What Food To Try in Shenyang and Food Prices

Jianbing - Chinese Crepes (savory breakfast wrap) - A thin pancake filled with egg, scallions, and crunchy fried dough, slathered with sweet and spicy sauces. Locals usually grab this savory treat from street vendors for a quick breakfast on the go.

Guo Bao Rou - Sweet and Sour Pork (crispy coated pork) - Tender pork strips fried until crispy, tossed in a tangy sauce made from vinegar and sugar, often served with bell peppers. It’s a favorite dinner option, often found in family-style restaurants during gatherings.

Sheng Jian Bao - Pan-fried Pork Buns (crispy buns) - Soft yet crispy dumplings filled with juicy pork and broth, pan-fried until they have a golden base. Locals enjoy these as an afternoon snack while catching up with friends at casual eateries.

Ma La Tang - Spicy Hot Pot (varied skewers) - A bubbling pot of spicy broth where you can boil your choice of skewers filled with vegetables, tofu, and meats. Typically shared with a group, it's popular for social dining on chilly evenings.

Chuanr - Skewered Meat (grilled street food) - Juicy skewers of marinated lamb or chicken grilled over an open flame and seasoned with cumin and chili powder. A common evening snack, it's best enjoyed at outdoor food stalls with a cold drink.

Guo Tie - Pan-fried Dumplings (crispy and tender) - Dumplings filled with pork and cabbage, pan-fried so the bottoms are crispy while the tops remain tender. These are enjoyed during lunch, often steamed in large batches at local cafés.

Chao Mi Fan - Fried Rice (stir-fried rice) - Fragrant rice stir-fried with assorted vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat, tossed in soy sauce for depth. Often eaten for dinner, it’s a common comfort food at home, especially when using leftover rice.

Seasonal Kaofu - Fermented Gluten (savoury dish) - Made from wheat gluten, this dish is served cold with spicy garlic sauce, especially popular in summer. Families often share it during picnics to beat the heat while enjoying a refreshing meal together.

Ginseng Tea - 人参茶 (nutritious herbal tea) - A warm infusion of dried ginseng roots, often sweetened lightly with honey. Locals sip this tea especially during the colder months for its warming properties and health benefits, often paired with light snacks after lunch.

Cold Soy Milk - 豆浆 (refreshing soy beverage) - Silky smooth soy milk served cold, often enjoyed with a touch of sugar or sometimes hints of scent from sesame oil. This drink is particularly popular for breakfast, frequently ordered at local street stalls to start the day with a refreshing kick.

Yellow Wine - 黄酒 (sweet fermented rice wine) - A traditional beverage made from glutinous rice, this sweet and slightly tangy drink varies in strength and is typically served warm. It’s common during family gatherings, especially on festive occasions, creating a cozy atmosphere as friends and family huddle around to share stories and memories.

Sesame Pastry - 芝麻饼 (crispy sesame cake) - Flaky and fragrant, this pastry is layered with ground sesame filling, offering a nutty richness. Often found at street vendors, it makes for a delightful snack, especially during afternoon tea times when folks grab a quick bite before heading back to work.

Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding - 八宝饭 (sticky rice dessert) - Made from glutinous rice and topped with an assortment of sweet red bean paste, nuts, and dried fruits, this dessert is often served chilled or at room temperature. Traditionally enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations, its colorful presentation symbolizes prosperity and happiness for the coming year.

By the way, don’t be surprised if locals casually share their drinks by pouring for each other — it’s a sign of friendship and warmth!