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Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for the foodie in your life? There are a growing number of excellent products made in China that are catered specifically toward Western flavors. What we love about these products is that they aren’t mass-produced, preservative-filled items like you often find in the Western world. Instead, they are made by passionate foodies focusing on quality ingredients in small-batch shops which means they are extra fresh and super tasty. And you can order them from home, for ultimate convenience.
Take a look at our favorite locally made food items in China and add them to your holiday shopping list for the foodies in your life!
The Kookie Box is based in Shenyang, Liaoning province in northeast China. Specialized in baking cookies, they are superb at making those frosted, nutty, and chewy cookies. Great for afternoon tea, also awesome as an energy refill snack. In addition to cookies, they also bake bread and cakes. Believe it or not, some cakes are truly like creative arts! Check out their website or add them to WeChat to get some cookies as a tasty holiday retreat.
Web: http://www.tykooeats.com/shop/
WeChat ID: tykooeats
The fermented black tea rich in probiotics that is taking over natural food stores in the USA actually originated in northeast China over two thousand years ago. That legacy plus using home-grown Chinese tea leaves makes for a legendary brew. With headquarters located in Shanghai, Papp’s tea does not only offer Kombucha, but also loose tea leaves. Come to try different flavored Kombucha and get to know more about them.
Web: https://www.pappstea.com/en
WeChat Official Account: PAPPSTEA
Made by two Beijing expats that are nuts about nuts, these are some of the best nut butters you’ll find anywhere. Forget peanuts, their almond and cashew varieties use minimal ingredients and will have you dipping your spoon into the jar at all times of the day. Delivery is available throughout China, or you can pick them up at some specialty stores.
WeChat ID: NAKEDnutbutters
Instagram: @nakednutbutters
WeChat Official Account: NAKEDnutbutters拿颗酱
Finding good cheese is always hard in China, as few, or none traditional Chinese dishes really use cheese. But don’t worry if you are a cheese lover, the Cheese Republic is going to heal your cravings! They are located in Shanghai but are able to ship their products to you anywhere in China. You must try their Brillat Savarin Affiné, originating from France. This triple-cream cheese will be your ultimate party pleaser. Apart from cheese, they also offer a selection of sauces and snacks. Some desserts such as maple walnut ice-creams are only available for Shanghai areas. Don’t miss out on them if you are in Shanghai!
WeChat Mini Program: Search “JRGourmet” to find them.
WeChat Official Account: CheeseRep
This family-run company based in beautiful Yunnan is bringing the concept of organic and healthy living to people in China. Their line of responsibly sourced jams, honey, and coffee give back to the local farming community who is also focused on organic farming and sustainability. Their items are available for shipping all over China and can be purchased directly from their website.
Web: http://www.shangrilafarms.com/en/
Instagram @shangrilafarms
This Shanghai-based cookie shop is a local institution! Their cookies can be found in either of their two shops, in cafés all over the city, or available for delivery online. They have an excellent variety including constant seasonal options. Online orders are available directly on their website and their WeChat Official Account.
Web: http://strictlycookies.com/
WeChat ID: strictlycookies
WeChat Official Account: StrictlyCookies严格曲奇
Instagram: @strictlycookies
Facebook: @strictly-cookies
Ping Dynasty is a locally infused cider adapted to the Chinese taste. So it tastes sweeter, and less hoppy compare to Western ciders. But it is great as a localized gift, and a really smart choice for the parties that never seem to end or nights where you’re drinking like you’re Chinese- it won’t get you super drunk in a big session like those other ciders. You can get their 6 bottles of cider for less than 100 RMB (15 USD)!
WeChat Official Account: 苹朝西打酒
Born in 2019, this Beijing-based craft beverage maker launched a variety of super tasty ginger beers, ranging from crisp to spicy-ginger. Their ginger beers can be found in stores and bars around Beijing, and can purchased within their mini-app on WeChat.
WeChat Official Account: Earthen
It’s no secret we love our craft beer, and Arrow Factory is our favorite place to grab a pint (or few) in Beijing. That’s why we were beside ourselves when they started bottling our favorite brews which can be picked up in their brewery or shipped all over China. Cheers to the holidays!
Web: http://www.arrowfactorybrewing.com/
WeChat Official Account: ArrowFactoryBJ
Instagram/Facebook @arrowfactorybrewing
We can’t forget to plug ourselves! We are China’s largest and most authentic food tour company with tours in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xian and Chengdu. No matter where you travel, eat the tastiest local food with us! Gift Certificates can be purchased directly on our website.
Disclaimer: these really are our favorite products that we often buy. We did not receive any endorsements or free products for writing this.
After three years, China is reopening its border to tourists, effective immediately! Based on what we’ve seen in other parts of the world post-pandemic, the best time to visit a reopened country is early – before all of the crowds return. We’ve got all the details you need to start planning your next trip to China…
Did you know that the East Foothills of Helan Mountain in Ningxia is China’s first officially recognized wine appellation and is now home to some of the best wineries in all of China? Here are five interesting facts about China’s answer to Bordeaux…
Xizhou is the name of a village just outside Dali’s old town in China’s Yunnan province. Baba is local slang for bread. Xizhou Baba is the greatest thing since sliced bread – literally! As you walk along the cobble stone streets of Xizhou, it won’t take you long to recognize old charcoal ovens that bake this famous local street food. Peek inside a Baba shop, and you’ll see fresh dough being kneaded and prepared by hand. You’ve got to try this addictive snack yourself!
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