Edible Delights of a Chinese Motorway Service Station
I am in the process of writing a plethora of articles about a recent trip to Anhui Province in China - but some reason I can’t quite put my finger on I decided to knock out a quick piece about Chinese motorway service stations and the truly weird and perhaps not so wonderful food that you can find to help fuel you on your way.
Curiously, at none of the service stations we stopped at was anyone - not a single soul - eating in the restaurants. They were open. They were big and bright. They had smiling staff waiting to welcome anyone through the door. Maybe it was the wrong time of day. I don’t know. But they were empty.
Unlike the snack shops which were all busy. But… What truly strange stuff was on the shelves - as you will see in my photographs. Cheese latte anyone? No thanks.
The average Chinese service station represents no ordinary pit stop - these places open up a whole new world of snacks and culinary curiosities.
1. Instant Noodles: The Snack King of the Road
Forget boring old sandwiches. In China, instant noodles reign supreme as the snack of choice for travellers. You’ll find entire aisles dedicated to every imaginable flavour, from spicy beef and pickled vegetable to seafood and mushroom. Some even come with extra packets of dried meat, veggies, or chilli oil for a little DIY customisation. Most service stations have hot water dispensers, so you can whip up a steaming bowl of comfort food in minutes. Fast, filling, and oddly satisfying when eaten in a car park surrounded by fellow noodle slurpers.
2. Tea Eggs: The Hard-Boiled Hero
Tea eggs are a quintessential Chinese snack that you’ll find simmering away in a soy sauce bath at almost any service station. These eggs are boiled, cracked, and then steeped in a fragrant mixture of tea, soy sauce, and spices like star anise and cinnamon. The result? A marbled egg that’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami goodness. The perfect pick-me-up when you’re tired and in need of something warm and portable.
3. Chicken Foot or Duck Neck: The Chewy Challenge
Chicken feet and duck necks are a popular snack on the go. These chewy, spicy treats are marinated in a blend of Sichuan spices and often sold vacuum-packed, making them easy to snack on (if you don’t mind some mess). They’re not for the faint of heart (or the squeamish), but if you’re up for a culinary adventure, these spicy, chewy bites are worth a try. Just remember to have some wet wipes handy—you’ll need them.
4. Dried Tofu Strips: A Savory Snack with Substance
If you’re looking for something protein-packed, dried tofu strips are your best bet. Flavoured with soy sauce, chilli, or five-spice, these chewy strips are a satisfying alternative to jerky. They’re high in protein, low in fat, and perfect for munching on the road without the greasy fingers that come with a bag of chips. Plus, you can almost convince yourself they’re healthy. Almost.
5. Fruit, But Make It Dried
Dried fruit is a staple at Chinese service stations, but it’s not just the usual suspects like raisins or apricots. Instead, you’ll find everything from dried hawthorn slices (sweet and tart) to preserved plums (salty, sour, and an acquired taste). One of the more intriguing options is dried jujube, a small red fruit that tastes like a cross between a date and an apple. It’s a sweet snack that provides a nice contrast to all the savoury, spicy options. Dried, but still vacuum wrapped in plastic. The Chinese are obsessed when it comes to sealing all edible products in a tomb of plastic.
6. Buns and Dumplings: Steamed Perfection
No Chinese pit stop would be complete without some form of steamed bun or dumpling. You’ll often find racks of warm, pillowy buns filled with pork, vegetables, or sweet red bean paste. There might also be dumplings or jiaozi, ready to be gobbled up with a dash of vinegar and chilli. These snacks are warm, comforting, and just the right size for a quick bite before hitting the road again.
7. Mystery Meat Skewers: Choose Your Own Adventure
If you’re feeling brave, head to the skewer counter, where various meats are grilled, skewered, and doused in spices. From chicken hearts to beef tendons, you’ll find an array of skewers to satisfy your carnivorous cravings. Some are mild and savoury, while others are coated in a fiery blend of Sichuan peppercorns and chilli flakes. It’s the perfect snack for anyone who likes their food with a side of adrenaline.
8. Exotic Chips and Crisps: Flavours You Didn’t Know You Needed
Think chips are all about salt and vinegar? Think again. In China, you can find crisps in flavors like cucumber, hot pot, grilled squid, and even Peking duck. It’s a chance to explore new flavor frontiers while sitting in your car, marvelling at how something so odd can be so addictively tasty. These crisps are crunchy, flavourful, and guaranteed to make your road trip a little more interesting.
9. Bubble Tea: Because Why Not?
You might stumble upon a service station with its own bubble tea stand. The sweet, milky drink filled with chewy tapioca pearls is a beloved beverage all over China, and it’s perfect for a caffeine hit on the go. There are countless flavours to choose from, so whether you’re in the mood for classic black milk tea or something more adventurous like matcha or taro, there’s something for every boba enthusiast. Yuck! I hate this stuff!
10. Mystery Beverages: Good Luck, Have Fun
Chinese service stations are packed with an array of drinks that range from the familiar to the bizarre. You might see brightly coloured bottles of herbal tea, functional drinks promising energy or beauty benefits, and cans of jelly drinks with chunks of aloe or coconut. Then there’s the infamous White Rabbit milk drink, based on the flavour of a nostalgic Chinese candy, which is creamy, sweet, and oddly reminiscent of childhood (for those who grew up with it). It’s always a gamble, but that’s half the fun.
Final Thoughts: A Tasty Adventure Awaits
Chinese motorway service stations are interesting, to say the least. Some might say they’re a snack lover’s paradise, offering everything from comforting classics to daring new flavours. I’d say that visiting one and relying on its food offer is something akin to visiting another planet.
Ovaltine Cake anyone? No, no and no. Not for me anyway. Brings back too many memories of a hot sweet drink we used to endure as kids.
