Just over two months ago, I returned to Beijing for the second time, six years after my first visit to the city and after having studied Chinese for two years. What was the first thing on my mind as I emerged into the city from Dongsishitiao subway station? Before I found my hostel, and before I bought a Chinese SIM card, there was something I needed to do which I had been craving for so many years: one of Beijing’s street-side snacks. During the weeks leading up to my departure, I had not been able to stop thinking about the world of food Just over two months ago, I returned to Beijing for the second time, six years after my first visit to the city and after having studied Chinese for two years. What was the first thing on my mind as I emerged into the city from Dongsishitiao subway Before I found my hostel, and before I bought a Chinese SIM card, there was something I needed to do which I had been craving for so many years: one of Beijing’s street-side snacks. During the weeks leading up to my departure , I had not been able to stop thinking about the world of food