Shenzhen isn’t just a hub of innovation and tech, it’s also one of China’s most exciting food cities. Nestled in the southern province of Guangdong, Shenzhen’s culinary landscape is a dynamic mix of traditional Cantonese flavors, modern Chinese fusion, and global influences. Whether you’re wandering through a bustling food market or dining in a refined local eatery, the city’s food scene is a delicious adventure waiting to unfold. Ready to treat your taste buds? Here are the top 10 foods you must try in Shenzhen, along with market recommendations and local tips to help you enjoy every bite.
1. Chang Fen (Rice Noodle Rolls): Silky and Satisfying
Chang Fen, also known as rice noodle rolls or “cheung fun,” is a beloved dish that originated in Cantonese cuisine. These soft, translucent noodles are usually stuffed with ingredients like shrimp, pork, or beef, then drizzled with a savory-sweet soy sauce.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Light and delicate
- Perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack
- A must-try introduction to Cantonese texture-based cooking
Where to Eat It: Lian Xiang Lou – Renowned for its consistently silky rice noodle rolls, this local favorite keeps diners coming back with their freshly made, perfectly balanced sauces.
2. Claypot Rice: Crispy, Comforting Goodness
Claypot rice is the epitome of comfort food. It’s made by slow-cooking rice in a claypot until the bottom forms a golden crust, then topped with marinated meats like Chinese sausage, chicken, or mushrooms.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Rich umami flavor
- Textural contrast from the crispy rice
- Satisfying and hearty
Where to Eat It: Chengdu Restaurant – Famous for their claypot specialties, this spot is a cozy haven for traditional lovers of this dish.
3. Dai Pai Dong: Dive into Shenzhen’s Street Food Culture
No culinary exploration is complete without trying Dai Pai Dong, Shenzhen’s iconic open-air street food stalls. From wok-fried noodles to steaming dumplings, these stalls capture the pulse of the city’s casual food culture.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Inexpensive and incredibly tasty
- A social and immersive dining experience
- Endless variety of dishes to explore
Where to Eat It: Beijing Road – This lively street is home to an array of Dai Pai Dong stalls, making it the ideal place to sample authentic local snacks in one go.
4. Dim Sum: Bite-Sized Tradition
Dim sum is the heart of Cantonese cuisine and a cherished dining tradition. Think bamboo baskets filled with shrimp dumplings (har gow), pork buns (char siu bao), and custard tarts, all served with piping hot tea.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Great for sharing with friends and family
- Offers a taste of a wide range of Cantonese specialties
- The perfect brunch experience
Where to Eat It: Lin Heung Tea House – A vintage-style tea house steeped in tradition, serving classic dim sum since the early 1900s.
5. Cantonese Roast Duck: Crispy Skin, Tender Flavor
If you crave roasted meats, you’ll fall in love with Cantonese Roast Duck. Unlike the more well-known Peking Duck, this version offers a gentler, sweeter glaze with melt-in-your-mouth meat and perfectly crispy skin.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Elegant balance of sweet and savory
- Beautifully crispy skin
- Traditionally cooked and beautifully plated
Where to Eat It: Jiang Nan Chun – A go-to place for classic roast duck with modern service and ambiance.
6. Char Siu (BBQ Pork): Sweet, Sticky Perfection
Char Siu is a standout of Cantonese barbecued meat, featuring pork marinated in a flavorful blend of hoisin, honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice. Roasted until caramelized, it’s a must-try for any meat lover.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Bold sweet-savory flavor
- Beautifully charred edges
- Often served with rice or noodles
Where to Eat It: Hua Ting Restaurant – Their Char Siu is legendary among locals for its perfectly balanced marinade and tender texture.
7. Wonton Noodles: Simple Yet Sophisticated
This humble noodle soup offers incredible depth of flavor. The broth is light but aromatic, and the wontons—usually stuffed with shrimp or pork—are plump and delicious.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Great for a light lunch or dinner
- Comforting and flavorful
- A staple in Cantonese households
Where to Eat It: Mak’s Noodle – A family-run establishment known for traditional, hand-pulled wonton noodles.
8. Double-Skin Milk (Shuang Pi Nai): A Creamy Dessert Dream
Made with milk, egg whites, and sugar, this steamed dessert has a pudding-like texture and is often flavored with red beans or fruit. It’s sweet, smooth, and soul-soothing.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Light and refreshing
- Ideal for dessert lovers
- Easy on the stomach after a full meal
Where to Eat It: Liu Family Double-Skin Milk – This place specializes in the dessert and has been perfecting it for generations.
9. Sugar Water (Tang Shui): Traditional Sweet Soup
Tang Shui is a category of sweet soups in Cantonese cuisine, often enjoyed warm or cold. Common ingredients include lotus seeds, snow fungus, ginseng, and red beans.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Cooling and healthy
- Perfect way to end a meal
- Boosts digestion and hydrates
Where to Eat It: Bing Bing Tang Shui – A charming dessert shop offering a variety of traditional and creative Tang Shui concoctions.
10. Fish Head Steamboat: A Bowl of Comfort
This Cantonese-style hot pot dish uses a rich fish broth simmered with vegetables, tofu, and, of course, a fresh fish head. It’s hearty, comforting, and best enjoyed with a group.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Deep, rich broth
- Ideal for colder days
- Great communal meal
Where to Eat It: Tao Heung – A popular chain that consistently serves delicious and wholesome Fish Head Steamboat in a relaxed setting.
Whether you’re in Shenzhen for a tech conference or a leisurely vacation, don’t miss out on its incredible food. Each bite, whether from a street cart or an upscale restaurant, tells the story of a city rooted in tradition but always evolving. With influences from Cantonese roots and beyond, Shenzhen serves up something unforgettable for every palate.
