How to Eat Like a Local in Shenzhen - Exploring the Culinary Delights of China

If you want to eat like a local when visiting Shenzhen, you should venture beyond the typical tourist spots and discover the gems of the local food scene. You can find a variety of international cuisines in familiar fast-food chains, but the true essence of the city’s gastronomy is found in its local food delicacies.
To understand Shenzhen through its gastronomical delights, you can also stay at a place that serves local dishes. Accommodation in Shenzhen China, comes in a variety of forms, and they all cater to the various needs of travellers. If you are someone who wants to savour authentic Chinese fare without having to wander around the city, consider staying at a place like Somerset Grandview Shenzhen.

Also called Yin Zhen Fen, Silver Needle Noodles stand out among the local delicacies of Shenzhen. These delicate, translucent noodles are made from wheat starch and have a smooth and chewy texture. The noodles are served with a variety of toppings, including mushrooms, minced pork, and scallions. The signature flavours and textures of this delicious dish make it a must-try for anyone visiting Shenzhen.

This is a type of thick noodle that the locals adore. These noodles are wider and chewier in texture compared to traditional rice noodles, and they are served in flavourful broths and sauces. Lai Fun is often accompanied by pork or beef with a generous topping of fried garlic and fresh herbs.

If you want a quick snack, you should try the famous beef balls. These bite-sized meatballs are made from finely minced beef and a mixture of spices, creating a burst of strong flavours. The local vendors stick the beef balls on bamboo sticks and slowly grill them to perfection. They have a smoky aroma that can stir up anyone’s appetite, and their juicy tenderness makes them irresistible to street food lovers.

Your culinary journey in Shenzhen will remain incomplete until you try the delights of Char Siu. To make Char Siu, the local vendors marinate pork loin or belly in a sweet and savoury sauce and roast the meat until the meat is sufficiently caramelised on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauce is made of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese spices.

Char Siu is commonly served as a standalone dish with the accompaniment of rice or rice noodles. You can also enjoy this with buns or bread.  

Shenzhen’s gastronomical palette is diverse. Some of the other local delicacies you should try include salt and pepper crab, dim sum, and steamed fish. Also, don’t forget to try hot pot, where you can cook an assortment of meat and vegetables right on your table.

To immerse yourself in the local food scene, you should explore the neighbourhoods where the locals like to dine. For example, Luohu, Futian, and Nanshan districts are known for their abundance of fantastic food establishments; here, you’ll find hole-in-the-wall eateries as well as upscale restaurants.
Visit food markets like Dongmen Market or Huaqiangbei Food Street, where you will find a wide array of street food stalls and small shops offering all kinds of local delicacies. These markets offer you the opportunity to sample an assortment of local flavours and experience the dizzying atmosphere that defines the city’s food culture.

Eating like a local in Shenzhen goes beyond trying out local dishes. It’s about soaking up the local food culture. Locals like to eat in groups of family members and friends. So, when dining in Shenzhen, you should order communal dishes and share them with your friends and family.