Top 11 Foods in Harbin

Harbin is a city full of passion and it not only has beautiful snowy scenery, but also mouth-watering food. If you're traveling to Harbin, you can try the following 11 most popular cuisines there.

Guobaorou

Guobaorou is a traditional dish in Harbin. Crispy on the outside and tender inside is its signature feature. Pork tenderloin is coated in fried batter, fried until golden brown, and then topped with the sweet and sour sauce. When it enters the mouth, there is a 'crunch' sound. It makes it hard for people to resist guobaorou when the sweet and sour taste immediately spreads across the tongue

Cold Vermicelli

Harbin's cold vermicelli is like a salad, people can enjoy it without the need for cooking. Usually, the crystal-clear vermicelli is served with side dishes such as shredded cucumber and carrot, and drizzled with seasonings such as sesame sauce and chili oil. Once it is stirred evenly, it tastes smooth and chewy. All kinds of tastes fuse, making it refreshing and delicious. It is an excellent dish to relieve greasiness.

Braised Mirror Carp

The Mirror Carp is also called Sandaolin in Harbin for its scales are arranged along the side of the body and in only three rows. This kind of fish has few fishbone so it will not stuck with a fishbone as easily as other fish. And it is fresh and tender after being braised. The delicate fish is served with a flavorful soup that is bursting with freshness and aroma.

Stewed Mushrooms with Chicken

Stewed mushrooms with chicken is a must-try dish when visiting Harbin. It is usually stewed with hazel mushrooms, chicken and vermicelli. Hazel mushrooms can bring out the fresh flavor of chicken and make the vermicelli smooth and tender. The nutritional value is also high. When someone is sick or feeling weak, locals often prepare this dish, as it's said to restore strength and aid recovery.

Braised Pork with Vermicelli

This hearty dish is a beloved specialty of Harbin. Locals first pan-fry the chunks of pork until golden, then slowly braise them in seasoned broth for 30 minutes. Glass noodles are added next, and then simmer them for an additional 20 minutes until they soak up the rich, savory flavors of the meat and broth. The result? Tender pork that melts in your mouth and silky noodles bursting with umami. A comforting winter staple that warms both body and soul!

Sauteed Three Vegetables

Sauteed three vegetables in Harbin specifically refer to the three fresh vegetables that grow in the ground: eggplant, potato, and green pepper. These vegetables have a mellow taste after being fried with a rich sauce, making them salty and delicious.

Fried Cold Noodles

Another classic street snack in Harbin is fried cold noodles. People in Harbin fry the cold noodles on an iron plate add toppings such as eggs and ham, and then roll them into a roll after being brushed with the sauce. It has both the chewy texture of cold noodles and the delicious taste of rich ingredients when eaten. It is popular for its overflowing aroma.

Malatang

Malatang is made by cooking a variety of ingredients put in spicy and fragrant soup, the ingredients generally include vegetables, meatballs, and dried beans. After cooking, people drizzle the sticky tahini paste and stir well. It's rich and spicy with a hint of sesame, and the sweetness of the sesame sauce makes it unforgettable.

Iron Pot Stew

Harbin people enjoy stewing food in a big iron pot, known in Chinese as Tie Guo Dun-iron pot stew. Ribs and chicken are the main ingredients, thrown together with beans, potatoes, and corn then cooked until tender, juicy, and aromatic. Tortillas are placed along the sides of the iron pot to absorb the flavor of the soup. It is a dish served in winter to warm the body.

Snowy Bean Paste Balls

Snowy Bean Paste Balls are traditional snacks originating from Northeast China. These snacks have cute shapes like marshmallows and are made of sweet bean paste, whipped egg whites, and deep frying. They are soft and fluffy on the outside with sweet, delicate bean paste on the inside. They melt in the mouth, therefore they make a delicate dessert.

Candied Sweet Potato

The Candied Sweet Potato is one of the traditional dishes in Harbin. People in Harbin slice thinly sweet potatoes and fry them until golden brown. People then coat these rare gourmet treats with well-prepared sugar syrup. When picked up, it stretches into long threads, from which the dish gets its name. The Candied Sweet Potato has a crunchy exterior and sticky inside, offering a delicious taste.