As night falls, Yiwu, the international city built on global trade, reveals another side of its character. Wander through its streets and alleys, and you will find cuisines from around the world and across China at almost every turn.
Every day, tens of thousands of foreign merchants pass through Yiwu. Along with business opportunities, they bring the familiar tastes of home. Over time, this has shaped an extraordinary culinary landscape: Arabic restaurants stand beside Turkish kebab shops, Korean eateries face Japanese izakayas across the street, while Sichuan, Hunan, Cantonese and northeastern Chinese cuisines thrive side by side.
You can almost taste the whole world without stepping out of Yiwu. In the Binwang business district, the air is filled with the aroma of cumin and roasted meat, making it the city's best-known destination for international dining. Poosti Cafe & Restaurant is among the most popular Middle Eastern restaurants for local diners. Turkish wraps, black tea and baklava bring the warmth of Middle Eastern hospitality to every table. Arabic specialties, Turkish desserts and Italian dishes can also be found in Global Cuisine Street, Yiwu Place and the Greenland Chaoyangmen business district.
East Asian cuisine is another defining part of Yiwu's food scene. Nearly 10,000 South Korean merchants live here long term, helping Korean cuisine take deep root. Charcoal-grilled barbecue, gochujang and other classic dishes allow many Korean merchants to reconnect with the flavors of home.
