Street food is an integral part of Chinese culture, with vendors selling their wares from street corners, night markets and food stalls throughout the country. It’s also a major draw for tourists looking to experience all that China has to offer. But is Chinese street food healthy?
The answer is both yes and no, depending on what dishes you try. While some traditional Chinese dishes such as baozi (steamed buns), jiaozi (dumplings) and chuanr (meat skewers) are healthy choices, others can be high in fat, sugar or salt. Fried or heavily sauced dishes should be consumed in moderation.
The Benefits: Street food can be a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, which are often used in abundance in traditional Chinese dishes like stir-fried greens or noodle soup. Many of these dishes are also low in fat and salt, making them a healthy option for those looking to watch their weight and sodium intake.
The Risks: Certain fried foods such as spring rolls or egg rolls are high in fat and calories, so it’s best to limit your consumption of these items. Furthermore, many street foods contain MSG (monosodium glutamate), which can increase your sodium levels if consumed in excess. Additionally, the hygiene standards at street vendors may not be as high as restaurants or other establishments, so it’s important to exercise caution when selecting what items to purchase.
The Bottom Line: Chinese street food can be a healthy and convenient way to enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine while traveling around the country. However, it’s important to exercise caution when choosing what items to purchase as some may be higher in fat or salt than others.
As long as you keep an eye out for these potential pitfalls, you should have no problem finding delicious yet nutritious street food options throughout China.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Chinese street food can be both healthy and unhealthy depending on what items you choose. If you pay close attention to the ingredients used in each dish and practice moderation when consuming fried or heavily sauced items then there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy delicious yet nutritious meals from street vendors throughout China.