20 Chinese Foods to Bring Back Home this Christmas

Chinese food may seem strange to westerners, but don’t be afraid. Even the truly odd stuff is delicious, If you’re heading out for the holidays, here are 20 Chinese specialties might want to bring back for friends to convince them.

1.MOONCAKES

December isn’t Mooncake season but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it during the rest of the year. Filled with nuts or red beans, seafood…whatever, they are delicious (usually). Do be advised though, Mooncakes have extremely high calorie counts, more than pizza and French fries mixed together. Around RMB 15

2. CHICKEN FEET

Looks awful, tastes great. RMB 20 for a whole bunch of little feet.

3. GINGER TEA

This brand, Shou quan zhai, has undergone a huge marketing promotion.  This is why you may have noticed their clever packaging lately. It’s a great instant drink mixing tea, ginger and sugar. Sweet and comforting, the ginger gives you energy when the weather gets cold. RMB 15 for a box of 12 drinks.

4. ROSSES BLOSSOM

Extremely expensive in Western countries, it costs barely anything here. It has to be boiled in water for a few minutes before being appreciated. It’s advised for woman willing to balance out their ying... whatever that means. Around RMB 30 for a medium bag.

5. SKEWERED CRABAPPLES (TANGHULU)

Tanghulu (simplified Chinese: 糖葫芦) also called bingtanghul. Traditional Chinese candied fruit originated from northern China. Not convenient to pack, but quite delicious. You can find vendors around Yunnan’s Garden. Usually about RMB 10.

6. INSTANT CHINESE NOODLES

It’s nothing new, China and instant noodles are a perfect match. Why not brining some of Shanghai market’s strange, delicious flavors home to your western relatives? Maximum RMB 10.

7. DRIED BEEF/ FISH

Funny concept full of protein with low calorie rate. 100% chance you surprise your friends and an equal chance they’ll be surprised at how good it is.

MuYao Beef (Five Spices Seasoned) 80g RMB 14.70 & Ten Wow Idea - Grilled Cod Fillets 42g

RMB 8.60

8. LAUREL TOFU 

China has different kinds of tofu: stinky tofu, white tofu, dried tofu. But the best one is the Laurel Tofu, known in Chinese as GuiGuanJingPin Doufu (桂冠精品豆腐). It is extremely nutritious, filling, and has a low calorie rate.  You will not believe that something so healthy can be this satisfying. Laurel Tofu RMB 9.50 for 150g

9. SHAQIMA

Laowais looking for a decent time in China know about this. We don’t really know what is inside but we don’t care. It is cheap, sweet and convenient.  

XFJ Egg shaqima 311g RMB 10.40

10. SEAWEED

Can be cooked in soup or in salad, with meat of fish. Tasty, full of vitamins, proteins and it’s environmental friendly.  Seaweed is one of those ingredients we don’t consume enough in western countries.  From RMB 6 to RMB 30, depending the quality.

11. DRY EARMUSHROOM

Same as the seaweed, healthy, delicious and an eastern gem. However the texture is “special”. Some don’t like it. Around RMB 30 for 200gr

12. SPICY SHELLED PEANUT

Some like it, some don’t. But it s a must-try in China. In Chinese Huang Fei Hong or黄飞红 is around RMB 12 for 200Gr.

13. BANANA CHIPS

Chips are not only potatoes based. Other fruits and vegetables can be used for. In China you can easily find the banana ones, often for much cheaper than you would at a western market. Less than RMB10 for 200Gr

14. HOT POT SEASONING

Missing hot pot? Just buy the canned Hop Pot seasoning to create it at home and impress your friends with the wonders of eating until you pass out. Around RMB 7 for 250gr  

15. GUO DONG 果冻JELLY FRUIT

Peach, apple, pineapple, coconut… Many kinds of jelly fruits exist. It’s cute and cost around RM 3. And if you decide you don’t want them anymore you can just throw them at people.

16. WHITE RABBIT CANDY大白兔奶糖DÀBÁITÙ NǍITÁNG

White Rabbit Candy has existed now for almost a century. It might be one of the best candies in the world and it is a Shanghainese brand. Beware this chewy creamy candies are a bit addictive.  RMB 12 for 250Gr.

17. CHINESE FRESH LITCHEE

Because they a bigger, sweeter, juicier and cheaper that the ones we often find in non-Asian countries.

18. CHINESE JUJUBE

Can be eaten dry or hydrated in hot water. Delicately sweet and addictive. Jujubes have great therapeutic effects such as nourishing blood and calming the mind for insomnia and restlessness. Also popular for females. RMB10 for 250 gr, but prices depend the quality.

19. ROASTED MELON SEEDS

Some other kind of addictive Chinese snacks. RMB 23 for 300 Gr.

20. BAIJIU

Because it is so good that you need to give a try to all of your friends.

They will never forget/forgive the gesture.

Related Articles