Shenzhen's culinary scene boasts a rich diversity of flavors that cater to every palate. Among these, seven standout dishes are a must-try for anyone exploring the city's food culture!
1. Chow Mein Stir-Fried Noodles
Stir-fried noodles are a staple in traditional Chinese cuisine, and Chow Mein is a dish you simply can't miss when diving into Shenzhen's food culture. The noodles are made from a mix of rice flour, wheat flour, and mung bean starch. A pinch of salt is often added to the dough to enhance the flavor. Chow Mein is typically served with seafood, meat, and a variety of vegetables like onions, carrots, and cabbage.
The hallmark of Chow Mein lies in its rich soy sauce-based seasoning. It’s flavored with minced garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar to elevate the taste. The chewy noodles combined with the savory sauce create an addictive dish that keeps diners coming back for more.

Chow Mein can be prepared in two main styles: crispy and soft. For the crispy version, the noodles are fried until crunchy before being mixed with other ingredients. The soft version involves stir-frying the noodles directly with the sauce and ingredients until perfectly cooked. Both styles offer unique flavors that are sure to captivate anyone who tries them.

2. Sweet and Sour Pork


3. Wonton
While you may have tried wontons in Vietnam, experiencing them in Shenzhen offers a deeper appreciation of their authentic flavor. Wontons are a signature dish of Shenzhen cuisine. They are made from finely chopped meat, seafood, and vegetables, wrapped in a thin wheat flour dough, and steamed until translucent. The delicate aroma and the visible filling make them a delightful treat to savor.


4. Dry Hot Pot
Dry hot pot is a unique specialty in Shenzhen cuisine. Unlike traditional hot pots, this dish is prepared without a broth-filled pot. Instead, a wide non-stick pan is used, accompanied by a small spatula and a bowl of sauce on the side. The pan is filled with ingredients like rabbit, duck, or chicken, along with vegetables such as napa cabbage, carrots, jicama, and kohlrabi. These ingredients are stir-fried until the sauce thickens, creating a uniquely flavorful dish. The sauce can be used as a dip for vegetables or mixed with noodles or rice vermicelli.
Accompanying this dry hot pot are watercress and a plate of egg noodles. The dish offers a unique dining experience, as its preparation method sets it apart from traditional hot pot dishes.

5. Boiled Chicken
The boiled chicken in Shenzhen is made from local breeds known for their firm and sweet meat. Cooking the chicken to perfection requires precise timing to ensure the meat remains tender and juicy. The broth is retained within the chicken, keeping it moist and succulent. Once cooked, the chicken is expertly chopped and arranged to resemble a whole bird. It is served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, salt, vegetable oil, chili, and ginger.


6. Whole Roasted Goose
Shenzhen has a long tradition of raising geese for meat, and locals have mastered the art of preparing this dish. The geese, known for their firm meat, are marinated with sugar, salt, wine, fermented bean curd, garlic, fermented soybeans, soy sauce, and honey for 40 minutes to an hour before being roasted. This process gives the skin a crispy, amber-brown finish, while the meat inside remains tender and sweet. The goose is carved while still steaming hot, releasing the aromatic fragrance of the marinade.

7. Stewed Winter Melon
Stewed winter melon is a unique delicacy you must try in Shenzhen. The melon is carved into a bowl shape, hollowed out, and filled with ingredients like pork, mushrooms, chicken broth, and seasonings. The “melon bowl” is then covered and stewed for 30 minutes. This dish not only boasts an innovative presentation but also retains its warmth, offering unforgettable flavors to those who savor it.

Source: Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnMay 31, 2024