Bespoke Chaoshan tours for visitors from Singapore & Malaysia

Exploring Chaoshan Cuisine

Shantou is the core hub of Chaoshan cuisine, renowned for its ultimate 'freshness'. Here, beef hotpot divides every part of the cow to the extreme; after nightfall, 'cold dishes' and plain congee are a must-visit late-night canteen for every foodie.

Shantou Cuisine

Shantou Cuisine

Beef HotpotLion Head Goose MeatNight Congee with Cold DishesRaw Marinated Seafood

Shantou is the core hub of Chaoshan cuisine, renowned for its ultimate 'freshness'. Beef hotpot and night congee with cold dishes are must-tries for first-time visitors to Chaoshan.

Local food picks

Shantou Beef Ball Hotpot
Shantou CuisineMust-Try ClassicPerfect with SatayBeef Hotpot

Shantou Beef Ball Hotpot

Shantou beef ball hotpot is known for its tender and bouncy beef balls and refreshing broth. It is a representative dish of Chaoshan hotpot. The beef is freshly slaughtered and sliced, with parts like diaolong, wuhuazhi, and chibing offering distinct layers of texture, leaving an unforgettable impression.

Deep tasting guide
Chaoshan raw marinated seafood
Shantou cuisineumami challengeperfect with congeeraw marinated seafoodseafood snack

Chaoshan raw marinated seafood

Chaoshan raw marinated seafood uses fresh seafood such as crab, shrimp, and blood clams, marinated with special seasonings. It tastes fresh and refreshing, and is a coastal specialty of Chaoshan, best enjoyed with plain congee.

Deep tasting guide
Fish Rice and Assorted Salty Side Dishes
Shantou CuisineFisherman's Original FlavorMust-Have for Da LengNight Congee Da Leng

Fish Rice and Assorted Salty Side Dishes

Fish Rice and Assorted Salty Side Dishes are a classic pairing in Chaoshan plain congee culture. Fish Rice is salty, firm, and fresh, while the side dishes are savory and appetizing. They are common local flavors found in Shantou people's breakfasts, late-night congee, and home meals.

Deep tasting guide
Traditional Shantou Oyster Omelette
Chaoshan CuisineShantou SnacksOyster OmeletteSeafood DelicacyStreet Food

Traditional Shantou Oyster Omelette

Shantou oyster omelette is a classic Chaoshan snack made with fresh oysters, eggs, and sweet potato starch. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and rich in seafood flavor, it is a must-try street food in Chaoshan.

Deep tasting guide
Laoma Gong Zongqiu
Time-honored Brand RecommendationCentury-old ShopSweet and Savory ComboChaoshan CuisineChaoshan DessertTraditional Snack

Laoma Gong Zongqiu

Laoma Gong Zongqiu is a traditional Chaoshan dessert made from glutinous rice and fillings, with a soft and chewy outer layer and sweet fillings. It offers a sweet and savory combination, passed down for a century, and is a classic representative of Chaoshan festive and daily sweets.

Deep tasting guide
Shantou Free-Range Chicken Hotpot
Chaoshan CuisineShantou HotpotChicken HotpotAuthentic HotpotChaoshan Dining

Shantou Free-Range Chicken Hotpot

Shantou chicken hotpot uses tender local free-range chicken as the main ingredient, paired with clear broth and various seasonal vegetables. The soup is fresh and delicious, with a delicate texture, making it a classic choice among Chaoshan hotpots.

Deep tasting guide
Chenghai Braised Goose
Chaoshan CuisineChenghai Braised GooseBraised DishesChaoshan TourismLocal Food

Chenghai Braised Goose

Chenghai braised goose has a bright red color, rich aroma, and tender meat. It is a classic representative of Chaoshan braised dishes, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Deep tasting guide
Shantou Snacks-ONE
Shantou SnacksChaoshan CuisineShaved IceFermented Tofu Chicken WingsFried Shrimp CakeSweet Soup

Shantou Snacks-ONE

Shantou snacks are rich in variety and delicious in taste, blending Chaoshan's unique savory and sweet braised flavors, seafood, and traditional pastries, representing Chaoshan food culture.

Deep tasting guide
Shantou Snacks-TWO
Sugar-coated TaroShaved IceMung Bean CakeNo Rice CakeRed Shell Peach

Shantou Snacks-TWO

Shantou snacks are rich in variety and delicious in taste, blending Chaoshan's unique savory and sweet braised flavors, seafood, and traditional pastries, representing Chaoshan food culture.

Deep tasting guide
Shantou Snacks-THREE
Chaoshan CuisineSugar Onion Thin PancakeFalling Soup MoneyLicorice FruitStir-fried Rice Noodles

Shantou Snacks-THREE

Shantou snacks are rich in variety and delicious in taste, blending Chaoshan's unique savory and sweet braised flavors, seafood, and traditional pastries, representing Chaoshan food culture.

Deep tasting guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q:What must you eat on your first trip to Chaoshan?

A:If it's your first time in Chaoshan, we highly recommend Shantou's [freshly slaughtered beef hotpot] and Chaozhou's [braised lion head goose]. These two dishes have the highest acceptance, suitable for all ages, and are absolute representatives of Chaoshan food culture.

Q:Is raw marinated seafood suitable for first-time try?

A:Raw marinated seafood is called Chaoshan 'poison' for its incredible freshness, but if you rarely eat raw food or have a weak stomach, it's advisable to try just a little on your first time, or have a guide take you to a reputable, hygienic old brand and bring stomach medicine.

Q:What is the difference between Chaoshan beef hotpot and regular hotpot?

A:The biggest differences lie in 'freshness' and 'knife skills'. Chaoshan beef hotpot uses non-frozen beef, emphasizing freshly slaughtered and eaten; the broth is usually clear (simmered from beef bones) to preserve the original flavor of the beef; and the beef is divided into over a dozen parts like diaolong, wuhuazhi, and chibing, each with precise boiling time to the second.