Chinese xiaochi is an important part of the culture and cuisine, often reflecting the customs, religion, history and even geography of each unique province. Yet many foreigners do not understand what exactly xiaochi is.

Although the English translation is "snack", xiaochi is so much more than that. Chinese xiaochi can be anything and everything, ranging from simple lamb kebabs or fried biscuits to heaping helpings of noodle and vegetable soup and everything in between.

Many of the xiaochi dishes still keep the names of their origins and so it is always interesting to discover the story behind the delicacy you're eating.

While most provinces and major cities have their own unique selection of xiaochi, popular favorites from western Chinese cities such as Chengdu and provinces, like Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia are making names for themselves in big cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong. Still every city and province maintains their culinary history through xiaochi and the very act of eating these "snacks" is something of a cultural experience.

You're not a real Chinese until you can chew down on xiaochi so next time you're feeling the start of those pangs of hunger, just take a look around the street. No doubt you'll see plenty of stands and small shops that are all too willing to satisfy your cravings. The only problem you may have is deciding what to sample first!

Delicious Chinese Snacks: