Jiamo Lab, Mo Esquilino, Damò: these are just some of the names that are driving Romans crazy with a new culinary trend coming from China.
Jiamo, also known as “mo” or “rou jia mo” (肉夹馍), are quickly becoming the new must-have street food in the Capital. This specialty, which combines traditional Chinese flaky bread with flavorful fillings, has already won the palates of residents and tourists throughout Rome.
Rome invaded by Jiamo, the new Chinese food trend
Rome is experiencing a delicious new culinary invasion coming from the East: the Jiamo, distinctive Chinese filled rolls that from the Piazza Fiume to Esquilino neighborhoods are attracting more and more fans.
Chinese restaurateurs, sniffing the trend, promptly introduced them to menus with great success.
Their selling point? That they offer a complete, tasty and inexpensive meal for about 10 euros.
With their flaky bread crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, stuffed with flavorful fillings, Jiamo’s are redefining Roman street food, combining Chinese tradition and Italian passion for street food.
What is Jiamo: anatomy of a sandwich with Chinese soul
Jiamo is a type of sandwich, similar to a hamburger or dürüm-kebab, imported from China. The bun, called “mo,” is a crispy outside and soft inside, prepared without yeast.
Its unique texture is the result of meticulous processing that involves creating microscopic strands of dough, which are then rolled and crushed to achieve a flaky effect.
The traditional filling is pork, slowly cooked with spices and vegetables until a flavorful and slightly juicy stew is achieved. Variations are numerous, however: you can find Jiamo with beef, lamb, and even vegan options with tofu and vegetables.
The versatility of this dish makes it suitable for all tastes and dietary needs.
But what makes Jiamo so special is the combination of textures and flavors: the crunchiness of the bread blends perfectly with the softness of the filling, creating a unique taste experience.
History and spread of Jiamo: from northwest China to the streets of Rome
Jiamo, also known as “Rou Jia Mo” (literally “putting meat inside bread”), has a history rooted in Shaanxi province in northwest China.
This dish, an integral part of the “Xiaochi” (street food) category, has long been popular in China both in daily life and during holidays. Jiamo’s popularity has begun to spread beyond China’s borders in recent years, hitting the pages of international cooking magazines.
Its arrival in Italy, and particularly in Rome, is relatively recent but has had a significant impact on the local food scene.
The Jiamo boom in the capital began around 2019, when some forward-thinking entrepreneurs decided to introduce this dish on their menus. Since then, its popularity has grown exponentially, turning into a true mass phenomenon that has redefined the Roman street food scene.
The almost immediate spread of Jiamo in Rome testifies not only to the city’s growing openness to new gastronomic cultures, but also to this dish’s ability to satisfy the most discerning palates.
With its combination of intense flavors, interesting textures, and affordable prices , the Jiamo has established itself as one of the leading players in Roman street food, promising to remain a lasting trend in the Capital’s culinary scene.
Where to eat the best Jiamo in Rome
For Chinese food lovers and those who want to try this new culinary trend, here is a list of the best places to enjoy Jiamo in Rome:
JiamoLab
Considered the pioneer of Jiamo in Rome, this place near Piazza Fiume has become a landmark for lovers of this dish. Opened in the summer of 2019, JiamoLab stands out for the quality and freshness of its products.
📍Where: Via Bergamo, 15, 00198 Rome
Mo Esquilino
Specializing in sandwiches stuffed with various toppings, this eatery offers a wide variety of Jiamo for all tastes.
📍Where: Via Principe Eugenio, 104, 00185 Rome
Damò
Located in the Ostiense area, this Chinese street food joint includes Jiamo on its menu, offering an authentic experience.
📍Where: Via dei Magazzini Generali, 11 A, 00154 Rome
Mozzico San Lorenzo
An innovative eatery that combines the tradition of Chinese flaky bread with toppings inspired by Roman cuisine, creating an interesting culinary fusion.
📍Where: Via Tiburtina, 176/178, 00185 Rome
Shan ji
Traditional Chinese cuisine restaurant offering XiAn Mo with pork and XiAn Jiamo, a crispier variant of the former, with braised pork cut into small pieces. Very tasty.
📍Where: Via Prenestina, 245, 00177 Rome
Mì Noodles
This new eatery in the Furio Camillo area not only offers great noodles, but also includes Jiamo on its menu, allowing customers to explore different specialties of Chinese cuisine.
📍Where: Circonvallazione Appia, 3, 00179 Rome