Vegan Yunnan Street Food in Beijing: A Foodie Adventure

MY FIRST TIME trying Chinese childhood snacks! | Vegan in China

Destination:ChinaCity:BeijingPopulation:21.5 million
MY FIRST TIME trying Chinese childhood snacks! | Vegan in China
Vegan in China2024-10-156 min

Come with me to try some unique Yunnan street food right here in Beijing. But here's the catch - it's in the basement of a mall? It may seem odd, but you won't want to miss these delicious delights! Only in China! I'm Alex, a Canadian living her best vegan foodie life in China! When I moved to Beijing in 2019, everyone told me it would be impossible to maintain my meatless lifestyle... Well, 5 years later I'm still here thriving and discovering new yummy plant-based dishes every day, and I want to share them with YOU! From street-side delights to fancy Michelin finds, my mission is simple: to prove that being vegan in China is not only possible but downright delicious! Whether you're fully vegan or simply a food enthusiast, I welcome you to join me on my adventures chatting with locals and sampling the diverse flavours of authentic Chinese cuisine.

--- Vegan in China
October 15, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:10Yunnan snacks in Beijing mall
  2. 1:26Fried potato rice cake
  3. 2:42Yunnan rice noodles
  4. 3:21Bang Dofu street food
  5. 5:27Rose Bing Fur dessert
  6. 5:47Meal cost and location

Vegan In China's Alex discovers delicious, affordable Yunnan street food in a Beijing mall basement, sharing a vibrant and flavorful vegan experience.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1The rice cake has a yummy sauce that's sweet, spicy, and salty, making it a great carb-on-carb snack. (2:10)
  2. Tip 2Bang Dofu, a Yunnan street food, is usually grilled on charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor. Try it with furu (fermented tofu) sauce for extra cheesiness. (3:21)
  3. Tip 3This delicious meal cost only 57 RMB. The restaurant is in a mall basement, but the address is in the video description. (5:47)
  4. Tip 4The people working here are super kind and friendly, taking pride in their local snacks. It's worth a visit! (6:00)

Alex from Vegan In China takes us on a culinary adventure to a hidden gem in a Beijing mall basement: a Yunnan street food haven! This isn't your average mall food court; Alex samples unique and nostalgic Yunnan snacks, from crispy fried potato rice cakes with a sweet, spicy, and salty sauce, to spicy Yunnan rice noodles and fragrant, fluffy Bang Dofu (fermented tofu). The experience is elevated by the friendly locals and the vibrant flavors, proving that delicious vegan food is readily available in China. Alex's enthusiasm is infectious as she shares her love for these authentic dishes, making this video a must-watch for food lovers and anyone curious about exploring China's diverse culinary scene.

More about the current video:( 10 / 14 )

MY FIRST TIME trying Chinese childhood snacks! | Vegan in China

In this episode of "Vegan in China," Alex, a Canadian vegan living in Beijing, embarks on a culinary adventure to a surprising location: the basement of a Beijing mall. There, she discovers a hidden gem offering authentic Yunnan street food.

Alex's journey begins with a tasting of a popular Yunnan after-school snack – a crispy fried potato rice cake. This dish features a unique combination of textures and flavors: the crunchy potatoes complement the soft rice cake, all brought together by a sweet, spicy, and salty sauce. Alex's vivid descriptions paint a picture of this snack's delightful taste, making it easy for viewers to imagine themselves enjoying it.

Next, she tries Yunnan rice noodles, a spicier dish than she anticipated, but one she thoroughly enjoys. The noodles are complemented by a flavorful vinegary sauce and mustard greens, adding depth and complexity to the dish. Alex's personal touch shines through as she shares her appreciation for the fermented sourness of the mustard greens.

The adventure continues with Bang Dofu, another classic Yunnan street food. Typically grilled on charcoal, this dish boasts a smoky flavor. Alex explores the various dipping sauces, highlighting the umami richness of the furu (fermented tofu) sauce. She describes the texture of the Bang Dofu as crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, a textural contrast that elevates the culinary experience. She also tries two chili powders, one peppery and the other with a Sichuan peppercorn buzz.

Finally, Alex indulges in a Rose Bing Fur, a sweet treat with a naturally sweet rose flavor that avoids being overly perfumey. The entire meal, including all these diverse and flavorful dishes, costs only 57 RMB, highlighting the affordability of this street food experience. Alex concludes her culinary journey by emphasizing the kindness and friendliness of the vendors, adding a heartwarming human element to her exploration of Yunnan cuisine in Beijing. Her enthusiasm for the food and the culture is infectious, making this video a captivating watch for food enthusiasts and anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant culinary landscape of China. The unique setting, the delicious food, and Alex's engaging personality combine to create a memorable and enjoyable viewing experience.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: Where did I find this amazing food?
A: In the basement of a mall in Beijing! It's a little hidden gem.
Q: How much did this feast cost?
A: Only 57 kuai! A total steal for all that delicious food.
Q: What was my favorite part of the experience?
A: Definitely the Bang Dofu with the furu sauce! So yummy and unique.

Vegan Yunnan Street Food in Beijing: A Foodie Adventure

Come with me to try some unique Yunnan street food right here in Beijing. But here's the catch - it's in the basement of a mall? It may seem odd, but you won't want to miss these delicious delights! Only in China! 📍Yunnan Xiao Chu, Xinjiekou Center Basement, Beijing 🌱About Vegan in China I'm...

Vegan Yunnan Street Food in Beijing: A Hidden Culinary Gem

Embark on a culinary adventure with Vegan in China as she explores the unexpected delights of Yunnan street food in a Beijing mall basement. Discover the delicious plant-based dishes and vibrant food culture that thrive in China, defying expectations and proving that veganism is not only possible but incredibly delicious. Alex, a Canadian vegan, shares her five-year journey of discovering amazing meatless meals across China, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Join her as she chats with locals and samples the diverse flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine.

Attractions in this video: Yunnan Rice Noodles, Bang Dofu