🥢Chinese Breakfast: 4 Traditional & Easy Morning Meals to Try

Growing up in a family that appreciated the breakfast ritual, I was always fascinated by how different cultures greet the morning. One of the most satisfying discoveries I’ve made on my culinary journey is the variety and comfort of a Chinese breakfast. This cuisine combines warmth, heartiness, and a sense of community in every bite. Whether you’re cooking at home or dreaming of morning street stalls in Shanghai, this post is your guide to 4 delicious and authentic Chinese breakfast recipes you can easily recreate.

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🌅 What Is a Traditional Chinese Breakfast?

In China, breakfast is hearty and often savory, filled with warm soups, buns, dumplings, and porridge. It’s common to enjoy these meals at home or from street vendors early in the morning. The focus is on comfort, nutrition, and tradition. While Western breakfasts lean on sweet and light fare, Chinese breakfasts often feel like small feasts—balanced, satisfying, and built on ancient culinary wisdom.

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🥣 Recipe 1: Congee (Chinese Rice Porridge)

Congee is the cornerstone of Chinese breakfast tables across the country—smooth, soothing, and customizable.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice

• 8 cups water or chicken broth

• ½ tsp salt

• Optional toppings: sliced scallions, soy sauce, shredded chicken, pickled vegetables, century egg

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.

2. In a large pot, bring rice and water (or broth) to a boil.

3. Reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Simmer for 1–1.5 hours until it reaches a creamy, porridge-like texture.

5. Add salt and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

🔗 Curious about non-traditional options? Check out fast food breakfast alternatives that contrast with congee’s slow-cooked charm.

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🥟 Recipe 2: Jianbing (Chinese Breakfast Crepes)

Popular in northern China, jianbing is a street-food staple—crispy, savory, and portable.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mung bean flour (or all-purpose flour)

• ½ cup water

• 1 egg

• 1 green onion, chopped

• Fresh cilantro

• 1 tbsp chili paste or hoisin sauce

• 1 sheet of crispy wonton wrapper or youtiao (fried dough stick)

• Oil for pan-frying

Instructions:

1. Mix flour and water into a thin batter.

2. Heat a non-stick skillet, grease lightly, and pour a thin layer of batter.

3. Crack the egg on top and spread it across the surface.

4. Sprinkle green onion and cilantro.

5. Once the bottom is crisp, flip, then add chili paste or hoisin sauce.

6. Add the crispy wrapper or youtiao, fold, and serve hot.

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🥚 Recipe 3: Tea Eggs (Cha Ye Dan)

A beloved Chinese snack, tea eggs are savory, aromatic, and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients:

• 6 eggs

• 2 cups water

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 black tea bags or loose-leaf black tea

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 star anise

• 1 tsp sugar

Instructions:

1. Hard-boil eggs, then gently crack shells without removing them.

2. In a pot, combine water, soy sauce, tea, spices, and sugar—bring to boil.

3. Add cracked eggs and simmer for at least 1 hour (or refrigerate overnight in the tea broth for deeper flavor).

4. Peel before serving.

🔗 Want something Western instead? Here’s what’s on Burger King’s breakfast menu—the contrast is fascinating!

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🥟 Recipe 4: Steamed Baozi (Stuffed Buns)

Soft, fluffy, and filled with meat or vegetables, baozi are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast.

Dough Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp instant yeast

• 1 tbsp sugar

• ¾ cup warm water

Filling (example):

• ½ lb ground pork

• 2 scallions, chopped

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Mix dough ingredients, knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

2. Combine filling ingredients.

3. Divide dough, flatten into circles, and spoon in filling.

4. Pinch shut and place on parchment paper squares.

5. Steam over boiling water for 15 minutes, then serve hot.

❓ People Also Ask (PAA)

1. What are traditional Chinese breakfast foods?

Traditional foods include congee, baozi (steamed buns), jianbing (crepes), youtiao (fried dough sticks), soy milk, and tea eggs.

2. What do people in China eat for breakfast in different regions?

• North China: Jianbing, buns, soy milk

• South China: Congee with pickles, rice noodles, steamed dumplings

• Western regions: Heavier breakfasts with beef soups or hand-pulled noodles

3. Is breakfast in China sweet or savory?

Savory, mostly. However, sweet soy milk, sesame pastries, or red bean buns may be enjoyed as occasional treats.

4. What is the most popular Chinese breakfast dish?

It varies by region, but congee and jianbing are widely loved and available throughout China.

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🌏 External Links for Further Inspiration:

1. The Woks of Life – Chinese Breakfast Ideas

2. Serious Eats – Congee Recipe Guide

3. Red House Spice – Baozi Dough Mastery

4. Omnivore’s Cookbook – Jianbing Recipe