Famous Food in Xiamen: A Culinary Journey Through the Coastal City

Xiamen, a beautiful coastal city in southeastern China, is known for its stunning landscapes, historical architecture, and rich cultural heritage. However, one of its most celebrated attractions is the local cuisine. Xiamen's food scene reflects its coastal location, blending fresh seafood, traditional Fujianese flavors, and influences from neighboring regions like Taiwan. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous dishes in Xiamen and their cultural significance, ensuring you’ll know exactly what to try when visiting this vibrant city.

1. Shacha Noodles (沙茶面)

Shacha noodles are perhaps the most iconic dish in Xiamen, loved by locals and visitors alike. The key ingredient is shacha sauce, a rich, savory paste made from a blend of soy sauce, garlic, peanuts, and dried seafood like shrimp or fish. Shacha noodles can be found in nearly every corner of Xiamen, from roadside stalls to high-end restaurants. The dish is often customized with additional ingredients like pork, seafood, tofu, or vegetables. The noodles themselves are usually thin and chewy, providing a perfect contrast to the thick, flavorful broth.

Cultural Significance:
Shacha sauce has its origins in Southeast Asia and was introduced to Xiamen by early immigrants. Today, it has become a staple of Xiamen’s culinary identity, reflecting the city’s historical connections with the broader region. Shacha noodles are a comfort food for many Xiamen residents and represent the city’s diverse food culture.

2. Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎)

Originally from Taiwan, the oyster omelette has become a favorite snack in Xiamen. The dish consists of fresh oysters mixed with beaten eggs and starch to create a crispy, gooey, and slightly chewy texture. It is usually served with a sweet and savory sauce that complements the briny flavor of the oysters. Vendors prepare the dish quickly on hot griddles, making it a popular street food in Xiamen’s bustling night markets.

Health Benefits:
Oysters are rich in zinc, iron, and protein, making this dish both delicious and nutritious. The combination of eggs and oysters provides a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Xiamen Peanut Soup (花生汤)

Peanut soup is a simple yet comforting dish made by boiling peanuts with sugar until soft and creamy. The result is a sweet, silky broth that is often served as a dessert or snack. While it may sound unusual, peanut soup has been a local favorite for generations. It’s typically enjoyed during breakfast or as a late-night treat. In some variations, the soup may include glutinous rice balls, adding a chewy texture to the smooth peanut base.

Cultural Note:
Peanut soup is often associated with good fortune and longevity in Chinese culture, and it’s commonly eaten during festivals or special occasions. For many Xiamen locals, this dish brings back childhood memories of family gatherings and celebrations.

4. Spring Roll (春卷)

Xiamen-style spring rolls are different from their counterparts in other parts of China. Instead of deep-fried rolls, Xiamen’s version is made with thin, delicate wrappers filled with a combination of vegetables, meats, and sometimes seafood. The fillings are lightly sautéed and then wrapped to create a fresh and light taste. Spring rolls in Xiamen are often eaten during the Lunar New Year or other festive occasions as they symbolize prosperity and good luck.

5. Seafood Congee (海鲜粥)

Being a coastal city, it’s no surprise that seafood congee is a beloved dish in Xiamen. This comforting rice porridge is made with various types of fresh seafood such as prawns, crab, clams, and fish. The seafood is simmered with rice until it becomes a creamy, flavorful broth. It is often garnished with green onions, ginger, and soy sauce. Seafood congee is a common breakfast dish but can be eaten at any time of the day.

Nutritional Information:
Seafood congee is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart health, along with other essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals.

6. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙)

This luxurious dish is one of the most famous delicacies not just in Xiamen, but in all of China. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is a rich and flavorful soup made with a variety of high-end ingredients, including abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, scallops, and more. The dish is slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot to allow the flavors to meld together, creating a deeply satisfying and aromatic broth. It’s said that the smell of the dish is so enticing that even a Buddha would jump over a wall to try it.

Culinary History:
The dish has over a hundred years of history and is considered a status symbol due to its expensive ingredients. It was originally created during the Qing Dynasty and has since become synonymous with luxury and celebration in Chinese cuisine.

7. Xiamen Fish Balls (厦门鱼丸)

Fish balls are a popular snack throughout Xiamen, often served in soups or hot pots. Xiamen’s fish balls are unique because they are stuffed with minced pork or shrimp, giving them a more complex flavor and texture. The fish paste is made from finely ground white fish, mixed with starch to create a chewy yet tender consistency. When you bite into one of these fish balls, the savory filling bursts with flavor.

Cooking Techniques:
The fish paste is pounded by hand or machine to create a springy texture, a technique that requires skill and precision. The stuffed fish balls are then boiled, and sometimes fried, before being served with a light broth or dipping sauce.

8. Satay (沙爹)

Another dish that highlights Xiamen's Southeast Asian influence is satay. In Xiamen, satay skewers are commonly found in street markets and are usually made with beef, chicken, or seafood. The meat is marinated in a spicy satay sauce and then grilled over an open flame, giving it a smoky, charred flavor. The sauce, made from peanuts, coconut milk, and various spices, adds a rich and aromatic taste to the skewers.

Conclusion

Xiamen’s food scene is a fascinating blend of local traditions, regional influences, and international flavors. From humble street snacks to luxurious banquets, Xiamen offers something for every palate. Whether you're a fan of seafood, noodles, or desserts, this coastal city has a dish that will leave a lasting impression.