Street and fair food

Street and fair food you can taste in Changzhou

Charred Grilled Chicken Rack

A star snack at Changzhou’s night markets (especially Xinxiaoqiao Night Market), Charred Grilled Chicken Rack is a must-try. Marinated in soy sauce, five-spice powder, chili, and honey, it’s grilled over charcoal until the skin turns crispy-golden and the meat stays tender-juicy. The smoky, savory-sweet flavor with a hint of spice is irresistible—served hot with sesame seeds, it’s the perfect on-the-go treat for night market wanderers.

Handmade Pork Tenderloin Pancake

A beloved snack in Changzhou’s night markets (like Sanbao Street and Luxuli Night Market), the Handmade Pork Tenderloin Pancake wins hearts with its fresh craft and rich flavors. Tenderloin is manually pounded to break muscle fibers, marinated in soy sauce, five-spice powder, and other seasonings, then pan-fried or deep-fried until crispy on the outside and juicy inside. It’s stuffed into a fluffy, slightly crispy pancake, paired with fresh lettuce and secret savory-sweet sauce—some stalls even add melted cheese or a soft egg wrap for extra texture. The combination of tender meat, crispy pancake, and zesty sauce is addictive, making it a must-try for night market visitors.

Crispy Pork Belly

A crowd-pleaser at Changzhou’s night markets (especially popular in University Town Night Market), crispy pork belly is all about the perfect contrast of textures. Selected pork belly with a balanced ratio of fat and lean is marinated in salt, five-spice powder, and ginger for flavor, then air-dried to remove excess moisture. It’s then roasted or deep-fried until the skin turns shatteringly crispy—golden, bubbly, and cracking at the touch—while the meat remains tender and juicy, with the fat melting into a savory, mouthwatering goodness. Served hot, it’s often sprinkled with chili powder, cumin, or white sugar to enhance the taste, offering a delightful mix of salty, fragrant, and slightly sweet notes. Each bite delivers a satisfying “crunch” from the skin, followed by the rich, tender meat—pure indulgence for street food lovers.

Grilled Cold Noodle

A ubiquitous and beloved snack in Changzhou’s night markets (a hit among students at University Town Night Market), grilled cold noodle is a quick, flavorful treat. Thin wheat noodles are spread flat on a hot griddle, topped with a beaten egg that cooks into a soft, fluffy layer. Next come optional fillings—sliced sausage, crispy fried dough sticks, shredded lettuce, or pickles—before being slathered with savory-sweet sauce, chili paste, and a drizzle of vinegar. The noodles are then rolled tightly, grilled until slightly charred on the edges, and sliced into bite-sized pieces. Chewy, umami-rich, and with a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and spicy notes, it’s a portable, satisfying snack that captures the essence of street food comfort.

Some famous fair in Changzhou

Nestled near the Liahe Road Campus of Changzhou Institute of Technology (at the intersection of Nenjiang Road and Xinlong 2nd Road), this vibrant night market has emerged as a beloved “new internet-famous spot” for Changzhou’s food lovers and students.

Operating daily from 17:00 to 22:00, it boasts over 120 stalls serving affordable, diverse treats: crowd favorites include handcrafted chicken tenderloins (smothered in secret sauce), fluffy soufflés topped with fresh fruit, budget-friendly ¥1 pastries, and savory Hong Kong-style fountain beef offal. Both local snacks (like crispy pork belly buns) and global flavors (Thai milk tea, Japanese sushi) fill the air with enticing aromas.

Located near Changzhou University (Wujin Campus), at the core of Minghuang Village (close to Wunan Road), this popular night market is a go-to spot for students and local foodies.

With a 4.8/5 rating and an average cost of ¥54 per person, it’s packed with stalls serving crave-worthy snacks: standouts include “Small Shrimp Paste” (fresh shrimp blended into silky paste, pan-fried to order), “Oyster Vermicelli” (plump oysters atop chewy rice noodles in savory broth), and classic street treats like grilled sausages. Chain stores (e.g., Mixue Ice Cream & Tea) also set up shop here, balancing local flavors with familiar favorites.

Open in the evenings (typically 17:30–22:30), the market buzzes with energy: its convenient location near campus makes it a casual hangout for students, while the diverse, budget-friendly menus draw families and young crowds alike. It’s a vivid slice of Changzhou’s nighttime food scene.