for your next China haul, we suggest dedicating an entire suitcase of snacks to bring back home.
Lao Gan Ma and White Rabbit candy are already international household names, but what about the snacks you can only find in China? RADII explores the 10 Chinese snacks you absolutely MUST try before heading home.
Order them on Taobao or, better yet, visit 赵一鸣 (SUPER MING), one of China’s largest snack-store chains. For the full experience, head to SUPER MING’s Snack Kingdom (零食王国) in Changsha, where you can literally get lost among more than 35,000 snack varieties. Consider this your ultimate snack-hopping list.
Lay’s Chips
Did you know Lay’s has flavors available only in China? Or that there’s a decade-long debate over cucumber-flavored chips? It’s not an acquired taste; you either love it or you don’t. But don’t stop at cucumber. Other localized flavors worth hunting down include beef tallow hotpot, spicy crawfish, and Tsingtao beer. It’s a fun way to discover how a familiar international brand caters to local tastes.
威龙 (Weilong Spicy Strips)
Probably the ONE snack that Chinese parents universally forbade their children from eating while growing up, thanks to its supposedly unhealthy reputation. These strips are made from wheat flour and coated in spicy red oil. Savory, chewy, and ungodly addictive, it’s the kind of snack you can’t stop eating once you open the packet.
大魔王麻酱毛肚 (Konjac Beef Tripe)
Packaged in small, easy-to-carry packets, these konjac-based, beef-tripe-style snacks are soaked in sesame sauce. Buttery, chewy, and rich in flavor, they’re perfect for a quick bite on the go.
大白兔奶糖 (White Rabbit Candy)
The White Rabbit candy has gone viral internationally for its iconic wrapper design, but there’s more to it than the original milk flavor. The brand’s lineup includes around 15 flavors, with red bean, osmanthus, and coffee among our favorites. If you’re lucky, you can also find White Rabbit ice cream and milk, both just as delicious and creamy.
贵州土豆丝 (Guizhou Shredded Potato)
Think fries, but much thinner and crispier. Guizhou province is known for its love of spice, so this is the perfect savory snack for anyone who likes a little heat. Crunchy, generously seasoned, and delicious, but just be prepared to get your fingers dirty.
黑金咸蛋黄锅巴 (Black Gold Guoba)
锅巴 (guō bā) are crispy rice snacks, but thicker and harder to chew than your average potato chip. If you’ve had Cantonese clay pot rice, you’ll recognize the texture. It’s similar to the layer of crispy, browned rice that forms at the bottom of the pot. A must-try is the salted duck egg flavor, which coats each chip in a layer of rich, salty creaminess.
广氏菠萝啤 (Guang’s Pineapple Beer)
Don’t let the name fool you: it’s not real beer, but a sparkling pineapple drink fondly remembered by generations of Cantonese people. Sweet, fizzy, and refreshing, it’s perfect for a hot summer day.
泡椒笋尖 (Pickled Bamboo Shoots)
Trust me on this one, pick any random brand at the snack shop, and you’re likely to find a winner. These marinated young bamboo shoots are refreshingly crunchy, with a tangy, spicy kick from the pickled chili peppers.
肉脂渣 (Fried Pork Fat)
肉脂渣 (ròu zhī zhā) is made from deep-fried pork belly, with the fat still attached, resulting in a snack that’s rich in flavor but surprisingly not too oily. You can find packaged versions on Taobao, but you’re in luck if you stumble upon a store that makes them fresh. However, since this is a real meat product, you may not be able to bring it through international customs. But that’s OK: since 肉脂渣 just became another reason for your next trip back to China.
碧翠园巧克力泥巴派 (BCPARK Chocolate Mud Pie)
Unfortunately, this is another one you probably can’t take home, as it needs to be refrigerated. These soft chocolate cakes are fluffy on the inside, with a thin chocolate crust on the outside. The texture is almost mousse-like, making each bite feel like biting into a chocolate cloud. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is one to grab before heading back to your hotel.
The Chinamaxxing trend is still going strong, so it’s time to start your snack edition of the China haul and raid those snack shops while you’re there. From nostalgic childhood treats to regional specialties and unexpectedly addictive convenience-store finds, China’s snack scene has plenty to offer beyond the usual souvenirs. Say yes to gluttony and say yes to Chinese snacks.
Cover image via RedNote.
