Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Quanzhou, China

1. Oysters from Xiang'an

Fresh oysters harvested from the Xiang'an estuary, served raw or cooked in various styles. Try them at Yongquan Seafood Restaurant.

Authenticity: Locally sourced oysters ensure a unique and fresh taste
Variety: Oysters can be enjoyed raw, steamed, or fried
Location: Yongquan Seafood Restaurant is known for its seafood and scenic views of the Xiang'an estuary

Thin rice noodles stir-fried with meat, vegetables, and soy sauce. Visit the bustling Chenghuang Market for an authentic experience.

Flavor: The combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors is unique to Quanzhou
Authenticity: Chenghuang Market offers a variety of local street food, including the rice noodles
Bustling Atmosphere: The market's energetic environment adds to the dining experience

Delicate dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, deep-fried to golden perfection. Visit Dongshan Road for a variety of dumpling vendors.

Texture: The crispy exterior contrasts with the tender filling
Variety: Dumplings can be found filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetable options
Location: Dongshan Road is a popular food street known for its dumpling vendors

Mussels cooked with garlic, chili, and soy sauce. Visit the Quanzhou Fishermen's Wharf for a seafood feast.

Flavor: The spicy and savory flavor is a local favorite
Freshness: Direct access to the sea ensures fresh mussels daily
Scenic Views: The wharf offers beautiful views of the ocean and fishing boats

Thin crepes filled with shrimp, green onions, and sesame seeds. Visit Luoyang Road for a popular pancake vendor.

Texture: The crispy exterior wraps soft and savory filling
Location: Luoyang Road is a bustling street known for its food vendors
Local Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and local produce are used to make these pancakes

Thick noodles in a fish-based broth, served with various toppings. Visit the Chengye Street Food Market.

Succulent lobster cooked in various styles. Visit the Quanzhou Fishermen's Wharf for fresh seafood.

Flavor: The tender and flavorful meat is a treat for seafood lovers
Freshness: Direct access to the sea ensures fresh lobster daily
Scenic Views: The wharf offers beautiful views of the ocean and fishing boats

Clams cooked in tea, ginger, and garlic. Try this dish at local teahouses.

Unique Cooking Method: Cooking the clams in tea imparts a subtle flavor
Health Benefits: The antioxidants from the tea may provide additional health benefits
Local Culture: Teahouses offer a glimpse into local culture and customs

An omelette filled with fresh oysters, served with soy sauce. Try this dish at local seafood restaurants.

A hearty soup made with various types of fish and vegetables. Visit the Chengye Street Food Market.

Nutrition: The soup is packed with protein and essential nutrients
Authenticity: Chengye Street Food Market offers a variety of local dishes
Variety: Different types of fish and vegetables can be used, depending on availability

A spicy paste made from shrimp, chili, and other seasonings. It's used as a condiment or ingredient in various dishes.

Flavor: The spicy and savory paste adds depth to many dishes
Local Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and local chili peppers are used in the paste
Versatility: The paste can be used as a condiment or ingredient in various dishes

Mandarin fish (a type of tilapia) cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. Try this dish at local restaurants.

Flavor: The balance between sweet and sour is unique to Quanzhou
Local Ingredients: Mandarin fish are a popular choice in Quanzhou cuisine
Versatility: The sweet and sour sauce can be used with other types of seafood as well

Smooth and silky tofu pudding served with syrup. Visit local dessert shops for this sweet treat.

A comforting rice porridge made with various ingredients like pork, vegetables, and dried seafood. Visit local restaurants for a warm meal.

Tofu skin wrapped around various fillings like vegetables, mushrooms, and seafood. Try this dish at local restaurants.