Host introduction
We are local chefs from Shantou, trained under Chaozhou cuisine master Chen Wenxiu. After years of studying Chaozhou cuisine and related delicacies, we've developed unique insights into Chaozhou dishes and dim sum snacks. Operating a local restaurant, my fellow chefs and I share a deep passion for cooking. Having stepped back from daily operations, we decided to establish a workshop to fully dedicate ourselves to sharing culinary delights.
In our sharing, we incorporate the historical stories and local culture behind the cuisine, making the otherwise monotonous culinary world very interesting. We are passionate about sharing and spreading Chaoshan cuisine with visitors. You don't need to visit the famous local restaurants, as they are very commercialized. In contrast, here you'll find equally excellent food, and more importantly, a great cultural experience.
Experience highlights
No detours, don't be fooled by influencers. As a Shantou local, I only want to show you the real Shantou. The registration fee already includes 5-7 authentic local dishes or drinks at 3-5 shops I'll take you to during the activity, plus transportation costs incurred along the way.
Shantou is a particularly precious isolated island of Chinese cuisine. If a Chinese person claims to be a gourmet but has never visited Shantou, they cannot truly be called a gourmet. This culinary journey focuses on authentic delicacies found in the streets and alleys of Shantou's old town. As the saying goes, "Eat in Guangzhou, taste in Chaoshan." I am a native of Shantou, and Shantou locals would certainly not take you to overly commercialized places like Xiaogongyuan to eat! I will guide you to experience the truly authentic, long-standing small eateries that even some locals might not know about, and along the way, you'll experience Shantou's local street culture. For this experience, I will not take you to tourist attractions, as those don't require a local guide. Besides food, I can also help you plan your Shantou itinerary, assisting you in avoiding "minefield" attractions and shops, ensuring you experience the real Shantou. Snacks that might appear include: various types of "guo" pastries, tofu pudding, Chaoshan sweet soups, Shengpo porridge, sugar onion pancakes, Chaoshan tea snacks, rice noodle rolls, mysterious herbal teas. We will also visit a local wet market along the way.
Each experience will allow you to taste approximately 5–7 local delicacies or drinks, such as douhua (tofu pudding), sweet soup, guo (rice cake) snacks, lard porridge, sugar onion pancakes, rice noodle rolls, and mysterious herbal tea. Since I know of about 45 small, old shops in the old town, I won't list them all. In addition to the food, I will also lead you to visit a local wet market to learn about Chaoshan's food culture under its unique geographical location. I will introduce you to authentic anecdotes, etiquette, architectural styles, living habits, and some strange stories of the old town from a local's perspective.
We will first gather at Sanshenren in the old town, then we will explore restaurants favored by locals along Jinxin Road, an old food street. Along the way, we will walk through some unique neighborhoods and local markets as needed, to gain a deeper understanding of Shantou's local culture. Places like Xiaogongyuan, which only offer insight into local commercial culture, will not require me, a local, to guide you. Participants looking for a taste of their hometown cuisine should not sign up, as we will be sampling truly authentic local delicacies, and the flavors may not meet your expectations.
Additional Notes:
We recommend wearing comfortable sneakers as we'll need to walk some distance.
Vegetarians can join this food tour, but it's not suitable for strict vegans.
Reference menu
Five-fruit sweet soup, rice cakes, braised snacks, sugar onion pancakes, rice noodle rolls, fermented bean curd cakes, and mung bean cakes
Food markets and gourmet shops showcase the vibrant culinary culture of Chaoshan.
