A Culinary Journey to Sanya: Taste the Local Flavor
Sanya, China, 13 June 2025 - Sanya is more than just picture-perfect seascapes; it’s a city with a unique culture reflected in its local cuisine. To truly experience the tropical atmosphere of Hainan, try the dishes that the locals eat! Embark on a gastronomic adventure and discover the authentic delicacies of the island, which will give you unforgettable taste experiences.
1. Traditional Lao Ba Cha Teahouses
Start your acquaintance with Sanya by visiting a traditional Lao Ba Cha teahouse. It’s not just a place to enjoy a cup of fragrant tea, but a real center for communication and news exchange for locals. Most snacks are steamed in small bamboo baskets stacked on top of each other – this preserves the juiciness and aroma of the dishes. We suggest trying xiajiao (translucent dumplings made from rice flour with shrimp filling), steamed buns with various fillings, chicken feet in black bean sauce, sweet tartlets with delicate egg custard, and other desserts.
2. Hot Pot: Two Tastes of Hainan in One Dish
Chinese Hot pot is not just food, it’s a whole ritual. In Sanya, you will be offered two completely different, but equally interesting options:
Hainanese Coconut Chicken Soup: This dish conveys the tropical taste of Hainan. The fragrant chicken soup with a slightly sweet coconut flavor creates a unique combination that will appeal to the most discerning gourmet.
Zaopocu Seafood Hot Pot: For lovers of thrills, we suggest trying the sour and spicy hot pot Zaopocu. This soup is prepared on the basis of fermented rice vinegar (starter) with the addition of seafood, meat, seaweed, tofu, vegetables, and mushrooms. Order a small portion to appreciate the unusual and rich taste of the dish.
3. Local Desserts
To finish your main course, we recommend indulging in local desserts:
Qingbuliang: A traditional Hainanese refreshing dessert based on coconut milk, with the addition of fruits, beans, tapioca, and other ingredients. The perfect choice for a hot day!
Fried Fruit Ice cream: A unique dessert that is prepared right before your eyes. Fruits are placed on a frozen plate, coconut milk is added, and everything is quickly mixed until it turns into refreshing ice cream.
Pandan Cakes: Traditional Hainanese cakes made with pandan.
Mango Rolls: Thin and translucent pancakes made from rice flour, steamed; they have a delicate texture that perfectly complements the taste of juicy mango.
Discover Sanya through its vibrant culinary scene, where each dish reveals a new flavor and a touch of local heritage. Share the experience with loved ones and create lasting memories. Bon appétit!