Discover the culinary delights of Shenzhen, China on a food tour through the city’s famous food streets. From Cantonese dim sum to Seafood Hot Pot, explore the diverse and delicious dishes that make up this melting pot of Chinese cuisine. Visit Baihuayi Road, Seafood Street and Meilin Food Streets to taste the best of Sichuan, Cantonese, Hakka and Chaozhou cuisine. A must-read for any food lover planning a visit to Shenzhen.
Exploring Shenzhen’s Food Streets: A Tasting Tour of China’s Culinary Capital
Shenzhen is a city that offers a wide range of cuisines, from Cantonese to Sichuan, Chaozhou to Hakka, and many more. The below mentioned food items are only a sample of the diverse and delicious foods you can enjoy while visiting Shenzhen. For those who want to explore more, Shenzhen offers a variety of food streets where you can enjoy different cuisines such as Baihuayi Road Food Streets (百花一路食街) in the Futian District, Seafood Street (盐田海鲜街) located in the Yantian District, and Meilin Food Streets (梅林食街) in the Futian District. The city is known for its food and it’s a must to try different dishes while in Shenzhen to get a taste of the different flavors and cultures that make up this vibrant city.
Tasting Shenzhen’s Food Scene: A Guide to China’s Culinary Capital
Shenzhen, China is a food lover’s paradise. As a melting pot of Chinese cuisine, the city offers a wide range of dainties from different places. From well-reputed eight Chinese Cuisines and traditional home cooking to Western-style dishes and Japanese foods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some must-try dishes while in Shenzhen:
Dim sum
A Cantonese cuisine staple, dim sum is a selection of small dishes served in steamer baskets or small plates. Steamed shrimp dumplings (har gow), steamed pork spareribs (pau yuk), and steamed barbecue pork buns are among the most popular dim sum dishes (char siu bao). Dim sum in Cantonese cuisine is distinguished by its delicate and intricate preparation, with each dish necessitating the use of a skilled hand to shape and fold the dough or wrapper. Typically, the texture is delicate, with a thin wrapper and a savory filling. The shrimp dumplings, with plump shrimp surrounded by a translucent wrapper with a slight chewiness, are a must-try. Another dim sum classic is char siu bao, or barbecue pork buns. These steamed buns have a slightly sweet and fluffy bun and are filled with savory barbecue pork.
Cantonese Congee
Cantonese Congee is a comforting rice porridge that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is made with rice and water or broth and can be served plain or with various toppings such as fish, meat, or vegetables. Cantonese congee has a smooth and creamy texture, and the flavors are mild and comforting. It can be eaten plain or with various toppings like shredded chicken, pork, or fish. Congee is typically served with a variety of side dishes such as fried dough sticks, pickled vegetables, or you tiao (deep-fried dough). Cantonese congee is a hearty and filling dish that can be eaten at any time of day.
Seafood Hot Pot
A popular way to enjoy a wide variety of seafood in a hot, flavorful broth is to order seafood hot pot. This dish typically contains a variety of seafood, including squid, shrimp, clams, and fish, as well as vegetables such as bok choy and mushrooms. The broth is typically made from chicken or fish stock and can be flavored with ginger, garlic, scallions, and other seasonings. At the table, the seafood is cooked in the broth, and diners can add vegetables and other ingredients to their liking. The flavors are rich, savory, and filling, and the seafood is always fresh and perfectly cooked.
Shajing Town Oyster
Shajing Town is well-known for its oysters, which are known for their fresh, sweet taste and plump texture. The oysters are usually served raw, with a dash of lime juice and soy sauce. Shajing oysters are widely regarded as some of the best in China, and for good reason. They have a sweet and briny flavor and are plump and juicy. The texture is firm but tender, and the oysters complement the tangy lime juice and savory soy sauce perfectly.
Roasted Goose of Gongming Town
A Chinese delicacy, Roasted Goose of Gongming Town is served with crispy golden skin, juicy and tender meat, and an unforgettable savory flavor. The geese are raised and prepared in the traditional manner, then roasted over high heat to produce crispy skin and tender meat. The meat is juicy and flavorful, with a slight gaminess balanced by the skin’s rich and savory flavor.
Ginger Milk Curd
A traditional Chinese dessert made from ginger, milk, and sugar, ginger milk curd is a perfect way to end your meal. It has a smooth texture and just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The ginger adds a warm and comforting flavor, and the milk adds a creamy texture. It’s a refreshing and satisfying way to end a meal with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Mango Mochi
Mango Mochi is a popular Chinese dessert that is a sweet sticky rice dumpling filled with sweet and juicy mango. The chewy mochi and the sweet and tangy mango go together perfectly. Mochi is made of glutinous rice flour and shaped into a small dumpling. The mango filling is sweet and juicy, made from fresh, ripe mangoes. The chewy mochi and sweet and tangy mango are the perfect texture and flavor combination. It’s a light and satisfying dessert that any foodie visiting Shenzhen should try.
Conclusion
Shenzhen is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of delicious dishes from different places. From well-reputed eight Chinese Cuisines and traditional home cooking to Western-style dishes and Japanese foods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The city’s famous food streets, such as Baihuayi Road, Seafood Street, and Meilin Food Streets, offer a taste of the best Sichuan, Cantonese, Hakka and Chaozhou cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for Cantonese dim sum, Seafood Hot Pot, or Roasted Goose of Gongming Town, Shenzhen has something to satisfy every palate.
For those planning a visit to Shenzhen, be sure to add a food tour to your itinerary. Not only will you get to taste some of the city’s most delicious dishes, but you’ll also get a glimpse into the culture and diversity that make up this vibrant city.