Brian Nagele
It may seem like a given to us that breakfast foods include things like eggs, bacon, pancakes, and cereal. That isn’t a universal truth, though, because what people consider breakfast food changes from country to country and from culture to culture.
Do you wonder what people in China eat for breakfast? You’re in for a treat if you’ve never thought about it before.
We’re going to explore 13 popular Chinese breakfast foods to eat. I’ll cover modern and traditional dishes, so you get the best of both worlds. Get ready to eat!
Congee – Chinese Rice Porridge
Congee, or Chinese rice porridge, has a smooth and comforting texture that makes it a staple morning meal. The rice is simmered slowly until it softens and blends with the water, creating a thick, velvety consistency. It has a mild, neutral base that allows the toppings to shine, making every bowl a personalized experience.
The beauty of congee lies in its versatility. It can be paired with savory additions like soy sauce, preserved vegetables, or meats for a rich and flavorful bite. On the sweeter side, ingredients like sugar or dried fruits can transform it into a gentle morning treat.
This dish is warm, satisfying, and easy on the stomach, making it perfect for a light yet filling start to the day. Whether enjoyed plain or with bold toppings, congee provides a comforting balance of soft grains and rich flavors that suit any preference.
Jian Bing
Jian Bing is a crispy, savory pancake that offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The thin batter cooks quickly on a hot griddle, creating a delicate crunch on the outside while staying slightly chewy inside. The addition of eggs gives it a rich, silky layer, enhancing both the taste and texture.
What makes Jian Bing stand out is its combination of ingredients. The crispy crackers provide a satisfying crunch, while the sauce adds a burst of umami with just the right touch of sweetness or spice. Each bite delivers a contrast of crispiness and softness, making it deeply satisfying.
Despite its simple ingredients, Jian Bing packs bold flavors and a delightful texture. Whether enjoyed on the go or as a sit-down breakfast, this dish brings warmth and a satisfying bite to the start of the day.
Scallion Pancakes
Scallion pancakes are a perfect blend of crispy and chewy, making them a popular choice for breakfast. Unlike Western pancakes, they are made from a dough rather than a batter, which gives them a layered, flaky texture. As they cook, the outside turns golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft with just the right amount of chew.
The flavor is simple yet deeply satisfying. The scallions add a mild onion-like sharpness that balances the rich, slightly salty dough. Pan-frying in oil enhances the crispiness, creating an irresistible contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender layers within.
These pancakes are delicious on their own, but they pair well with dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor. Whether enjoyed plain or with a side of soy sauce, they offer a comforting, savory bite that makes for a satisfying and easy breakfast.
Youtiao – Chinese Fried Dough
Youtiao is a golden, crispy delight that is light yet satisfyingly rich. The dough puffs up beautifully when fried, creating an airy, slightly chewy center wrapped in a crisp, flaky exterior. Each bite offers a contrast of textures—crunchy on the outside, soft and pillowy inside—making it an irresistible morning treat.
The flavor is subtly savory with a gentle hint of salt, allowing it to pair well with both sweet and savory accompaniments. It’s often enjoyed with warm soy milk or porridge, soaking up the flavors while maintaining its delicate crispness. The simplicity of its ingredients highlights the beauty of its texture.
Though it requires patience to let the dough rise, the result is worth the wait. Whether eaten on its own or dipped into a sauce, Youtiao is a comforting, satisfying start to the day, best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Ji Dan Bing
Ji Dan Bing is a simple yet satisfying Chinese breakfast street food that’s both quick and flavorful. The thin dough forms the base of this savory pancake, providing a delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cooked egg on top. As the pancake cooks, the egg forms a soft, slightly runny layer, which infuses the dish with a creamy taste.
What makes Ji Dan Bing special is its perfect balance of flavors. The addition of fresh lettuce adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that lightens the richness of the egg and dough. A drizzle of savory sauce ties everything together, enhancing the overall taste with a burst of umami.
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also deeply satisfying, offering a mix of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast or a tasty snack, Ji Dan Bing brings a delicious and hearty start to the day.
Ban Fan
Ban Fan is the perfect way to transform leftover rice into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. The process is incredibly simple yet yields a dish that feels complex in flavor. The warm oil poured over the seasonings enhances the aromatic spices, releasing their fragrant oils and infusing the rice with a rich, savory base.
The addition of eggs adds a smooth, creamy texture, making each bite satisfying. The eggs mix perfectly with the rice, binding the flavors together while adding a touch of richness. Whether you choose to add vegetables, meats, or just enjoy it as is, Ban Fan offers endless possibilities for customization.
This dish is a go-to for busy mornings or when you need a quick, flavorful meal. The combination of warm rice, aromatic seasonings, and the smooth egg makes it an irresistibly comforting and fulfilling option, proving that sometimes, simple ingredients can create the most delicious meals.
Chinese Doughnut Sticks
Chinese doughnut sticks are a delightful breakfast treat, resembling churros but without the cinnamon. These golden, crispy sticks have a light, airy texture that’s perfectly balanced by their crunchy exterior. When you take a bite, the dough gives way to a soft, pillowy inside, creating a satisfying contrast in every mouthful.
Their versatility makes them a favorite in China, often enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces or paired with warm soy milk or porridge. The combination of flavors enhances the doughnut sticks, making them a comforting and satisfying breakfast option that’s both easy to eat and incredibly tasty.
While the process of making these doughnut sticks can be challenging, the effort is truly worth it. The crispy, golden outside and the tender inside make for a delicious treat that’s both filling and indulgent, providing a great start to the day.
Fan Tuan
Fan Tuan is a unique and satisfying breakfast treat that combines the crispy crunch of Chinese doughnut sticks with the soft, sticky rice. The doughnut sticks are carefully wrapped inside a layer of rice, along with fresh vegetables, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The crispy doughnut sticks provide an unexpected crunch against the tender, sticky rice, while the vegetables add a refreshing balance.
The flavor is a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet, with each bite offering a harmonious mix of the rich doughnut sticks and the mild, neutral rice. The combination of ingredients makes for a filling meal that’s both comforting and energizing.
Fan Tuan is incredibly versatile, as you can fill it with a variety of ingredients depending on your preference. Whether you prefer a simple version or a more elaborate filling, the result is always a delicious, handheld breakfast that’s both easy to eat and deeply satisfying.
Chinese Steamed Egg
Chinese steamed egg is a surprisingly delightful dish, offering a smooth, creamy texture that sets it apart from traditional egg preparations. The gentle steaming method ensures that the eggs turn out velvety soft, creating a custard-like consistency that melts in your mouth. This subtle cooking technique enhances the natural flavors of the egg, making it both comforting and rich.
The dish can be prepared in different ways depending on your preference. Steaming with water highlights the pure, delicate flavor of the egg, while using chicken stock adds a deep umami richness that enhances the overall taste. The addition of soy sauce brings the perfect finishing touch, infusing the dish with a savory depth.
Chinese steamed egg is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. The texture is indulgent, and the flavor combinations allow for endless variations, making it a comforting and satisfying choice for any meal.
Egg & Scallion Crepe
Egg and scallion crepes offer a delicate and flavorful twist on traditional scallion pancakes. Unlike pancakes, which are made from dough, these crepes are crafted from a smooth batter, giving them a lighter, softer texture. When cooked, they form a thin, crispy edge while remaining tender and slightly chewy in the center, making each bite a satisfying contrast of textures.
The fresh scallions add a mild, onion-like sharpness that complements the richness of the egg, creating a harmonious balance of savory flavors. The crepes are often folded or rolled, making them easy to enjoy as a portable breakfast or snack.
While they’re delicious on their own, topping them with a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy, tangy richness that enhances the flavors. Whether eaten plain or with your favorite topping, egg and scallion crepes offer a delightful breakfast option that’s both simple and flavorful.
Chongqing Noodles – Xiao Mian
Xiao Mian, or Chongqing noodles, is a bold and fiery dish that’s perfect for those who love spice. The long noodles sit in a rich, aromatic broth that’s infused with savory and spicy flavors. The chili-seasoned meat adds a hearty, spicy kick that heats things up, while the blanched vegetables provide a refreshing balance to the intense flavors of the broth.
The addition of sweet bean sauce gives the dish a surprising touch of sweetness, creating a perfect contrast to the heat from the chili. Each bite offers an exciting combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that work together to create a deliciously complex taste.
For those who enjoy bold, spicy meals, Xiao Mian is an unforgettable breakfast choice. It’s a flavorful, satisfying dish that packs a punch with every bite, making it a beloved favorite for spice lovers. Just be prepared for the heat!
Sheng Jian Bao – Pan-fried Pork Buns
Sheng Jian Bao, or pan-fried pork buns, are a delightful breakfast treat that offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The dough wrapper is soft yet slightly crispy on the bottom, thanks to the pan-searing process, creating a satisfying contrast with the juicy pork filling inside. The pork is seasoned with aromatic spices, giving each bite a rich and savory flavor that’s simply irresistible.
When you take a bite, the inside is filled with a delicious burst of savory juices, making every mouthful a comforting experience. The crispy base adds a wonderful crunch, while the fluffy top keeps the bun light and tender. It’s like a warm, flavorful hug in every bite, making it a perfect start to the day.
Sheng Jian Bao is often enjoyed fresh and hot, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or soy milk. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or from a local street vendor, these pan-fried buns are a satisfying and comforting way to kick off your morning.
Chinese Tea Eggs
Chinese tea eggs are a simple yet flavorful breakfast option that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. These eggs are marinated in a mixture of tea, soy sauce, and spices, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply into the eggs. After soaking for 12 to 24 hours, the eggs develop a beautiful marbled pattern on their shells, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty.
The marination process gives the eggs a savory and slightly aromatic flavor, which contrasts wonderfully with the soft, tender egg white and yolk. Whether you prefer soft or hard-boiled eggs, tea eggs offer a rich taste that’s both comforting and filling.
Tea eggs are incredibly convenient for busy mornings, as they can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. These eggs are a perfect on-the-go breakfast, offering a balance of protein and flavor that’s both satisfying and easy to enjoy at any time of the day.
