When in Changsha, China, a foodie’s pilgrimage to Wuyi Square is a must. 

Located in the center of the city and a center of culture, this busy square is not only a historically significant landmark, but also serves some of the most daring street food you’ll ever taste. 

A bustling plaza, Wuyi Square is encircled by commercial malls, neon-lit structures, and a rainbow of vendors selling unique fare. It’s a gathering spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy Changsha’s diverse culinary culture, not merely a place to take Instagram-worthy pictures.

Snakes, scorpios and spiders

I was struck by the scent of sizzling skewers and strong spices as I walked among the bustling food vendors. 

Then came the ultimate test: skewers of snakes, scorpions, spiders, and fried insects like grasshoppers, bugs and crickets.

I tried the beetles and crickets after bracing myself. They weren’t as frightening as they appeared, which surprised me. 

They had a hazelnut undertone, were crunchy, and were mildly seasoned — like chips on the street, if chips had legs.

The thrill of trying something so out of my comfort zone definitely made the experience memorable. Unfortunately, I couldn’t bring myself to try the spiders — my fear of them was just too strong, and eating them was a step too far for me.

The legendary Stinky Tofu

Trying Changsha’s renowned stinky tofu is a must-do when exploring the city’s street food scene. This deep-fried treat is revolutionary, despite its divisive moniker. The dish is served with a drizzle of chili sauce, which gives it a fiery bite, and is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It may take some time to get used to the strong scent, but the taste? Well worth the investment. 

I paired the foul-smelling tofu with a cool cup of Sexy Tea, another Changsha staple, to enhance the experience. Here, these two are essentially synonymous with street food. If you haven’t tried these in Changsha, what are you even doing? You can find them everywhere, and a trip wouldn’t be complete without tasting both.

Why Wuyi Square?

Wuyi Square serves as a major meeting place for the community. It is a classic Changsha experience because of its vibrant environment and the street food craze. 

It was an adventure as well as a culinary pleasure to sample these unusual treats in Wuyi Square. 

Every dish pushed my palate and introduced me to Changsha’s many culinary traditions, from the umami of stinky tofu to the crunch of insects.

Is it something I would do again? Indeed. Therefore, if you ever find yourself in Changsha, venture outside of your comfort zone and enjoy Wuyi Square’s remarkable flavors. I promise it’s worthwhile. Are you brave enough? Would you dare?