【Learn Chinese】Typical Chinese Breakfast

For many people around the world, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and in China, this couldn't be more true. Chinese breakfasts are diverse and rich in flavors, combining both savory and sweet elements that energize and delight.
From street vendors to family kitchens, a typical Chinese breakfast is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, offering a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

1. The Staple: Porridge (粥 zhōu)
One of the most common breakfast items in China is porridge, known as "zhōu". Unlike Western porridge, Chinese porridge is often made with a variety of ingredients, including rice, millet, or even corn. It can be plain or flavored with ingredients like salted duck eggs (咸鸭蛋 xiányàndàn), pickled vegetables (咸菜 xiáncài), or shredded chicken (鸡丝 jīsī). Porridge is easy to digest and perfect for starting the day gently, especially after a long night's sleep.

2. Savory Pancakes (煎饼 jiānbǐng)
If you walk through any Chinese city in the morning, you'll likely see street vendors making "jiānbǐng". These savory pancakes are a popular breakfast choice, especially in northern China. Made from a batter of mung bean flour and wheat flour, the pancake is cooked on a griddle, often topped with eggs, scallions (葱花 cōnghuā), and crispy wonton skins (薄脆 báo cuì). The result is a crispy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that can be eaten on the go.

3. Steamed Buns (包子 bāozi)
"Bāozi" are another staple of Chinese breakfasts. These soft, steamed buns are filled with a variety of ingredients, ranging from savory pork and vegetables to sweet red bean paste (红豆沙 hóngdòushā). The buns are often sold in bamboo steamers, keeping them warm and fresh. Bāozi are easy to eat and perfect for those who need a quick breakfast to take with them.

4. Fried Dough Sticks (油条 yóutiáo)
No Chinese breakfast is complete without "yóutiáo". These long, golden-brown fried dough sticks are a favorite across China. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are often eaten with soy milk (豆浆 dòujiāng). The combination of the savory, crispy yóutiáo and the creamy, slightly sweet soy milk is a classic pairing that many Chinese people cherish.

5. Soy Milk (豆浆 dòujiāng)
Soy milk is a versatile drink that accompanies many Chinese breakfasts. It can be served hot or cold and is often sweetened with sugar or flavored with other ingredients. In addition to being a delicious drink, soy milk is also a good source of protein and calcium. It pairs well with yóutiáo, bāozi, or even porridge, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast.

6. Congee with Various Toppings (白粥配小菜 báizhōu pèi xiàocài)
For those who prefer a lighter breakfast, plain congee (白粥 báizhōu) with various toppings is a popular choice. The congee itself is simple, made from rice cooked until it is soft and soupy. It is then topped with a variety of small dishes, such as pickled radishes (腌萝卜 yān luóbo), salted peanuts (咸花生 xián huāshēng), or fermented tofu (腐乳 fǔrǔ). These toppings add flavor and texture to the plain congee, making it a satisfying and healthy meal.