Xiaochi (chinese: 小吃; pinyin: xiǎochī; wade–giles: hsiao3ch'ih1; lit. 'small eats') are an important category of chinese and taiwanese street food, commonly found in ethnically han chinese areas around the world. xiaochi are substantial snacks, which could be eaten together or with more substantial dishes like the spanish tapas or middle eastern levantine meze, or alone as a light meal or snack like the french goûter. xiaochi are not typically cooked in homes nor are they featured prominently on the menus of more formal restaurants (although a few courses of a multi-course banquet might be xiaochi). instead, they are street food sold in markets at special stalls or small restaurants that ...

Source: Wikipedia