Snacking for RMB 1 (or less)!

One yuan may not seem like much money, but smartly spent, it can buy you some nice nibbles. So next time you get the munchies, hunt down some of these gems. Your stomach and your wallet will thank you.

4 for RMB 1 – Ta Ta Bubble Gum (大大泡泡糖)
Ta Ta gum appeared on the China scene in 1989, and soon became a children’s favorite. Purchased by Wrigley in 2004, it’s now rarely seen around town. But if you’re lucky and scour your local xiaomaibu, you might still find a pack of Ta Ta with its classic red superhero logo. For RMB 1, you can try all the flavors: orange, strawberry, lime cola and honeydew melon.

3 for RMB 1 – Sesame baked bread ( 芝麻烧饼)
Shaobing is a dense, palm-sized bun, either plain or date-flavored, and covered in sesame. They usually cost RMB 0.8 each. However, I hit the jackpot (three for one kuai!) when I came across a tiny Muslim food stall tucked away inside a hutong north of Baita Temple. Small and puck-shaped, these shaobing have a crisp casing with hot soft layers inside. When you get them fresh and warm, there’s no better deal to conquer a hunger pang.

2 for RMB 1 – Wall’s Mini Milk Ice Cream (和路雪小牛奶)
Launched in 1976, Wall’s iconic Mini Milk is now the cheapest ice cream popsicle around. Better yet, they’re made without artificial flavoring and each serving delivers 30 percent of your daily allowance of calcium. It’s so cute that one never seems to be enough, but RMB 1 will buy you a pair of Mini Milks!

1 for RMB 1 – Egg custard tart (蛋挞)
Furuilin Bakery may not be known among expats, but it’s always packed with locals. The use of margarine for the crust makes this tart only average, but the price is incomparable, considering that Tai Cheong Bakery (Hong Kong’s best egg tart maker) charges HKD 5 per tart, and even KFC charges RMB 5 for its signature Portuguese egg tart. The custard filling is yummy when warm, though, and for one yuan, what more can you ask?

Try it: Furuilin Bakery. 42 Di’anmenwai Dajie, Xicheng District
福瑞林, 西城区地安门外大街42号

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