What Food To Try in Harbin and Food Prices

Scallion Pancakes - 葱油饼 (savory fried flatbread) - Crispy, flaky pancakes made from dough mixed with finely chopped scallions, pan-fried until golden. Locals often enjoy these as a quick breakfast on the go or as a snack at tea houses.

Spicy Grilled Lamb Skewers - 羊肉串 (tender lamb kebabs) - Skewers of marinated lamb pieces, seasoned with cumin and chili, grilled over an open flame. These are the perfect street food meal, often enjoyed in the evening as a casual dinner with friends, usually accompanied by local beer.

Sweet and Sour Carp - 糖醋鲤鱼 (crispy fish dish) - Whole carp coated in a crispy batter and served with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, often garnished with vegetables. It’s a popular choice for festive occasions, typically shared among family members for dinner, served on a beautiful platter.

Harbin Sausage - 哈尔滨红肠 (smoky sausage) - Coarsely minced pork mixed with garlic and spices, smoked to perfection, served sliced and often with mustard. This specialty is a nostalgic favorite for locals and pairs perfectly with a cold beer.

Potato Bites - 土豆球 (crunchy bites) - Deep-fried balls of seasoned mashed potatoes, often enjoyed as a side dish or snack. Surprisingly hearty, they are commonly found at street fairs and markets during colder months.

Winter Melon Soup - 冬瓜汤 (refreshing soup) - A light yet comforting broth made with winter melon, dried shrimp, and herbs, typically enjoyed warm. It’s especially popular among locals in the summer to combat heat, cherished for its cooling properties.

Chicken Hot Pot - 鸡火锅 (interactive dining) - Tender chicken pieces cooked in a bubbling pot of broth filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. Often ordered for family-style dinners, it’s a lively way to gather and chat while cooking your food at the table.

By the way, don’t be surprised if locals dip their food in vinegar or hot sauce—a common practice that adds zing to every bite!

Longjing Tea - 龙井茶 (Dragon Well tea) - This refreshing green tea is known for its flat, tender leaves and slightly nutty flavor. Locals often sip it in the afternoons, enjoying the ritual of steeping it multiple times for distinct tastes, especially in tea houses that exude a tranquil atmosphere.

Cherry Juice - 樱桃汁 (fresh cherry juice) - Made from Harbin's seasonal cherries, this sweet and tart beverage is a favorite during the summer months. It’s typically served chilled, and locals love to drink it leisurely at parks while picnicking, making it a perfect way to beat the summer heat.

Ice Cream - 冰淇淋 (frozen dessert) - Harbin’s unique take on ice cream often includes flavors like red bean or sweetened condensed milk. It's served in hefty scoops at street stalls during the dog days of summer, and many locals enjoy it as a sweet treat after a day of shopping in the bustling streets.

Red Bean Cake - 红豆糕 (soft steamed cake) - This sweet cake is steamed to perfection and filled with a smooth red bean paste. Typically enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings, it has a lovely texture that often leads to sharing among close friends, so keep your portion small!

Ice Wine - 冰酒 (sweet dessert wine) - Produced from frozen grapes, this wine is rich and sweet, often enjoyed during dinner gatherings. Although it can be a bit pricey, locals tend to savor it during special celebrations, and it pairs beautifully with desserts, especially cheese platters.