What Food To Try in Jinan and Food Prices

Dumplings - 饺子 (Jiǎozi) - These are boiled or fried dumplings stuffed with minced meat and vegetables, often served with a soy vinegar dipping sauce. Locals usually enjoy them during family gatherings or special occasions.

Steamed Buns - 包子 (Bāozi) - Fluffy buns filled with pork, beef, or vegetables, steamed to perfection. You'll find these served at breakfast stalls, often accompanied by a hot bowl of soy milk for dipping.

Sweet and Sour Carp - 糖醋鲤鱼 (Tángcù Lǐyú) - A whole fried carp drizzled with a sticky sweet and sour sauce, typically served for a festive dinner. I’ve seen families order this during celebrations, showing off the gleaming fish as the centerpiece.

Beef Noodle Soup - 牛肉面 (Niúròu Miàn) - Tender beef chunks simmered in rich broth, served over chewy noodles and topped with fresh coriander. It’s a popular lunch option at local joints, often enjoyed with a side of pickled vegetables.

Street Skewers - 烤串 (Kǎochuàn) - Marinated meat and vegetables grilled on skewers, a popular late-night snack among the locals. I made the mistake once of ordering without realizing just how spicy they could be, so be careful!

Spring Roll - 春卷 (Chūnjuǎn) - Crispy fried rolls filled with vegetables and meat, offering a delightful crunch and savory flavor. These are often shared during social gatherings, especially in the spring.

Cold Noodles - 凉面 (Liángmiàn) - Chilled wheat noodles tossed in a tangy sesame or chili sauce, often garnished with cucumbers or shredded chicken. Perfect for hot summer days, locals enjoy them as a light lunch, preferably before noon.

Gold Leaf Chicken - 金箔鸡 (Jīnbó Jī) - A beautifully presented dish with chicken topped with edible gold leaf, symbolizing prosperity. Sometimes reserved for special banquets, it's a sight to behold but can be a tad pricey!

Jinan Spring Water - 济南泉水 (fresh spring water) - Crisp and refreshing water sourced from the city’s famous springs, often served chilled. Locals typically enjoy it during meals or on hot days, with many believing it holds health benefits.

Jinan Green Tea - 济南绿茶 (local green tea) - Delicate green tea with tender, fresh leaves, often brewed at a lower temperature to preserve its grassy notes. A popular drink during morning gatherings or tea ceremonies, it's usually accompanied by sunflower seeds for snacking.

Jinan Beer - 济南啤酒 (local lager) - Light and crisp lager brewed with quality barley and hops, usually served cold in chilled glasses. This drink is a go-to during summer barbecues or outings with friends; locals often enjoy it with spicy skewers for a delightful contrast.

Sweet Red Bean Cake - 红豆糕 (moist pastry dessert) - A soft cake made with sweet red bean paste, lightly steamed and often topped with toasted sesame seeds. Commonly enjoyed during family gatherings or festivals, this treat is particularly popular around the Lunar New Year.

Iced Watermelon Soup - 西瓜冷汤 (refreshing cold dessert) - A chilled soup made from fresh watermelon, blended smoothly and served with a drizzle of honey. Particularly favored in the scorching summer months, it's often sold at open-air stands, bringing relief from the heat while being surprisingly flavorful.

By the way, don’t be surprised if your tea gets served without sugar; it's a common local preference to savor the flavor as is!