A Foodie's Guide to Taiping Street in Changsha: Delectable Street Bites Under 20 Yuan

Changsha Taiping Street Food Guide: Delicious Street Eats for Under 20 Yuan

Hey everyone, I’m Xue’er, a girl on a mission to explore all 337 cities in China before I turn 25! Recently, I hit up my 18th city—Changsha, and this post is all about the delicious eats I found on Taiping Street. This street is like the heart of Changsha's food scene, and if you're in Changsha, you've gotta check it out. In just two hours, my friends and I munched our way from one end to the other, spending only 7-16 yuan each. It was super satisfying!

So, let me share my detailed list of delicious finds from Taiping Street!

Must-Try Stinky Tofu: Classic Black Stinky Tofu

📍 Address: Inside the Taiping Street Specialty Bureau
💰 Average Cost: 10 yuan
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When it comes to Changsha snacks, stinky tofu is definitely number one. I found this spot because a friend recommended it. She lived in Changsha for 3 months and tried stinky tofu everywhere, and she said this place was the best. I gave it a shot, and wow, she was right! Their fried tofu has a crispy outside but is soft inside, and when you bite into it, the tender tofu just melts in your mouth. The special sauce adds a rich aroma to every bite. You just can't get enough of it—perfect with rice!

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Skewers to Try: Hu Ringen's Fried Skewers

📍 Address: Middle section of Taiping Street
💰 Average Cost: 15 yuan
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you love skewers, you can't miss the "Fried Fried Fried" stall! They have a ton of fried skewers to choose from, so you can really let your cravings guide you. I tried a few things and thought they were just okay, which might be due to what I ordered. Next time I go, I’ll definitely ask the vendor for their top recommendations, like the fried shrimp and seasoned snails.

Little Exhibition Hall: Free Exploration at Meifu Foreign Trade

📍 Address: North section of Taiping Street
💰 Average Cost: Free
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This place is basically a mini-exhibition hall. Even though it’s not big, once you step inside, you can really feel the unique romantic and leisurely vibe of Changsha. The second floor is particularly interesting, showcasing a lot of traditional Changsha snacks and Xiang cuisine culture. If it's your first time in Changsha and you're unsure of what to eat, this is a great spot to start and get the lowdown on the best local bites!

Vintage Tavern: Chengyuan Century-old Tavern

📍 Address: West side of Taiping Street
💰 Average Cost: Gift packaging from 70 yuan
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A friend who studies in Changsha recommended this tavern to me, saying that to really experience Changsha culture, I must try their drinks. They used to sell small bottled products, but now they mainly offer gift packages. If you’re looking for a local specialty to bring back as a gift, this could be a great choice.

Must-Have Milk Tea: Cha Yan Yue Se

📍 Address: Taiping Street NO.18
💰 Average Cost: 16 yuan
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In Changsha, the milk tea scene is definitely dominated by Cha Yan Yue Se—you'll see their shops everywhere. Their cream is super fragrant, and paired with rich milk tea, the sweetness and texture are just right. One sip is so satisfying! The location I visited, Taiping Street NO.18, is a concept store, and in addition to the regular drinks, some products can be bought as gifts. This is truly a hidden gem that you don’t realize how good it is until you leave Changsha.

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Trying the Must-Try Pork Belly Cake: Master Shao's Pork Belly Cake

📍 Address: One shop at the entrance and one in the middle of Taiping Street
💰 Average Cost: 10 yuan
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many people think the pork belly cake is a specialty of Zhejiang, but I was surprised to find that Changsha's version is also super famous. When you bite into the crispy outer layer, the rich pork belly aroma just hits you! The meat filling is on the sweeter side, with a layer of sugar brushed on top, perfectly paired with the freshly made crispy shell. Small tip: the shop at the entrance has slightly better ratings, so it's worth a try first.

Classic Liangfen Experience: Wang Diao's Scraped Liangfen

📍 Address: At the end of Taiping Street
💰 Average Cost: 7 yuan
🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When it comes to street snacks, this shop has a long history. Scraped Liangfen is the star here, and the owner has been running the place for over 30 years. It recently gained popularity on Douyin. The liangfen is super chewy, and the chili sauce is incredibly spicy, made by the owner himself. If you can handle the heat, you'll be blown away! If you're not so good with spice, it's a good idea to let the owner know—maybe share a plate with a friend!

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My Taiping Street Tips

In just two hours, I filled up on Taiping Street, and I truly felt like I got my money's worth without breaking the bank. Changsha's snacks have their own unique flair, and if I ever get to come back, I’m sure I can uncover even more hidden treasure spots!