
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Beihai, China
1. Beihai Fish Soup (北海鱼汤)
A flavorful fish soup that captures the essence of Beihai's coastal cuisine. It's often served with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs.
- Authentic Experience: Dining in local seafood restaurants, where fish is delivered daily.
- Sea-to-Table: Using fresh seafood caught in the Beihai waters.
- Variety of Fish: Trying different types of fish depending on the season.
2. Guangxi Rice Noodles (广西米粉)
A classic dish from Guangxi province, featuring thin rice noodles in a savory sauce with various meats and vegetables.
- Authentic Cuisine: Experiencing the unique flavors of Guangxi province.
- Customizable: Choosing your favorite ingredients to customize your dish.
- Street Food Option: Trying the dish from street vendors or casual eateries.
3. Beihai Clams with Chili Sauce (北海辣椒炒蛳蜘)
A spicy and savory dish made with fresh clams cooked in a garlicky chili sauce, popular in Beihai.
- Spice Level: Adjusting the heat level of your dish according to taste.
- Seasonal Availability: Tasting clams that are in season.
- Local Ingredients: Using fresh, locally-sourced chilies and garlic.
4. Beihai Shrimp Paste (北海虾酱)
A savory shrimp paste used as a condiment in Beihai cuisine, made from fresh local shrimps.
- Authentic Condiment: Enhancing your meal with this local specialty.
- Cooking Class Option: Learning to make the shrimp paste from a local chef.
- Versatile Ingredient: Using the shrimp paste in various dishes during your visit.
5. Beihai Oyster Omelette (北海蚵仔煎)
A popular street food in Beihai consisting of oysters cooked with egg and starch.
- Street Food Experience: Trying this dish at a bustling street food market.
- Seasonal Availability: Tasting oysters that are in season.
- Customizable: Choosing your desired level of spiciness and sauce.
6. Beihai Congee (北海粥)
A comforting rice porridge that serves as a staple in Beihai cuisine, often served with various ingredients.
- Traditional Comfort Food: Warming up with this nourishing dish during your visit.
- Versatile Ingredients: Trying different combinations of ingredients in the congee.
- Authentic Experience: Dining in a local eatery that specializes in congee.
7. Beihai Scallion Pancake (北海葱油饼)
A flaky pastry made with scallions and served as a snack in Beihai.
- Street Food Experience: Trying this dish at a local street food market.
- Versatile Snack Option: Enjoying the pancake as a snack between meals.
- Cooking Technique: Observing the unique cooking technique used to make the pancake.
8. Beihai Fried Dumplings (北海饺子)
Juicy dumplings filled with a savory meat and vegetable filling, deep-fried to golden perfection.
- Street Food Experience: Trying these dumplings at a local street food market.
- Versatile Snack Option: Enjoying the dumplings as a quick snack during your travels.
- Customizable: Trying different flavors and fillings of dumplings.
9. Beihai Sweet Potato Pudding (北海芋圆)
A sweet, glutinous dessert made from mashed sweet potatoes and served in balls.
- Traditional Dessert: Trying this popular dessert during your visit.
- Seasonal Availability: Tasting sweet potatoes that are in season.
- Local Ingredients: Using fresh, locally-sourced sweet potatoes.
10. Beihai Tofu (北海豆腐)
Silky tofu prepared in various ways, from stir-fried dishes to soy milk drinks.
- Local Soybean Product: Tasting the region's high-quality tofu.
- Versatile Ingredient: Experimenting with different dishes featuring tofu.
- Cooking Technique: Observing the traditional methods used to make Beihai tofu.
11. Beihai Rice Noodle Rolls (北海米粉卷)
Thin rice noodles rolled around various fillings, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Street Food Experience: Trying these rolls at a local street food market.
- Versatile Fillings: Choosing your preferred filling for the rice noodle rolls.
- Tangy Sauce: Experiencing the unique taste of the dipping sauce.
12. Beihai Mushroom Hot Pot (北海蘑菇火锅)
A flavorful hot pot dish featuring a variety of local mushrooms and other ingredients.
- Authentic Experience: Dining in a local hot pot restaurant.
- Seasonal Availability: Tasting mushrooms that are in season.
- Versatile Ingredients: Choosing your preferred ingredients to add to the hot pot.
13. Beihai Rice Vermicelli (北海米线)
Thin rice vermicelli noodles served with various toppings and sauces.
- Street Food Experience: Trying these noodles at a local street food market.
- Versatile Toppings: Choosing your preferred toppings for the rice vermicelli noodles.
- Savory Sauces: Tasting the unique flavors of the sauces used in the dish.
14. Beihai Mango Shake (北海芒果椰子柠檬饮料)
A refreshing drink made from ripe mangoes, coconut milk, and lemon juice.
- Traditional Beverage: Trying this popular local drink during your visit.
- Seasonal Fruit: Tasting mangoes that are in season.
- Local Ingredients: Using fresh, locally-sourced coconut milk and lemon juice.
15. Beihai Almond Milk (北海杏仁饮料)
A soothing drink made from almonds and sugar, often served cold.
- Traditional Beverage: Trying this popular local drink during your visit.
- Local Ingredients: Using fresh, locally-sourced almonds.
- Versatile Beverage Option: Enjoying the drink as a refreshing treat during your travels.