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

1. Shantou Lobster

Delicious and fresh lobster, a local specialty, often served with garlic and chili.

Freshness: Caught daily from the coast, ensuring freshness.
Flavorful: Infused with local spices and ingredients for a unique taste.
Availability: Seasonally available, making it a must-try during certain times of the year.

A traditional dish made with thin rice noodles and a variety of ingredients like seafood, vegetables, and peanuts.

Authenticity: Prepared in the traditional Nanyue style, dating back thousands of years.
Versatility: Can be customized to cater to individual preferences.
Popularity: A beloved dish among locals and visitors alike.

Smooth and silky tofu pudding, often served with a sweet syrup and gingko nuts.

Texture: Silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
Health Benefits: Made from soybeans, it's a healthy dessert option.
Unique Taste: The combination of sweet syrup and gingko nuts adds a unique flavor profile.

Fresh dumplings filled with various fillings, such as pork and vegetables, fried to perfection.

Crispiness: The crispy exterior contrasts with the soft interior.
Variety: Dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients, catering to different tastes.
Tradition: A traditional street food that's a must-try in Shantou.

An omelette filled with fresh oysters, served with a sweet and sour sauce.

Freshness: Fresh oysters are used to ensure the best taste.
Texture: The combination of soft oysters and crispy omelette creates an enjoyable texture.
Flavor: The sweet and sour sauce adds a unique flavor to the dish.

A hearty soup made with fish balls, seaweed, and various vegetables.

Sticky rice mixed with various fillings, shaped into balls, and deep-fried.

Portability: Easy to eat on-the-go due to their compact size.
Versatility: Fillings can range from meat to vegetables, catering to different tastes.
Texture: The crispy exterior and sticky, chewy interior create a unique texture.

Savory sausage rolls made with locally-produced sausages and wrapped in a crispy pastry.

Flavor: The savory taste of the sausage complements the crispy, flaky pastry.
Portability: Easy to eat on-the-go due to their compact size.
Local Produce: Made with locally-produced sausages, showcasing the region's produce.

A light and fluffy sponge cake, often served with a fruit topping.

Steamed buns filled with various types of mushrooms and served with a soy sauce.

Health Benefits: Mushrooms are packed with nutrients, making this a healthy option.
Taste: The flavorful mushrooms complement the soft, doughy bun.
Versatility: Mushroom types can vary, catering to different tastes.

Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, a refreshing drink perfect for hot weather.

Refreshing: Ideal for quenching thirst and cooling down on a hot day.
Natural Sweetness: Naturally sweet with no added sugars or artificial flavors.
Locally Sourced: Sugarcane is locally sourced, supporting the region's economy.

A sweet, flaky cake filled with pineapple chunks.

Taste: The combination of sweet pineapple and flaky pastry creates a unique flavor.
Portability: Easy to eat on-the-go due to their compact size.
Local Produce: Made with locally-grown pineapples, showcasing the region's produce.

A comforting rice porridge served with various toppings like seafood and vegetables.

Warmth: Perfect for a cold day, it's both comforting and filling.
Versatility: Can be customized with various toppings catering to different tastes.
Tradition: A traditional dish that's a must-try in Shantou.

Tender and juicy squid, barbecued to perfection and seasoned with local spices.

Smooth and silky tofu pudding served with a sweet syrup and gingko nuts.

Texture: Silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
Health Benefits: Made from soybeans, it's a healthy dessert option.
Unique Taste: The combination of sweet syrup and gingko nuts adds a unique flavor profile.