Around 6PM, this street turns lively and vibrant because the Donganmen Night Market opens. The street transforms into a tidy row of food stalls. I’m guessing that there must be more than 100 stalls. Surprisingly, the food stalls are lined up very straight, clean, and lit very well. They offer a big variety of street food. I recommend trying their local specialties!
This is candied fruit is a traditional treat hand down from ancient royal kitchens. The fresh seasonal fruits are coated with honey and are stored for future consumption. They taste sweet and sour and are treasured by locals and tourists for their golden luster and nice chewy texture.
Do you remember seeing these treats watching Chinese series and movies? This is Tanghulu (Chinese Hawthorn Candy)? I’m surprised that it tastes sour.
First, I’ll start with the non-exotic food. This stall has all types of lamb, beef, chicken and squid skewers.
This food stall is serving a big variety of noodles with all sorts of condiments. Basically, it’s mix and match of your choice.
These giant oysters are grilled to perfection with a garlic and chili sauce.
The Xiaolongbao has a pork filling. Make sure you eat them while they are still hot!
These steamed buns are packed with meat and vegetables.
These pan fried dumplings are almost like pot stickers. This is a classic Northern dumplings that is made from pork and vegetables.
These lamb drumsticks are grilled on demand. The chefs places the drumstick on the grill and sprinkler a special spice on them.
This is the Chinese version of Unagi. I think the eel is substituted using a fresh water fish. I almost can not taste the difference.
How can street food not have stinky tofu? Stinky tofu a Southern specialty, but found it’s way to Beijing market.
Finally, the exotic specialties at the night market. This stall is ready to grill lizards, seahorses, and silkworm larvae for all willing customers.
Anyone interested in crunchy silkworm larvae, beetles, scorpions or dragonfiles?
Lastly, starfishes, bee cocoons, silkworm larvae, long horn beetles, water beetles, centipedes, and sea snakes.
I found that most people eating the exotic food are foreigners and visitors. The locals are eating the normal food!
Tags: Beijing, China, Donganmen Night Market, Dongcheng District, exotic, shopping, snack street, street food, Wangfujing
