Famous City of Chinese Cuisine – Xiamen

Nestled on China’s southeastern coast, Xiamen is known as the "Garden on the Sea". The rhythm of life in this city is deeply intertwined with the ocean, especially when it comes to its culinary culture. For food lovers, Xiamen holds a delightful surprise: premium seafood like king crabs and lobsters, which are considered luxury treats elsewhere, are easily accessible to all here—whether it’s for a local family dinner or a traveler in search of authentic flavors. Beyond these eye-catching crustaceans, Xiamen’s food scene is a wonderful blend of coastal freshness and Minnan (Southern Fujian) traditional flavors, making it a must-visit destination in China.

The Heart of Xiamen’s Seafood Culture: No. 8 Market

To truly immerse yourself in Xiamen’s seafood culture, you have to start with No. 8 Market, affectionately called "Ba Shi" by locals and their go-to spot for fresh produce. This bustling market has been the city’s primary source of ingredients for decades. The air is filled with the briny aroma of seafood, the lively cries of vendors hawking their daily catch, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere that defines the market. Unlike the exorbitantly priced seafood restaurants in many other countries, No. 8 Market offers a genuine "from boat to table" experience—affordable, authentic, and fully immersive in the city’s street food culture.

Wander through the market’s narrow alleys, and you’ll be greeted by rows of tanks teeming with life: massive king crabs waving their spiky claws, bright red lobsters looking majestic, plump shrimp leaping about, squids wriggling actively, and a variety of colorful fish swimming around. What surprises most visitors is that you don’t need a hefty budget to enjoy these delicacies. A whole fresh king crab fished straight from the tank can be bought and cooked at nearby small eateries for half the price you’d pay at a Western restaurant. As a tourist, you can join the locals in haggling gently with vendors, then carry your "trophy" to the nearby family-run restaurants and wait for your delicious meal to be served.

In Xiamen, the best way to enjoy king crabs and lobsters is all about keeping it simple and authentic: steaming or boiling them, seasoned only with a pinch of salt, shredded ginger, and green onions. This minimalist approach brings out the natural sweetness and tenderness of the seafood to perfection. Take a bite of steamed king crab meat—juicy, succulent, and melt-in-your-mouth—that’s the true taste of fresh seafood. For those who prefer bolder flavors, restaurants also offer options like garlic butter, spicy chili, or black bean sauce preparations.

Beyond King Crabs: Must-Try Local Delicacies in Xiamen

While king crabs and lobsters are the stars of the show, Xiamen’s culinary scene has much more to offer. Here are some iconic local snacks you simply can’t miss:

Oyster OmeletA representative dish of Minnan cuisine, Xiamen’s oyster omelet is a savory and sweet delight. Made with fresh oysters, eggs, and sweet potato starch, it’s pan-fried until the exterior turns golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and flavorful. Served with tangy garlic chili sauce, its taste is instantly elevated to another level. Vendors selling oyster omelets can be found almost on every street corner, especially around the market area, their tempting aroma filling the air.

Satay Noodle SoupThe flavor of satay noodle soup carries hints of Southeast Asian influence—a culinary legacy of Xiamen’s history as a major trading port. Thick alkaline noodles are immersed in a rich, creamy satay broth with a nutty aroma, warming both your stomach and your heart. The bowl is usually topped with seafood like shrimp, squid, or fish balls, along with tofu puffs and leafy greens. The satay broth is the soul of the dish, simmered from satay paste, peanut butter, and seafood stock—aromatic, slightly spicy, with a lingering sweetness and complex layers of flavor.

Sea Worm Jelly (Tu Sun Dong)This is a unique specialty exclusive to Xiamen. Its name might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s a must-try for adventurous eaters. Made from the pulp of marine spoon worms, which is boiled and then cooled to form a jelly-like texture, it’s smooth and chewy, similar to gelatin. Served cold and cut into small cubes, it’s drizzled with soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and cilantro. The taste is fresh, savory, and refreshing, making it the perfect palate cleanser to pair with rich seafood feasts.

Ginger Duck (Jiang Mu Ya)For a hearty and warming meal, give ginger duck a try. This dish uses local Muscovy ducks, slow-cooked with plenty of old ginger and rice wine. The duck meat becomes tender and flavorful, and the broth is warm, spicy, and comforting—ideal for cool evenings. Ginger duck is often served hot pot-style; after finishing the duck, you can cook vegetables and tofu in the savory broth, which absorbs all the delicious flavors and tastes just as amazing.

Fish Ball SoupXiamen’s fish balls are a world apart from the frozen ones you usually find elsewhere. Made from fresh mackerel or cod, which is pounded into a fine paste and mixed with starch, these fish balls are bouncy, chewy, and bursting with the fresh flavor of fish. Served in a clear, savory broth with seaweed and cilantro, it’s a light and appetizing starter or a satisfying street snack.

Most of Xiamen’s delicious food can be found in family-run eateries, street stalls, and market food courts—not in fancy, upscale restaurants. Locals are warm and hospitable, always willing to share their hidden food gems. Many vendors can speak basic English, especially in tourist-heavy areas like No. 8 Market and Gulangyu Island, making communication virtually hassle-free.

The best way to experience Xiamen’s food culture is to follow the locals’ lead and eat your way through the city: Head to No. 8 Market early in the morning to watch the market come alive, pick a fresh lobster for lunch; Wander the streets in the afternoon to sample oyster omelets and fish ball soup; In the evening, go to the coastal food stalls, order grilled shrimp, squid, and scallops, and enjoy a relaxing seafood barbecue while the sea breeze blows and the sun sets over the ocean.