Food and restaurants, what and where to eat in Harbin

Harbin, often referred to as the "Oriental Paris", is a city celebrated for its unique geographical location, rich historical heritage, and vibrant cultural diversity. This combination has given rise to an array of delectable specialties that are not only emblematic of Harbin's culinary culture but also make for perfect souvenirs for visitors to this enchanting city. Following are food and restaurant that recommended to enjoy in Harbin.

What to eat

Top1: Harbin Sausage/哈尔滨红肠

Harbin Sausage

Harbin Sausage, originating from Russia, was introduced to China in the late 19th century with the construction of the China Eastern Railway, and since then, it has become a signature food of Harbin and Northeast China. Made from high-quality pork mixed with select spices like garlic and starch, the sausage goes through a meticulous process of slicing, marinating, rolling, and smoking.

The traditional wood-smoking technique gives Harbin Sausage its distinctive taste, balanced in saltiness, oil without being greasy, tender and palatable, and with a smoky aroma that lingers This sausage has become a favorite across all age groups, often enjoyed as a convenient travel snack. In Harbin alone, millions of these sausages are consumed each year, demonstrating its immense popularity.

Top 2: Modern Ice Lolly/马迭尔冰棍

Since the establishment of the Modern brand on Harbin's Central Street in 1906, the Modern Ice Cream Bar has become another emblematic symbol of Harbin for its unique flavor and rich history. The ice cream's formulation includes a higher ratio of milk and eggs than regular ice creams and is free from any leavening agents, resulting in a sweet yet not sickly flavor that carries a distinct aroma within the ice.

Visiting Harbin without trying a Modern Ice Lollies is akin to visiting Beijing without seeing the Great Wall or the Forbidden City. This century-old brand has remained a perennial favorite, with people queuing up to buy it regardless of the scorching summer heat or the bone-chilling cold of winter. It's said that on Central Street alone, over ten thousand of these iconic ice cream bars are sold daily.

Top 3: Dalieba/大列巴

Dalieba, a renowned specialty of Harbin, originated from Russia, that "lieba" is a transliteration of the Russian word “Khleb” for bread. This bread is crafted using a three-stage fermentation process, combined with beer hops, and baked with unique hardwoods like linden and oak, leading to a hard, chewy crust and a soft, airy interior. The standard diameter of a Dalieba is between 23 and 26 centimeters, and its thickness exceeds 16 centimeters, making it hefty and substantial when held.

Dalieba exudes a rich blend of aromas—wheat, beer, fruitwood, and lactic acid. It can be enjoyed in spreading with jam or butter and pairing with cheese or ham, or being broken into pieces and added to soup or milk. For Harbin, Dalieba is more than just a food; it serves as a cultural emblem and stands as a witness and bearer of its history.

Top 4: Guo Bao Rou/锅包肉

During the Qing Dynesty, the Harbin magistrate's residence often hosted foreign guests, particularly from Russia. To cater to these guests' tastes, the head chef transformed the original salty taste dish "Braised Pork Strips" into a sweet and sour dish, marking the creation of Guo Bao Rou in Harbin.

Guo Bao Rou uses premium pork tenderloin, which is sliced, marinated, and coated in a batter before being deep-fried until golden and crispy. The fried pork is then quickly stir-fried with a special sweet and sour sauce, thickened with starch. The dish features a crispy, golden exterior and tender meat inside, offering a delightful sweet and sour taste that whets the appetite.

Top 5: Harbin Smoked Chicken/哈尔滨熏鸡

Harbin Smoked Chicken is a distinctive dish from Harbin. The dish uses tender, plump hens as the primary ingredient, meticulously selected for quality, then marinated with a special blend of seasonings and slowly smoked over a long period.

The key to the dish lies in the precise control of heat and the careful selection of smoking materials. Any deviation in these factors can significantly affect the final taste. Once perfectly smoked, the chicken emits an enticing aroma, and the meat is both succulent and tender. Harbin Smoked Chicken is versatile and can be enjoyed as a delightful accompaniment to drinks or as a comforting homemade dish.

Top 6: Smoked Salmon with Five Spice/熏五香大马哈鱼

Smoked Salmon with Five Spice is a specialty dish from Harbin's Acheng District. The salmon used comes from the pristine waters of the Ussuri River, ensuring that the salmon is free from pollution and of the highest quality.

The salmon is deboned and sliced before being marinated with a mix of salt, soy sauce, MSG, and green onions. The marinated fish is then steamed until cooked and subsequently smoked with sugar, infusing it with a rich, sweet-smoky flavor. Finally, a light coat of fragrant sesame oil is applied to enhance the aroma. The finished product is vibrant in color, with a glossy red hue, and offers a savory, delectable taste that leaves a lingering impression.

Top 7: Yagou Sticky Bean Buns/亚沟粘豆包

Yagou Sticky Bean Buns are a specialty of Yagou Town in the suburban Acheng District of Harbin, and they serve as a unique symbol of the area. These buns were once carried by hunters as a convenient food during winter hunts in northern China and have since evolved into a beloved everyday delicacy. Sticky Bean buns are made using high-quality glutinous cornmeal or millet flour, filled with red beans or kidney beans, fermented then steamed. The done buns are fragrant, sticky, soft, and smooth, with a rich aroma, which are popular among Northeastern Chinese families during the Spring Festival.

Top 8: Harbin Beer/哈尔滨啤酒

Harbin Beer, established in 1900, is one of the most representative beers of northern China, brewed from high-quality malt, hops, and pristine spring water, and crafted with exceptional brewing techniques, creating a golden-colored beer with a rich foam and a robust, malty aroma.

Harbin Beer not only enjoys widespread popularity within China but also has a significant presence overseas, serving as an important ambassador for Chinese culinary culture. Taste Harbin beer, you can not only feel the perfect combination of tradition and modernity, but also appreciate the unique charm of Harbin, a city of ice and snow.

Where to eat

Top 1: Modern Cold-drink Since 1906/马迭尔冷饮厅1906

Modern Ice Lolly, often considered one of Harbin's signature treats, is renowned for its rich and creamy flavor. It adheres to traditional production methods without any additives, preserving a century-old taste. The texture is smooth and velvety, capturing the essence of authentic dairy flavors. Even in the freezing cold of winter, when temperatures can drop to -20℃ or -30℃, Modern ice cream remains a best-seller.

Despite the unassuming decor of the ice cream parlor, it is always packed with customers, as a visit to Central Avenue seems incomplete without savoring a Modern ice lolly.

• Recommended: Modern Ice Lolly, Modern Ice Cream, Harbin Sausage, Tanghulu, Chicken Nugget, Modern Water Ice
• Operating Hours: 09:00 AM – 08:00 PM
• Address: No. 89 Zhongyang Street, Daoli District, Harbin City
• Telephone: 0451-84884400

Top 2: Lao Chu Jia/老厨家

Located near Zhongyang Street, Lao Chu Jia is renowned as the most authentic place to enjoy the famous Northeast Chinese dish, Guo Bao Rou, with nearly a century of history. The current Lao Chu Jia is designed as a museum-style dining experience, featuring a train carriage restaurant and a cultural corridor, where showcases an array of artifacts, books, old dining utensils, and stories and photographs. The restaurant often sees a high volume of guests, so reservations are recommended.

• Recommended: Guo Bao Rou, Sauteed Potato with Green Pepper and Eggplant, Fried Popsicle, Fried Flatfish with Black Pepper, Kvass
• Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 09:00 PM
• Address: No. 55-1 West Qidao Street, Daoli District, Harbin City
• Telephone: 0451-87322225

Top 3: Jingangshan BBQ/金刚山烧烤

Jingangshan BBQ is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Harbin. With its large scale, it can accommodate over 2,000 diners at a time. The restaurant offers generous portions of barbecued dishes, along with a variety of complimentary snacks. Meanwhile, the staff are known for their warm and hospitable service, embodying the spirited and friendly nature of Northeastern Chinese people.

• Recommended: Trotters, Cappuccino, Mutton, Needle Mushroom, Pig Kidney, Golden Chicken Wings
• Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 02:00 AM
• Address: No. 252-2, Zhongshan Road, Nangang District, Harbin City
• Telephone: 0451-82628859

Top 4: Huamei Western Restaurant/华梅西餐厅

Huamei Western Restaurant, located on the Zhongyang Street pedestrian street, is one of the four major Western restaurants in China and a cultural symbol of Harbin, offering an authentic taste of classic Russian dishes.

The second floor of the restaurant is decorated in the style of the Moscow Kremlin. Sitting by the window on the second floor, diners can enjoy a picturesque view of the historic street, especially in snow, which is a delightful experience.

• Recommended: Red Cabbage Soup, Pasta, Hot Spicy Chicken Pesto Pizza, Russian salmon, Braised Shrimps in Pots, Kvass
• Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 08:30 AM
• Address: No. 112 Zhongyang Street, Daoli District, Harbin City
• Telephone: 0451-84619818

Top 5: MaoMao Smoked Meat/毛毛熏肉

Maomao Smoked Meat is a popular, affordable eatery located on Daan Street, just off Central Street, with clean environment and friendly service. It offers authentic smoked meat dishes with tender and flavorful meat，often paired with chewy, hearty pancakes, making for a delicious combination. The restaurant also serves traditional dishes in generous portions, offering great value for money.

• Recommended: Smoked Meat, Guo Bao Rou, Pancake, Fish-flavored Pork Slices, Poached Spicy Slices of Pork
• Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 08:30 AM
• Address: No. 56 Daan Street, Daoli District, Harbin City
• Telephone: 0451-84643731

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