Ningbo-style crispy pancakes, pastries and buns are rated among China’s top twelve snack foods. Coming in dozens upon dozens of varieties, Ningbo pastries and snacks are often likened to those found in Shanghai, due to constant and frequent migration between the two cities, but the dissimilarities are enough to set them in a class by themselves.
 

Black Sesame Dumplings (Zhuyou Tangtuan) 猪油汤团

Crystal Bun (Shuijing Youbao) 水晶油包

Dragon and Phoenix Golden Cake (Longfeng Jintuan)龙凤金团

Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding (Dousha Babao Fan) 豆沙八宝饭

Shortbread with Sweetened Bean Paste (Shuangqian Matuan) 双嵌麻团

Steamed Wonton and Wonton Soup (Xianrou Zheng Huntun) 鲜肉蒸馄饨

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Black Sesame Dumplings (Zhuyou Tangtuan) 猪油汤团
It’s a Ningbo saying that “just as those who haven’t visited the Great Wall can’t claim to have experienced Beijing, those who haven’t tried Black Sesame Dumplings can’t claim to have experienced Ningbo.”  As strange as that sounds, this sugary munchie is indeed representative of Ningbo snacking. Sweet dumplings symbolize reunion and joy, and it’s customary for families to enjoy Black Sesame Dumplings together on the first day of the lunar new year. The best place to pick up fresh dumplings is Gang Ya Gou Sweetfood shop, located at No.7-9 Xianxue Jie, Haishu District

Crystal Bun (Shuijing Youbao) 水晶油包
Head over to Zhao Dayou Snacks for a savory sample of these steamed, melon seed-stuffed sweets.

Dragon and Phoenix Golden Cake (Longfeng Jintuan)龙凤金团
Zhao Dayou Restaurant is also the purveyor of Ningbo’s best Dragon and Phoenix Golden Cakes, a brave little pastry that became famous for filling the belly of the Song Dynasty emperor-in-exile, Zhao Gou. Legend has it that Zhao Gou was forced to flee before the Jin invasion, but was saved by a young village girl who snuck food to him, Dragon and Phoenix Golden Cakes included. Typically served at weddings, the cake is made of glutinous rice and filled with sweet beans, orange peel, osmanthus flowers and sugar.

Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding (Dousha Babao Fan) 豆沙八宝饭
This sweet steamed pudding is chock full of natural delights, including bean paste, lotus seeds and preserved or fresh longan fruit.

Shortbread with Sweetened Bean Paste (Shuangqian Matuan) 双嵌麻团
Light dough is filled with sweetened bean paste and then deep-fried for a golden, crispy finish.

Steamed Wonton and Wonton Soup (Xianrou Zheng Huntun) 鲜肉蒸馄饨
Not all famous Ningbo snacks are sugary or calorie intensive. Wonton peddlers hawk their healthy, light, noodle-wrapped wares on many a street corner.

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