A cup of coffee, milk with muesli or bread with butter and jam... These are the standard breakfast combinations in continental Europe, simple, quick and efficient. But for a Chinese person, there always seems to be something missing. It turns out that many Chinese living in Europe long most for the smell of the street breakfast that wafts through the neighbourhoods back home. A leisurely morning stroll through any corner of China - whether on a bitterly cold winter's day in the north or a gently warming dawn in the south - reveals an air full of tantalising aromas.
Northwest China: hearty warmth against the winter cold
In north-west China, breakfast is all about savoury, hearty warmth. At bustling street stalls on busy corners, you may first be mesmerised by a steaming bowl of spicy meatball soup. Imagine tender, springy meatballs, seasonal vegetables and a thick, starchy gravy slowly stirred into a broth cooked from beef bones. The rich, thick liquid locks in the deep flavours of the bones, the freshness of the meat and the sweetness of the vegetables, coating each ingredient evenly. Paired with a crispy, baked flatbread, each spoonful delivers an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and warmth, even in the biting cold of the wind.
China's breakfast is diverse
Tianjin: Jianbing Guozi - Pancakes with soul
On the streets of Tianjin, the lure of jianbing guozi (a traditional Chinese pancake sandwich) is equally irresistible. Imagine a thin pancake made from mung beans and grains, fried to a crisp on a hot griddle, with an evenly distributed layer of egg wrapped around a piece of crispy youtiao (fried dough stick) or small crispy fried dumplings. The pancake is complemented by fermented bean curd, various sauces and spices, which come together to create a rolled-up treat with different layers of texture and flavour - an unforgettable touch of local warmth.
North China: Tofu pudding - soft, spicy, wonderful
Another favourite from the north is tofu pudding. Celebrated for its soft and tender texture, vendors expertly spoon bowls of silky tofu pudding, drizzle it with a special savoury sauce, sprinkle it with crunchy pickled vegetables and crushed peanuts, and finish it off with a few sprigs of fresh coriander. With each spoonful that melts in the mouth, the unique flavours unfold, rich and tasty with a hint of refreshing brightness, adding a touch of warmth and vitality to the morning.
Central China (Wuhan): Hot dry noodles with tradition
In central China, on the mighty Yangtze River, Wuhan offers its own typical breakfast: hot dry noodles. In the early morning, when the first rays of sunshine light up Jianghan Road, long queues form in front of the stalls selling hot dry noodles. A bowl of these noodles, prepared with a special sesame paste, a slightly spicy sauce and fresh spring onions, perfectly preserves the chewy texture of the noodles while giving them a strong flavour that immediately awakens the dormant taste buds. For the people of Wuhan, hot dry noodles are not only a daily source of energy, but also a cherished symbol of the city, associated with warmth and historical memories.
Southwest China: Dandan noodles & Chongqing Xiaomian
As we head south-west, the culinary scene becomes increasingly fascinating. The Dandan noodles in Sichuan are famous for their spicy, savoury kick, while the Xiaomian (small noodles) in Chongqing are winning hearts with their simple but pure taste. A bowl of Chongqing xiaomian consists of bite-sized noodles dipped in a broth of chilli oil, Sichuan pepper powder, minced ginger and garlic, then tossed with spring onions and pickled vegetables. The result is an invigorating blend of spicy heat and subtle flavour that reflects the passionate, vibrant life in this mountain town.
Guangdong: dim sum and teahouse culture in the morning
In Guangdong, the morning experience goes beyond popular street snacks such as rice noodle rolls. A unique dim sum culture thrives here. Early in the morning, the bustling teahouses are full of activity as guests gather around the ornately decorated tables to savour an array of exquisite dim sum, crab dumplings, siu mai, char siu bao, chicken with sticky rice, steamed pork ribs in black bean sauce, chicken feet and many other delicacies. Each dish is a masterpiece of colour, aroma and flavour, and when served with a pot of fragrant tea, they not only delight the palate but also become a cherished time to gather with friends and family. This teahouse ritual epitomises Guangdong's pursuit of culinary perfection while offering a relaxed, convivial experience that adds a sense of leisure and charm to busy lives.
Guangdong: dim sum and teahouse culture in the morning
In the water towns of Jiangnan, the early market offers another treasure: soup dumplings, neatly arranged in bamboo steamers. Their thin shell envelops a flavourful soup that unfolds with every bite, especially when dipped in a few drops of aromatic vinegar and ginger. In Fujian, on the other hand, breakfast takes on a character all of its own, with seafood playing an indispensable role. A favourite combination is dingbianhu (a rice flour dough formed into a thin noodle in a wok, which is then scraped into a broth in which it is simmered and served with seafood) with hai li bing (oyster cakes). The delicate texture of dingbianhu contrasts perfectly with the golden, crispy oyster cakes, and when savoured with a bowl of rich, sweet peanut soup, it adds a gentle note of satisfaction to the morning.
Jiangnan & Fujian: soup dumplings, dingbianhu & oyster cakes
Chinese breakfast culture is not just a delicious culinary experience, but a lifestyle and cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. Behind every dish are the unique regional customs and the stories of countless lives. Whether at the bustling street stalls of the north or in the cosy teahouses and morning markets of the south, Chinese breakfast transforms the simplest ingredients into extraordinary expressions of life.
If you're tired of the simple, quick fare of a continental breakfast, take a trip to China. Stroll through the vibrant morning markets, pass by breakfast stall after breakfast stall and immerse yourself in the flavours lovingly cultivated by history, regional character and sincere sentiments. Let this great celebration of culture and cuisine fill you with boundless energy and delicious surprises every day.
