The story
At South Gate Market in Xi’an, the Chive Box Stall has earned a near-perfect 4.6-star rating from creator Mark Wiens, who captured it in his China food tour. He describes it as a morning stall serving “incredibly crispy deep-fried chive boxes,” a simple but precise accolade that hints at the craftsmanship behind these golden parcels.
The star here is the chive box (jiu cai he zi)—a deep-fried pastry that derives its texture and savory punch from a generous filling of fresh chives. Wiens’s emphasis on the “incredibly crispy” exterior suggests a well-executed fry, making this a standout morning bite for those exploring the market’s street-food landscape.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2025.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 1 dish mentions say about the food
“So crispy. The sweet potato noodles just kind of melt in your mouth with the flavor of the chive. I love how that dough is so thin that it becomes completely translucent, absorbed with that oil but completely crispy all the way through. Very popular to eat in the morning.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Chive Box Stall (South Gate Market). Most active: Mark Wiens
- Mark WiensLoved
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A morning stall serving incredibly crispy deep-fried chive boxes.
Dishes mentioned
Chive Box (Jiu Cai He Zi)
So crispy. The sweet potato noodles just kind of melt in your mouth with the flavor of the chive. I love how that dough is so thin that it becomes completely translucent, absorbed with that oil but completely crispy all the way through. Very popular to eat in the morning.
