Harbin Ice & Snow World|Harbin Food Guide
Harbin Food #1: Mao Mao Smoked Meat
Maomao Smoked Meat is a must-try Northeastern Chinese homestyle restaurant for many travelers to Harbin. Located near Central Street, it’s easy to reach and a spot people love returning to.
The signature smoked meat is the top recommendation—firm and meaty with a pronounced smoky aroma—and it’s especially delicious paired with big flatbread and scallion sauce.
Other classic must-orders include guo bao rou, braised chicken with mushrooms, di san xian, and lapi—homey flavors that never disappoint!
Harbin Food #2: Lao Chang Spring Pancakes (Central Street Branch)
Lao Chang Spring Pancakes is a hugely popular Northeastern Chinese restaurant chain in Harbin, ranked No. 4 on the city’s must-eat list!
The top way to enjoy it is to roll up a spring pancake or jinbing with fillings: spring pancakes have slightly thicker wrappers, while jinbing are thin and pleasantly chewy.
Pair them with scrambled eggs, shredded potato, Beijing-style sauced shredded pork, or assorted vegetables—every bite is wonderfully aromatic with layered textures.
Harbin Food #3 Shanhetun Iron Pot Stew (Min’an Branch)
Shanhetun Iron Pot Stew is one of Harbin’s most iconic Northeastern dishes. Iron pot stew means slow-cooking main ingredients like goose, fish steaks, beef steaks, or ribs together with sauerkraut, potatoes, corn cakes, and wide glass noodles, culminating in one big, bountiful pot.
The goose here is tender and never dry, and the add-ins come in generous portions—perfect for sharing with a group. After visiting Ice and Snow World, come here for a pot of iron pot stew to warm up and fill up.
Harbin Food #4: Modern Cold Drinks Hall 1906
Madieer Cold Drinks Parlor 1906 is Harbin’s most iconic time-honored restaurant, founded in 1906 and boasting over a century of history. Its star attraction is the “Madieer Ice Pop,” sweet without being cloying and wonderfully aromatic even in its frosty chill.
Crowds line up not only in summer but even through the bitter winter, and at about RMB 3–5 per stick (USD $0.40–0.70) , it’s a classic choice for savoring Harbin’s old-school flavor.
How to Avoid Problems at Harbin Ice and Snow World?
- Dress for extreme cold: Temperatures feel colder than they read. Wear a thick down jacket, snow boots, hat, gloves, and bring heat packs and a thermos. Phones may shut down in the cold.
- Go early to avoid crowds: Enter at 10 a.m. for lighter crowds and better photos. Line up early for shows; visit the Ferris wheel at night for shorter waits and better views.
- Watch out for scalpers: Buy tickets only from official channels. Prices from scalpers can be 1.5–2× higher, and tickets often sell out—book ahead.