Haikou Hainan, China Travel Guide
Hainan cuisine emphasizes fresh, light flavors, utilizing seafood, tropical fruits, and locally grown vegetables. It draws impact from Cantonese cooking and Southeast Asian culinary traditions.
A defining characteristic is the focus on highlighting natural flavors with minimal, subtle seasoning, leading to delicate and deeply flavorful dishes.
As the capital, Haikou displays a broader range of dining experiences. You find traditional Hainanese eateries alongside modern restaurants.
Influences from other Chinese regions are more prevalent here, enriching the local food scene.
Signature dishes like Wenchang Chicken, Jiaji Duck, Dongshan Lamb, and Hele Crab are readily available throughout Haikou.
Hainan's most famous dish, a "Four Famous Dishes" member. Steamed or boiled chicken served with ginger, garlic, green onion, and brown sauce made from fermented soybeans. Prized for tender meat and crispy skin.
Find this widely in local restaurants across Haikou.
Another "Four Famous Dishes" selection. A local crab from Hele Town, renowned for its rich, yellow roe. Often steamed with ginger and garlic, or stir-fried.
Seek this out in seafood restaurants.
A popular breakfast and snack. Fine rice vermicelli noodles mixed with various toppings like shredded pork, dried shrimp, roasted peanuts, bean sprouts, and a savory sauce.
Numerous small eateries specialize in this staple.
Fresh coconut water, local Chinese teas, Hainan coffee (strong with condensed milk), and local beers like Tsingtao are widely available.
Qingbuliang is the quintessential Haikou dessert. Coconut candies and various tropical fruit desserts like mango sweet rice are popular.
High-end hotels in Haikou often host gourmet eateries. These specialize in refined Hainan cuisine, Cantonese cuisine, or international fusion dishes.
Numerous local restaurants offer a comfortable dining experience with a wide variety of Hainan and other Chinese dishes.
Haikou boasts many small eateries and snack stalls, perfect for local flavors on a budget.
This sizeable wet market also features numerous food stalls selling prepared dishes and snacks.
Offers an immersive local experience.
Many markets along the coast allow you to purchase fresh seafood and have it cooked on the spot by nearby restaurants.
A popular local dining concept.
Italian, American, and other Western cuisines.
Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian restaurants.
Main hotels often are present international buffets.
Find dining on foreign dishes in larger shopping malls.
Halal and Kosher options are very limited. Haikou has a small Hui (Muslim) community, so a few Halal eateries might exist, but they are not widespread. Food prepared according to kashrut is virtually non-existent.
Plan accordingly or bring your own provisions.
Dining with severe gluten allergies or other specific allergens is extremely challenging. Many Chinese dishes use soy sauce (containing wheat) and other gluten-containing ingredients.
Cross-contamination is common. Individuals with severe allergies should exercise extreme caution.
Stick to naturally gluten-free options like plain rice and fresh fruits.
Carry your own safe snacks or emergency food items, especially for severe allergies.
Some local tour operators or guesthouses may offer cooking classes focused on Hainan cuisine.
Food tours exploring street food and area markets are available.
Visits to coconut plantations or tropical fruit farms are day trips outside Haikou.
Select fresh seafood directly from market vendors and then take your purchases to an adjacent restaurant for on-the-spot cooking.
This interactive experience ensures the freshest possible meal.
Dedicated stalls specialize in this refreshing dessert, often offering a diverse selection of ingredients for customization.
A unique and popular local treat, especially in summer.
When visiting seafood markets, consider arriving earlier in the day for the freshest selection and less crowd.
Always agree on the price per jin (Chinese pound, approximately 500g) before your seafood purchase at markets.
Bring a translation app or phrasebook when exploring local eateries and markets for simpler communication.
