As one of the birthplaces of Chaoshan cuisine, Shantou is a true paradise for food lovers. From time-honored local brands to hidden alleyway gems, this city offers a rich variety of flavors that reflect the authenticity of Chaoshan culinary traditions. Here’s a categorized list of must-try Shantou food spots, curated with local recommendations. Get ready to eat your way through this delicious city!
🥩【Beef Hotpot】
One of Shantou’s most iconic dishes. Don’t leave without trying it!
🏆 Yingchun Haoji Beef Hotpot: Great value, fresh hand-sliced beef, less crowded, fast service 🍜【Noodles & Rice Noodles】
Beef Ball Soup / Flat Rice Noodles (Guotiao)
🏆 Heji Beef Shop: Hand-pounded beef balls in rich daily-boiled broth
Steamed Rice Rolls (Changfen)
🏆 Hua Wu Old-Style Changfen: Delicate handmade sheets with savory sauce
🏆 Ah Can Changfen: Late-night favorite, opens till early morning
Dry Noodles & Pork Organ Soup
🏆 Yili Beef Shop (Waima Road): Sweet-savory satay dry noodles with tender pork liver and clean, flavorful broth
Stir-fried Beef Flat Rice Noodles
🏆 Zhongji Beef: Their pan-fried dumplings and stir-fried guotiao are packed with wok hei flavor
🍲【Hot Dishes & Marinated Meats】
Braised Goose (Over Rice or in Platters)
🏆 A Bin Lu’e (Braised Goose): Rich sauce, don’t miss the goose liver and intestines
🏆 Lin Ji Lu’e (Changping Road): Firm, flavorful meat; try it with Shantou-style rice porridge
Claypot Congee (Shaguo Zhou)
🏆 Shun Ji Claypot Congee: Signature shrimp & crab porridge and dried scallop porridge
🏆 Bo Ji Didu Crab Porridge: Famous for crab congee with goose intestines
🍢【Street Snacks & Sides】
Oyster Omelette & Stir-Fried Rice Cakes (Chao Gao Guo)
🏆 Old Brand at Wenhua Street: Fresh oysters, soft-sticky rice cakes best dipped in sugar
Ma Bing (Sweet-Savory Wheat Cake)
🏆 Lao Chen Authentic Ma Bing: Crispy outside, soft and chewy inside. Sweet version highly recommended
Fried Tofu (Puning Dougan)
🏆 Baihua Snack Stall: Freshly fried tofu with golden skin, dipped in leek-flavored soy—super flavorful! (Caution: Hot!)
Grass Jelly Cakes / Water Cakes (Cao Guo & Shui Guo)
🏆 Gonghe Lao Hong Snack Shop: Shui Guo offers a sweet and savory twist worth trying
🥣【Desserts & Cold Treats】
Tofu Pudding & Grass Jelly
🏆 Bingxin Desserts: Cool and refreshing, with mashed taro and sticky black rice—delicious and not overly sweet
Sweet Soups & Double-Skin Milk Custard
🏆 Changlong Desserts: Local go-to for five-ingredient sweet soup
🏆 Wu Ji Sweet Soup: Classic red bean with silky milk custard—Shantou’s comfort dessert
☕️【Drinks & Traditional Tea Culture】
Chaoshan Kung Fu Tea Experience
🏆 Lao Cuo No.1 Tea House: Authentic Kung Fu tea ceremony and intro to Chaoshan tea culture
🏆 City Tea House (Old Street): Relax in a charming space and enjoy traditional Shantou tea culture
✅ Local Tips for Eating in Shantou:
🍽 Beef balls are best before 9:00 AM, when they’re freshly made
🌅 Steamed rice rolls and porridge dishes are perfect for breakfast or late-night supper
🔥 Shantou cuisine is known for being light, fresh, and mildly seasoned—perfect for cleansing your palate between meals
📍 Most delicious food is concentrated around Jinping District and Xiaogongyuan area
What are the top recommendations for local dishes to try in Shantou?
Beef hotpot truly deserves the No.1 spot！
Shantou sounds like a dream destination for anyone who loves authentic Chaoshan cuisine! The variety of flavors and the mix of well-known spots and hidden gems make it so exciting to explore. Beef hotpot being the top recommendation is no surprise—it’s such a comforting and flavorful dish. I’m curious, though, what makes Shantou’s beef hotpot stand out compared to other regions? Also, are there any vegetarian-friendly options that still capture the essence of Chaoshan cuisine? I’d love to hear more about the must-visit spots for someone who’s never been there before. What’s your personal favorite dish or place in Shantou?
Shantou sounds like an absolute dream for anyone who loves exploring authentic flavors! The way you describe the city as a paradise for food lovers makes me want to book a trip immediately. I’m especially intrigued by the mention of hidden alleyway gems—those are always the best spots to discover something unique. Beef hotpot being the top recommendation is no surprise, but I’d love to know what makes it stand out compared to other regional hotpots. Do you have any tips on where to find the most authentic beef hotpot experience in Shantou? Also, are there any lesser-known dishes that locals swear by but tourists often overlook? I’d love to dive deeper into the culinary secrets of this city!