Rizhao Shandong, China Travel Guide
Rizhao cuisine forms part of Shandong (Lu Cuisine), one of The people's republic of china's Eight Great Cuisines. Its coastal setting puts fresh seafood in the spotlight.
Cooking methods preserve natural flavors through quick-frying, braising, stewing, and deep-frying. Flavor profiles are savory, salty, plus airy.
These are the main eating utensils. Practice before your trip. Avoid sticking them upright in rice; it indicates bad luck.
Dishes are typically shared among diners. Serve yourself from shared plates using serving chopsticks or spoons.
Toasting is common during meals, especially with alcohol. A polite "Ganbei!" (bottoms up!) accompanies a toast.
A simple, flavorful whole fish preparation with ginger, scallions, and a salty. It highlights its freshness.
Perfect for undergoing the natural taste of local catches.
Clams stir-fried with chili, garlic, and a savory sauce. A popular, highly palatable dish.
Frequently enjoyed as a side or main course at seafood eateries.
Large prawns braised in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce.
A refined dish found in many mid-range to upscale restaurants.
A popular evening snack. Various meats, vegetables, and seafood grilled on sticks, seasoned with chili and cumin.
Candied hawthorn berries, a traditional sweet treat, especially popular in cooler months.
High-end places like Hilton and Sheraton house fine dining restaurants. They specialize in refined local cuisine, sometimes with international options.
Numerous local seafood restaurants and Shandong cuisine eateries exist. Look for busy spots. Some hotels and shopping centers present Western fast-casual dining or basic international dining.
Local markets, small family-run restaurants, and street food stalls (e.g., Dongyi Town) supply affordable and delicious meals.
Visit a local seafood market. Select fresh seafood directly from vendors. Then take your purchases to a nearby restaurant.
For a small service fee, the restaurant will cook your chosen seafood to your preference. This confirms peak freshness.
Go early morning for the freshest selection. Bargaining is often expected for larger quantities.
Confirm ways of cooking and prices beforehand. Find local food tours for market insights.
Qingdao Beer, Baijiu, Soy milk, teas.
Seasonal fruits, Mahua, Mooncakes, Zongzi.
"Ganbei!" is customary.
Enjoy festival-specific foods.
Prepare allergy cards translated into Mandarin. Show these to the waitstaff for clear communication.
Clearly specify all allergens.
Apps like Google Translate or Pleco aid in expressing dietary needs.
Can translate menu items.
Shandong cuisine often emphasizes freshness, reducing heavy sauces, which sometimes simplifies dietary navigation.
Some local eateries might adapt dishes if communicated clearly and simply. However, this varies widely.
A distinct and highly recommended experience. Visit a local seafood market. Select fresh seafood directly from a vendor.
Formal cooking classes for tourists are rare. Inquire with high-end hotels or local tour operators for private arrangements.
Explore local markets and street food areas independently. A popular way to discover local flavors.
Consider visiting seafood markets early in the morning for the freshest selection.
Bargaining is often expected here, especially for larger quantities.
Engage in friendly bargaining with vendors for a more local interaction.
Keep it light and respectful; substantial discounts are not always the goal.
Dongyi Town is a hotspot for trying various street foods and local snacks in a charming, reconstructed ancient fishing village setting.
Many mid-to-high-end hotels feature diverse dining options, sometimes including international cuisine and buffets.
Choose busy restaurants for an indication of popular and good quality food, especially for fresh seafood.
Embrace the local dining culture; it forms a significant part of the travel experience.
