Shantou Guangdong, China Travel Guide
Chaoshan (Teochew) Cuisine: Shantou is the epicenter of Chaoshan cuisine, one of the four major branches of Cantonese cuisine. It distinguishes itself with a focus on preserving the natural flavors of ingredients.
Cooking Techniques: Teochew cooking emphasizes steaming, braising, and stir-frying. These methods accentuate the freshness and quality of produce and seafood. Signature elements include high-quality seafood, beef, and complex dipping sauces that complement main ingredients. Fermented tofu, salted vegetables, and fish sauce are common condiments.
Expect an abundance of fresh seafood (given Shantou's coastal location), succulent beef, goose, pork, different kinds of rice and noodles, and a wide array of local vegetables and herbs.
Teochew cuisine generally has lighter and less oily flavors than many other Chinese cuisines. It focuses on umami, savory, and sometimes subtly sweet or sour notes. The combination of flavorss remain clean, sophisticated, bringing out the essence of each ingredient.
While broadly termed "Chaoshan cuisine," minor variations show up in specific street foods and local snacks between Shantou, its sister city Chaozhou, and Jieyang. Shantou, due to its direct coastal access, holds renown for its fresh seafood.
A gastronomic highlight. This hotpot features thinly sliced, incredibly fresh beef (various cuts) quickly made in a clear, flavorful broth. It serves with various dipping sauces, with the signature Sha-Cha sauce a favorite.
Find it in specialized beef hotpot restaurants.
A crispy, savory omelet prepared with small, plump oysters, eggs, tapioca starch, and chives. It often comes with a piquant fish sauce dip.
Popular street food vendors and seafood restaurants offer this dish.
Teochew-style braised goose holds renown for its rich flavor and tender meat, slow-cooked in a complex aromatic broth. It often serves with a special braising sauce.
Specialty braised meat shops and many traditional Teochew eateries offer this dish.
Kung Fu Tea (工夫茶): The iconic strong oolong tea, prepared and served with precision. Phoenix Dancong (凤凰单丛) is a well-known local variety. Herbal Teas (凉茶, Liángchá): Traditional Chinese herbal drinks, often consumed for purported cooling properties.
Fried Taro Strips (炸芋头条), Peanut Candy (花生糖), and various Pastries and Cakes (饼, Bǐng) from local bakeries.
High-end restaurants in luxury hotels (e.g., Sheraton, Wyndham Grand) or specialized Teochew cuisine restaurants feature refined dining experiences, often with elegant decor and meticulous service.
Numerous establishments across the city specialize in various Teochew dishes, fresh seafood, and hotpot. These present good quality food and value in comfortable settings.
Shantou Old Town (Xiao Gong Yuan) and its surrounding streets offer a haven for street food and small, local eateries. Here you find the most authentic and affordable flavors.
Many Teochew dishes base themselves on meat or seafood, often using meat broths or animal fats. Seek Buddhist vegetarian restaurants (素食馆) for strictly plant-based meals. Clearly communicate "no meat, no fish, no seafood" (不要肉, 不要鱼, 不要海鲜).
Stir-fried veggies and tofu dishes are usually available.
Gluten-free dining has challenges due to the prevalence of soy sauce (contains wheat) and other wheat/gluten ingredients. Cross-contamination also a concern. Travelers with severe allergies should carry allergy cards translated into Chinese by a native speaker. Exercise extreme caution, focus on simple, whole foods, or bring your own safe foods.
Halal and Kosher availability remains extremely limited. Self-catering or bringing packaged foods is advisable.
Not much formal classes for tourists; informal food tours available.
Direct farm visits are less common; possibilities in surrounding rural areas.
Local cultural festivals may feature special foods and demonstrations.
Ancestral hall dining (if public), Kung Fu Tea ceremony.
Having hand sanitizer readily available proves useful, especially when enjoying street food or dining in casual settings without immediate access to washing facilities.
Maintaining good hand hygiene supports your health.
Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking. This practice minimizes risks related to unfamiliar tap water.
Staying hydrated keeps you comfortable.
For fine dining establishments or popular mid-range restaurants, especially on weekends or public holidays, making a reservation ahead of time remains advisable.
Tipping does not typically occur in China. Service charges may appear in higher-end restaurants.
Some local tour guides can organize informal food tours of the Old Town or specific markets, presenting insights into local ingredients and preparation.
Here you can witness the bustling trade of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies.
If allowed for public events, dining in a classic Teochew ancestral hall has an unique cultural experience.
This festival typically occurs in September or October. Expect special mooncakes (月饼) and family reunion dinners.
A time for traditional pastries.
Check local calendars for specific regional festivals. These events highlight unique Chaoshan traditions and often feature special foods and culinary demonstrations.
Discover unique regional dishes.
Bring home local treats like peanut candy or various pastries (潮汕特产) as delicious souvenirs.
Purchase a traditional Kung Fu Tea set and local tea leaves, like the famous Phoenix Dancong (凤凰单丛) oolong tea, for an authentic memory.
Look for Teochew embroidery (潮绣) or small decorative items related to Teochew opera as unique local gifts.
Engaging with the local food scene enriches your Shantou visit. Remember these points for an enjoyable culinary journey:
