I spent an unforgettable day exploring Shanghecheng Snack Street in Kaifeng, a hidden gem that serves as the ultimate gateway to authentic Henan cuisine. Walking through the 700-meter-long food paradise, sampling everything from imperial almond tea to legendary soup dumplings that once graced the Song Dynasty tables—this culinary adventure revealed why Kaifeng has been celebrated as a food capital for centuries. If you're seeking authentic Chinese street food away from tourist traps, this is where locals bring their friends.
Trip Overview
When: Late May 2020
Duration: 1 day
Travelers: Solo traveler
Budget: ~60 RMB (~$8 USD)
Location: Shanghecheng Snack Street (上河城小吃街), South of Longting Park, Kaifeng
Day 1: A Culinary Journey Through Ancient Kaifeng
When I first arrived at Shanghecheng Snack Street (上河城小吃街), I immediately understood why this place is a must-visit for anyone exploring Kaifeng. Located just south of the historic Longting Park and adjacent to the ancient Song Imperial Street (宋都御街), this 700-meter food corridor houses over 70 food stalls offering everything from traditional Henan delicacies to treats from across China.
Walking through the entrance, I was immediately transported back to the Song Dynasty. The entire street features stunning Song-style architecture with intricate wooden structures, traditional lanterns, and vendors dressed in period costumes. The attention to detail is remarkable—every stall owner wears traditional Hanfu clothing, and the buildings feature authentic Song-era design elements. It felt like stepping into a time machine.
🎯 Practical Info
Entry Fee: Free Best Time: Late afternoon to evening (4 PM - 9 PM) Duration: Plan for 2-3 hours minimum Location: South side of Longting Park, Kaifeng
The street is divided into sections, each specializing in different types of cuisine. I started my food tour from the eastern entrance, where the aroma of freshly baked goods and sizzling meats immediately caught my attention. The vendors are incredibly friendly—most speak basic English and are happy to explain their specialties.
First Stop: Imperial Almond Tea (杏仁茶)
My first taste of Kaifeng was the famous almond tea (杏仁茶, Xìngrén Chá), a traditional drink that once graced imperial tables. Watching the vendor prepare it was like watching performance art. Using an ornate bronze dragon-and-phoenix teapot, they poured boiling water over finely ground almond powder, then topped it with a colorful array of ingredients—peanuts, sesame seeds, rose petals, osmanthus flowers, raisins, goji berries, cherries, and a touch of sugar.
The result was stunning—a warm, creamy beverage that was both visually beautiful and incredibly soothing. The nutty almond flavor combined with the sweet and floral notes created something truly unique. At just 15 RMB (~$2), it was the perfect way to start my culinary adventure.
Second Stop: Bucket Chicken (桶子鸡)
Next, I discovered Kaifeng's signature bucket chicken (桶子鸡, Tǒngzi Jī), a dish that's been perfected over centuries. The name comes from the traditional cooking method—the chicken is boiled whole in a special bucket-like container, resulting in bright yellow skin and incredibly tender meat.
What makes this dish special is the texture. The chicken is served whole, and you're supposed to debone it carefully before slicing. The meat is remarkably tender yet maintains a satisfying crispness. The flavor is savory with a subtle saltiness that enhances rather than overwhelms. I learned that this isn't a dish you rush through—it's meant to be savored slowly, slice by slice.
💡 Pro Tip
Don't try to eat bucket chicken like regular fried chicken. Ask the vendor to debone and slice it for you, or watch how locals do it. The proper way is to pick up a boneless slice with chopsticks and enjoy it slowly!
Third Stop: Soup Dumplings (灌汤包)
No visit to Kaifeng is complete without trying the legendary soup dumplings (灌汤包, Guàntāng Bāo). These aren't your ordinary dumplings—they're filled with hot, savory broth that bursts in your mouth with each bite. The story goes that these were served in the imperial court during the Northern Song Dynasty, with one famous restaurant called "Wang's Tower" (王楼) claiming to serve the best in the empire.
When my steaming basket arrived, I could see why these are so beloved. The dumplings are delicate and translucent, revealing the golden broth inside. The trick is to pick them up gently by the top, place them on your spoon, nibble a small hole to let the steam out, then slurp the soup before eating the rest. It takes some practice, but the reward is pure culinary bliss!
More Delicacies to Discover
As I continued my journey through the street, I encountered even more unique treats:
Flatbread with Bean Jelly (烧饼夹凉粉): A local favorite that combines crispy sesame flatbread with soft, savory bean jelly. The contrast of textures is addictive!
Thai Banana Bamboo (泰国香蕉竹): One of the most intriguing snacks I found—sticky rice mixed with banana, orange, strawberry, and peanuts, all stuffed into a bamboo tube and grilled. When peeled, it looks like a banana but tastes like sweet, aromatic rice pudding with a subtle bamboo fragrance. The vendor told me the bamboo imparts a unique aroma that can't be replicated any other way.
Big Knife Noodles (大刀面): Also known as "Longevity Noodles," these are cut with an impressively large knife—almost as wide as the noodles themselves! Originating from the Song Dynasty, these noodles were once presented to emperors as tribute. The noodles are surprisingly delicate despite their dramatic preparation.
Tripe Skewers (涮牛肚): For the adventurous eater, these spicy tripe skewers are cooked in a bubbling pot of Sichuan peppercorn and chili oil. They're chewy, spicy, and utterly addictive!
Final Thoughts
By the time I finished exploring Shanghecheng Snack Street, I was completely full and utterly satisfied. What struck me most wasn't just the incredible food—it was the atmosphere. The combination of historic architecture, costumed vendors, and authentic flavors creates an immersive experience that goes beyond simple dining.
If you're visiting Kaifeng, make sure to save an afternoon for this culinary paradise. Come hungry, bring cash (though most vendors accept mobile payments), and don't be afraid to try everything. The locals say "品开封特色小吃，就来开封上河城小吃街"—and after my experience, I couldn't agree more.
There's so much more I wanted to try—my list of "next time" foods grows longer with each visit. But that's the beauty of Shanghecheng Snack Street: it always leaves you wanting to come back for more.
Quick Reference Guide
Must-Try Foods:
Almond Tea (杏仁茶) - ~15 RMB (~$2) Bucket Chicken (桶子鸡) - ~30 RMB (~$4) per half chicken Soup Dumplings (灌汤包) - ~20 RMB (~$3) for 8 pieces Flatbread with Bean Jelly (烧饼夹凉粉) - ~8 RMB (~$1) Thai Banana Bamboo (泰国香蕉竹) - ~12 RMB (~$1.50) Big Knife Noodles (大刀面) - ~15 RMB (~$2) Tripe Skewers (涮牛肚) - ~2 RMB (~$0.25) per skewer
How to Get There:
Address: 开封市龙亭区宋都御街南段 (South Section of Song Imperial Street, Longting District, Kaifeng)
From Kaifeng Railway Station: Take Bus 1, 3, or 20 to Longting Park Station (龙亭公园站), then walk 5 minutes south.
From Kaifeng North Railway Station (High-speed rail): Take Bus 53 to Longting Park Station.
Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to evening (4 PM - 9 PM) when all stalls are open and the lanterns create a magical atmosphere. Avoid noon on weekends when it gets crowded with local families.