Foshan Local Cuisine and Restaurants, what and where to eat

Foshan cuisine is part of Cantonese cuisine, specifically the Guangzhou style, and is one of the important origins of this culinary tradition. As the saying goes, "The art of dining is in Guangzhou, the essence of flavor is in Foshan", Signature dishes include Jun'an steamed pork, Shunde fish sashimi, Foshan pig's trotters, Zhuhou chicken, and Shiwang tofu. Foshan snacks, with their long history and variety, are particularly famous, including classics like Xiqiao cake, Foshan nine-layer cake, double-skin milk, and fried milk. The vibrant food night markets and traditional restaurants provide a rich culinary experience that reflects the region's cultural heritage.

What Famous Local Food to Eat

Top 1: Jun'an Steamed Pork /均安蒸猪

Jun'an Steamed Pork is a traditional local delicacy from Guangdong, typically reserved for banquets and ceremonial occasions. The dish involves marinating the pork for six hours before steaming it using a special method. During the steaming process, steel needles are repeatedly inserted into the meat to allow the fat to drip out, resulting in pork that is rich but not greasy, while preserving its natural, fresh aroma.

Top 2: Shunde Fish Sashimi / 顺德鱼生

Shunde fish sashimi, it is typically made with a robust 750-gram fish, known for its tender, fresh, and smooth texture. The fish is left in spring water for two days to allow it to use up internal fat, enhancing its taste. The preparation requires skilled knife work, ensuring the fish is crystal clear and translucent. It is served with a variety of condiments, including sliced garlic, shredded ginger, crushed peanuts, sesame, chili, and onions, among others.

Top 3: Braised Pig’s Trotters Wrapped in Water Grass / 扎猪蹄

Braised Pig’s Trotters Wrapped in Water Grass is a traditional specialty from the Foshan region. It begins with the pig’s trotters being carefully skinned, tendons removed, and bones taken out. Then, marinated pork is wrapped inside the pig’s skin and secured with water grass. The whole package is then placed in a marinade and simmered over low heat until it is about 80-90% cooked. Afterward, the pork is wrapped again with fresh water grass and cooked further. This dish is known for its tender meat and rich flavor, making it a beloved local delicacy.

Top 4: Zhuhou Chicken /柱侯鸡

This dish was created by Chef Liang Zhuhou from the Sanpinlou Restaurant during the Qing Dynasty. The key ingredient in Zhuhou Chicken is Zhuhou sauce, which was invented by Liang Zhuhou, giving the dish its distinctive flavor. The chicken is tender and smooth, complemented by the rich taste of fermented black beans.

Top 5：Shiwang Fish Tofu / 石湾鱼豆腐

Made with fresh loach fish meat and eggs, then deep-fried, Shiwang Fish Tofu is known for its fresh, aromatic taste and smooth, tender texture. Its unique flavor makes it suitable for all ages, offering a delightful experience for both young and old.

Top 6: Foshan Nine-Layer Cake / 九层糕

Foshan Nine-Layer Cake is a traditional pastry made during festive occasions, especially during Chinese New Year. The name symbolizes longevity and prosperity, with the idea of "lasting forever" and "rising step by step." Made from rice flour mixed with sugar, the cake is steamed layer by layer, creating a nine-layer structure. Each layer is distinct and, for aesthetic purposes, edible food coloring is often used to give the layers different colors. The final result is visually appealing, with a soft, smooth texture and a delicious taste.

Top 7: Xiqiao cake/ 西樵大饼

Xiqiao Big Cake, also known as Xiqiao Cake, is a traditional snack from Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China. Renowned for its soft texture, sweet flavor, and smooth taste, it is made using high-gluten flour, sugar, clear water from Xiqiao Mountain, lard, baking powder, and fresh yeast. This delicious treat has a long history of over 300 years and is loved by both locals and visitors, making it a must-try when exploring the culinary delights of Foshan. It is also often gifted during weddings, festivities, and holidays, symbolizing completeness and harmony.

Where to Try Typical Food

Top 1: Youji Restaurant / 有记餐厅

This is a time-honored restaurant, small in size with a simple and cozy decor. The walls are adorned with many old photos, showcasing the evolution of the restaurant over the years. However, one thing that has remained unchanged is the delicious food. The signature dish here is the pig's trotter, which is loved by locals, often causing long queues for a table.

• Recommended: Braised pork knuckle, Slow-cooked Soup, fish skin with vine pepper, double skin milk，Braised fish and eggplant，etc.
• Address: No. 24, Jinyu Street, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong

Top 2: Shunfeng Restaurant / 顺峰山庄

Shunfeng Restaurant is one of the most beloved dining spots among locals, a Cantonese restaurant chain with branches even in Beijing. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the dishes are refined, with standout offerings like their Peking duck, which has crispy skin and tender meat. Their stir-fried milk is also a must-try, with the perfect balance of texture—tender and smooth.

• Recommended: Roast goose, fish soup, roast pigeon, pineapple juice pomelo bun，etc.
• Operating Hours: 10:30-14:00 17:00-21:00
• Tel：0757-22291166
• Address: Shunfengshan Tourist Area, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province (near National Highway 105)

Top 3: Dexinzhai Restaurant / 得心斋

Dexinzhai Restaurant was established during the Qing Dynasty and was originally named Heji Pork Shop before being renamed to Dexinzhai. It is a well-known local establishment with a long history. The restaurant’s décor is infused with traditional Lingnan-style elements, offering an authentic cultural atmosphere. It is popular among both long-time regulars and tourists. The signature dish here is the braised pig’s trotters, which are known for their tempting color, tender texture, and rich, flavorful taste. Dexinzhai’s braised pig’s trotters are considered a traditional Foshan delicacy, deeply embedded in the city’s history and culture.

• Recommended: braised pig’s trotters
• Address: No. 7 Shengping Road, Chancheng District, Foshan City

Top 4: Shunde Restaurant / 顺德人家食府

This restaurant is a local favorite in Foshan, and it’s the Top choice for many locals to enjoy dim sum. The dining environment is spacious and bright, with elegant decoration that adds to the overall experience. The shrimp dumplings are particularly popular, with thin wrappers and a generous amount of fresh, delicious shrimp filling. The char siu bao (barbecue pork buns) are soft, fluffy, and perfectly savory. The restaurant is always bustling with customers, reflecting its popularity. In addition to dim sum, their Cantonese dishes are outstanding, beautifully presented with great flavor and aroma. The service is warm and attentive, making every visit a delightful experience.

• Recommended: Shrimp dumpling, char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), Roast goose, fish soup etc.
• Operating Hours: 08:00-14:00，17:00-21:00
• Tel：0757-22261222
• Address: 2nd Floor, Golden Commercial Plaza, No. 11 Taigen Road, Daliang Street, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province

Top 5: Minxin Old Shop / 民信老铺

Minxin old shop is a well-known dessert shop in Foshan, beloved by locals for many years. The decoration style of the shop is antique and full of Lingnan characteristics. It enjoys a large flow of customers, especially during afternoon tea time, when it’s often fully packed. The double-skin milk (双皮奶) here is especially popular for its delicate texture and rich, milky flavor that melts in your mouth. The fried milk is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a deliciously sweet and savory taste. This place is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth!

• Recommended: double-skin milk、fried milk
• Operating Hours: 08:00-23:30
• Tel：0757-22222424
• Address: No. 119, Huagai Road, Daliang, Shunde District, Foshan

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