When planning your China travel itinerary, it’s important to consider the extraordinary culinary adventures that await. This customized itinerary through China’s most unusual food destinations offers a unique perspective on the country’s diverse food culture, perfect for travelers seeking experiences beyond the ordinary tourist path.

A Journey Through China’s Weirdest Cuisines

A journey through China’s most unusual and exotic dishes. From the infamous stinky tofu to the surprising delicacy of sea cucumbers, this trip will challenge your taste buds and expand your culinary horizons in ways you never imagined.

The Roots of China’s Unusual Cuisine

China’s vast territory and long history have given rise to a diverse range of cuisines, including some that might seem strange to outsiders. Many of these unusual dishes have their origins in times of scarcity, traditional medicine, or simply the human spirit of culinary experimentation. Today, these foods are not just curiosities but an integral part of China’s rich food culture.

💡 Food Trivia: The concept of “weird” is culturally relative. What might seem unusual to one culture could be a everyday dish in another!

Your Weird Food Itinerary

1. Beijing : Imperial Oddities and Local Surprises

Start your journey in the capital, where ancient imperial cuisine meets modern adventurous eating and unique local specialties.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Scorpions on a stick (蝎子串): Crunchy and said to be good for circulation
  • Starfish (海星): Dried and seasoned, often eaten as a snack
  • Sheep’s Eyeball Soup (羊眼汤): An imperial dish believed to improve eyesight
  • Douzhi (豆汁): A pungent, fermented mung bean milk drink, a true test for adventurous eaters
  • Donkey Meat (驴肉): Often served in sandwiches, known as “lurou huoshao (驴肉火烧)”

Where to Stay:

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💡 Adventurer’s Tip: Douzhi is an acquired taste even for many locals. It’s often served with crispy fried dough twists (youtiao) which can help balance the flavor. For donkey meat, try it in a sandwich first before moving on to other preparations.

2. Shanghai : Modern Twists on Weird

Next, head to Shanghai for a mix of traditional weird foods and modern interpretations.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Hairy Crab (大闸蟹): A seasonal delicacy with an unusual texture
  • Drunken Shrimp (醉虾): Live shrimp doused in strong liquor
  • Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐): Fermented tofu with a pungent odor
    Stinky Tofu
    Stinky Tofu.

Where to Stay:

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3. Guangzhou : Cantonese Curiosities

Cantonese cuisine is known for its “eat everything with four legs except tables” philosophy. Guangzhou is the place to test this theory.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Snake Soup (蛇汤): Believed to have medicinal properties

  • Chicken Feet (鸡脚): A popular dim sum item

    Unusual Dim Sum
    A selection of unusual dim sum dishes in Guangzhou.

  • Duck’s Tongue: Considered a delicacy

Where to Stay:

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💡 Cultural Tip: In Cantonese culture, appreciating these unusual dishes is seen as a sign of culinary sophistication.

4. Chengdu , Sichuan Province: Spicy and Weird

Sichuan cuisine is known for its boldness, and this extends to its unusual dishes as well.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Spicy Rabbit Head (麻辣兔头): A popular street food
  • Pig Brain (猪脑): Often served in a spicy hotpot
  • Husband and Wife Lungs Slices (夫妻肺片): Despite the name, it’s made from beef offal

Where to Stay:

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5. Yunnan Province: Insects and More

Finish your weird food journey in Yunnan , where insect cuisine is a specialty.

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Fried Bee Larvae (油炸蜂蛹): Crunchy and nutty
  • Cheese Made from Hornet Larvae (蜂蛹奶酪): A delicacy of the Hani people
  • Fried Dragonflies (油炸蜻蜓): Crispy and surprisingly tasty

Weird Food Survival Guide

  1. Open Mind, Open Palate: Approach each dish with curiosity rather than apprehension.
  2. Start Small: Begin with milder options before tackling the more challenging dishes.
  3. Learn the History: Understanding the cultural significance of a dish can enhance your appreciation.
  4. Texture Matters: Many unusual foods are more about texture than taste.
  5. Pace Yourself: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t try to eat everything in one day!

📝 Final Tips for Weird Food Adventurers

  1. Learn Key Phrases: “Wǒ xiǎng chángshì” (我想试试) means “I want to try.”
  2. Respect Local Customs: Some dishes may have specific ways of eating or cultural significance.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Some unusual foods can be quite rich or salty.
  4. Document Your Journey: Take photos (when appropriate) to remember your adventures.