Top 10 Must-Try Traditional Breakfasts During Your China Adventure

Embarking on a Chinese feast for breakfast is a window into the nation's rich culinary heritage. While Western morning fare may differ vastly, diving into China's breakfast scene reveals a variety of delightfully unique flavors. Expand your palate with these 10 quintessential Chinese breakfast items which you may find yourself yearning for even after your journey ends.

Steamed Stuffed Buns (Bāozi, 包子)

Look for billowing steam from bamboo steamers in a local morningscape, and you're likely near a bāozi vendor. This beloved breakfast staple features fluffy buns with a medley of fillings. The pork and cabbage variety is staple, but vegetarian options abound. Economical and filling, bāozi and its unfilled counterpart, mántou (馒头), guarantee a satisfying start to your day.

Congee (Zhōu, 粥)

Throughout Asia, rice porridge, or congee, is breakfast common thread. Prepared by simmering rice until it disintegrates, the congee is plain yet comforting. It serves as a base for diverse toppings, transforming it into a savory meal. Northern China might offer variations made with millet, cornmeal, or sorghum for a regional twist.

Hot and Dry Noodles (Règānmiàn, 热干面)

Originating from Wuhan, hot and dry noodles offer a unique twist on traditional noodles. After a sesame oil toss, they are served 'dry' without broth and topped with a cacophony of flavors, including sesame paste and pickled veggies. A dish now savored across the nation, it has earned its place amongst China's top noodle favorites.

Jianbing (Jiānbing, 煎饼)

Jianbing, hailing from Shandong Province, has conquered Chinese street food culture. The savory crepe is graced with an egg, scallions, cilantro, bean paste, and chili sauce, then enveloped around crisp wontons or youtiao. It's a feast of flavors and textures in every bite.

“Flour Tea” or Millet Porridge with Sesame Paste (Miànchá, 面茶)

An old-school Beijing delight, miancha, is a misnomer—it's not tea but a glutinous millet and rice flour porridge. Tradition garnishes it with sesame paste or brown sugar syrup, providing a sweet kick to an already hearty dish.

Rice Noodles (Guìlín Mĭfĕn, 桂林米粉)

In southern China, rice rules. Guilin is famed for its rice noodles, which are often enjoyed in a soup or dressed with braised meat, peanuts, and fresh herbs, offering a versatile breakfast that satisfies at any hour.

Scallion Oil Pancake (Cōngyŏubĭng, 葱油饼)

Scallion pancakes are a flaky, savory treat made by layering dough with sesame oil and chopped scallions. This street food classic boasts a texture unlike any other, thanks to its unique rolling technique.

Soy Milk and Deep-fried Dough Sticks (Dòujiāng Yóutiáo, 豆浆油条)

For a Chinese twist on morning staples, try the crispy-chewy youtiao paired with soy milk—a duo as classic as coffee and doughnuts. Regional variations add a local spin, with Beijing favoring a simpler approach, and Shanghai spicing things up with vibrant condiments.

Tea Eggs (Chájīdàn, 茶鸡蛋)

Tea eggs are an essential Chinese grab-and-go breakfast. Marbled with the essence of tea leaves and an aromatic spice blend, they epitomize convenience and cultural flavor.

Wontons (Húntún, 馄饨/Yúntūn, 云吞)

Wontons in China offer a comforting soup-based breakfast option, filled with savory pork and accompanied typically by a light, flavorful broth—a far cry from the deep-fried varieties found overseas.

Where to eat breakfast in China

For an authentic taste of China's morning cuisine, seek out bustling street vendors or small local eateries. Alternatively, hotels in China often provide options ranging from traditional Chinese breakfasts to international offerings.