Harbin Food - What and Where to eat in Harbin

Harbin has a diverse and rich dining culture, with years of culinary development under the Jin and Yuan dynasties, local delicacies from the mountains and the products of multiculturalism in modern times. Influenced mainly by local people, minority cultures, and Russian style, Harbin food features the following two characteristics:

Firstly, traditional Harbin food uses the cooking methods of steaming, braising, grilling, roasting and stir-frying. The taste is slightly salty compared to Cantonese Cuisine. Dishes are based on local delicacies from the mountains. Recommended dishes include Pa Qietiao (grilled eggplant with honey miso sauce and sesame seeds), Xiaoji Dun Mogu (stewed chick with mushroom), Zhurou Dun Fentiao (braised pork with Vermicelli) and Jiang Gujia (braised spare ribs in brown sauce). Dumplings from Northeastern China are unmissable.

Secondly, Harbin’s dining culture became more multicultural with influences from Russia, Italy, France and Denmark. Russian bread, sausage, cheese, and cornichon are all popular western style foods in the city. Authentic Russian style restaurants can be found on Central Street and nearby.