Chinatodo
Discover vegan-friendly Chinese street eats! From sugar-glazed fruits to Buddhist mock meats, learn how to enjoy 7 plant-based snacks with ordering phrases, price ranges, and allergy tips.
Naturally Vegetarian Classics
1. Candied Hawthorn Skewers (糖葫芦 táng hú lu)
What: Skewered fruits dipped in hardened sugar syrup.
Safe Ordering: Ask "Zhège jiā fēngmì le ma?" ("Does this have honey?") for strict vegans.
Price: 0.50−0.50-0.50−1.50
2. Roasted Sweet Potato (烤红薯 kǎo hóng shǔ)
Pro Tip: Look for vendors using coal ovens – natural caramelization without butter!
Avg Cost: 1−1-1−2
3. Sugar-Glazed Chestnuts (糖炒栗子 táng chǎo lì zi)
Key Question: "Yòng shénme yóu chǎo?" ("What oil is used?") to avoid lard.
🛠 Customizable Must-Tries
4. Savory Crepe (煎饼 jiān bing)
Vegan Hack:
- Remove crispy cracker (may contain egg)
- Sauce: Chili only (avoid hoisin/fermented bean paste)
Phrase: "Bú yào báocuì, zhǐ yào làjiāo jiàng" ("No cracker, chili sauce only")
5. Cold Noodles (凉皮 liáng pí)
Avoid: Garlic sauce (sometimes contains fish sauce).
Order Safely: "Chúnsù liángpí, bù jiā suànshuǐ" ("Vegan noodles, no garlic sauce").
Plant-Based Protein Wonders
6. Buddhist Vegetarian Skewers (素肉串 sù ròu chuàn)
Where: Temple markets (e.g., Beijing’s Lama Temple).
Star Picks:
- King oyster mushroom "squid"
- Gluten-based "duck"
7. Vegetarian Stinky Tofu (素臭豆腐 sù chòu dòu fu)
Rare Find: Some vendors use fermented vegetable brine instead of shrimp paste.
Allergy & Safety Guide
Hidden Non-Veg Ingredients
- Sauces: Fermented tofu (may contain alcohol), oyster sauce
- Frying Oil: Shared with meat items
- Soup Bases: Often pork/chicken stock
Survival Phrases
- "Wǒ chī chún sù" ("I eat strict vegan")
- "Tiáo liào yǒu dòng wù chéng fèn ma?" ("Any animal products in seasoning?")
