Top 10 Snacks in Harbin

Harbin, known as China's "Ice City", combines Russian flavors with substantial Northeastern Chinese cuisine. The snacks here are as creative as its renowned ice sculptures — such as smoky sausages, crispy-skinned bread, and sweet and icy delicacies. Here are ten must-try delicious snacks!

Guo Bao Rou (Sweet and Sour Pork)

Guo Bao Rou, also known as Sweet and Sour Pork, is one of the most beloved dishes in Harbin. The pork is sliced thinly, fried until crispy, and then coated with a sweet and tangy sauce. Locals say that this dish tastes full of childhood memories—they call it "the taste of home on a plate." Why do people love it? Because the outside is crispy, the inside is tender and juicy, and every bite seems to be a perfect combination of various flavors and textures.

Harbin Red Sausage

Harbin Red Sausage is a smoked pork sausage with a rich flavor of garlic and pepper. Inspired by Russian recipes, it is juicy and full of delicious taste. You can eat it directly, add it to sandwiches, or have it as a convenient street snack. What's the best part? This kind of red sausage can be easily found everywhere, from small local markets to high-end restaurants.

Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cake is a golden-brown street snack made with pumpkin, eggs, and sugar. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it has a natural sweetness. Locals eat it for breakfast or as a snack, often with soy milk or tea. You can watch vendors cook it on hot griddles at Daoli Market or near Central Street. Tastes best when fresh and warm—a cozy treat for cold weather!

Frozen Pear

Frozen pear is a special fruit in Harbin. In winter, fresh pears are frozen outdoors until they turn black. They must be defrosted in water before being eaten. After being thawed, the pear flesh is jelly-like and rich in juice. With a gentle suck, you can taste the sweet, sour and cold pear juice.

Madieer Ice Cream

Madieer Ice Cream remains a favorite in Harbin—even in the coldest winters! Made with fresh milk and eggs, it’s creamy and not too sweet. The best place to try it? Zhongyang Street’s open-air stalls. Locals love how the icy weather keeps the ice cream perfectly cold without a freezer. Simple, classic, and unforgettable!

Harbin Smoked Chicken

Harbin Smoked Chicken is slow-smoked over wood, giving it juicy meat and a crispy golden skin. The smoky taste pairs perfectly with beer or steamed rice. Many visitors buy it as a souvenir to take home—it stays fresh for days and comes in handy gift boxes. You’ll find it at markets like Daowai District or specialty food stores.

Tanghulu

Tanghulu is a delicacy where hawthorn is the main ingredient and is coated in sugar syrup. The sourness of hawthorn combined with the sweetness of rock sugar gives a whole new meaning to the term ''sweet and sour''. Nowadays, tanghulu has come to be made in various ways. People coat rock sugar syrup on the fruits they like, and even cookies are used to make tanghulu.

Fried Cake

A crispy golden street snack made with sticky rice, red bean, and rose jam. Freshly fried daily at Hongzhuan Morning Market, its crunchy shell and sweet, floral filling have been a local legend for 30+ years. A must-try for visitors craving authentic Harbin flavors!

Grilled Cold Noodles

Grilled Cold Noodles is a popular street snack. Cold noodles are grilled with eggs and brushed with savory sauces. The magic? The edges turn crispy while the center stays chewy—a fun mix of textures! Want more kick? Just add extra chili sauce. Look for sizzling griddles at night markets or food stalls.

Egg Burger

The egg burger in Harbin is a delicious street-style breakfast. Fluffy eggs and minced meat are nestled inside crispy flour crusts. Vendors cook these egg burgers on hot griddles at places like the morning market on Hongzhuan Street. You can even add some chili sauce to give it an extra spicy kick! It's warm, filling, and affordable (about 3.5 yuan), making it a perfect choice for those cold days.

By Kristen Qin
Web Editor