Shunde’s best kept culinary gems

When it comes to the Shunde approach to cooking, there’s an element of magic involved. This district in the southern Chinese city of Foshan seems able to transform even the humblest of ingredients into culinary delights.

Take pomelo peel, for example. Often discarded, it becomes a delicacy here. Chefs start by lightly roasting the spongy peels, soaking them in salted water, then spending the next two days rubbing them, squeezing out the bitterness and re-soaking them before braising them in a rich stock. The result? A tender pomelo peel steak that bursts with juice and flavour. 

It’s no wonder Shunde has been named a Unesco City of Gastronomy , with food lovers flocking here in search of culinary inspiration. With dishes ranging from bouncy noodles to silky rice and the freshest seafood, the district offers countless ways to indulge. Here are some must-visit spots where you can experience Shunde’s culinary craftsmanship. 

Jufu Mountain Villa

When you see a line of diners and hear the sound of lively chatter, you know you’ve come to the right place. Jufu Mountain Villa is a dim sum haven, with tables squeezed into every nook and cranny. The menu boasts classics like shrimp dumplings and siu mai, but don’t miss the signature char siu stuffed with salted egg yolks, the deep-fried Chinese chive puff pockets or the silky steamed rice rolls. 

Hujing Flower Garden, Zhenghe N Road, Shunde District, Foshan

Wong Dan Kee Chencunfen Restaurant

Located in Chen Cun, a subdistrict of Shunde, Wong Dan Kee Chencunfen Restaurant (or just Chencunfen Restaurant) is the go-to spot for the area’s namesake noodles. Chen cun fen (Chen Village noodles) aren’t your average noodles: they’re extra wide, extremely thin and have a slippery yet firm texture. Stir-fried chen cun noodles with beef is a popular menu choice.

18 Jingming Road, Jinlong Commercial Building, Shunde District, Foshan

Tai Gen Bao Riceless Congee

For a unique twist on hot pot and congee, head to upscale joint Tai Gen Bao Riceless Congee (or Wumizhou when searching on Google). Here, the smooth texture of boiled rice and rich flavour of chicken broth merge with fresh ingredients that are cooked at the table by a dedicated server. All the jus and fragrance from these ingredients get infused into the broth, while the disintegrated rice turns it into a creamy soup – hence, “riceless”. 

270 Jinlong Road, Daliang, Shunde District, Foshan

Zhuroupo Private Home Cuisine 

Boasting six branches in the Greater Bay Area, Zhuroupo is the hottest private kitchen-style restaurant in Shunde. The original outpost in Ronggui (a subdistrict of Shunde) charms diners with its picturesque Chinese garden and tranquil koi pond. Highlights on the rustic menu include steamed minced pork meat pie, braised pomelo peels and claypot rice with ginger paste 

31 Zhanye Road, Ronggui, Shunde District, Foshan 

Yaoji Private Kitchens

There’s a quiet confidence behind Yaoji Private Kitchens simple menu, which features only eight dishes. The chef occasionally steps out to gauge diners’ reactions, asking, “It’s good, isn’t it?” After sampling a few bites, you won’t be able to disagree – the braised pigeon is tender and juicy, the fresh dace fish balls springy and the steamed fish perfectly flaky, with a hint of chenpi from the special soy sauce. 

At the crossroads of Alley No. 1, Second Street, Donghong Lu and Hongying Road, Daliang, Shunde District, Foshan 

Jinbang Street

To find Shunde’s famous dessert, visit Jinbang Street also known as Milk Street. This bustling alley is home to various street eats and cafés serving the classic Shunde speciality: double-skin milk pudding, a silky treat with two layers of coagulated milk fat. Modern cafés offer trendy takes on the dessert, from milk lattes to milk tarts. 

Jinbang Street, Daliang, Shunde District, Foshan

Ginger Coffee

If you’re looking for a change of pace, head to Ginger Coffee, located in a repurposed oil tank. This artisanal coffee shop is not just Instagrammable; it takes its brews seriously. After navigating the crowds at Jinbang Street, it’s the perfect place to relax with an expertly crafted cup.  

Chen Village Oil Tank Factory, 26 Old Guangzhu Road, Chencun, Shunde District, Foshan

Getting there 

From Hong Kong, Shunde can be reached in about an hour and a half by high-speed railway, with connections through Guangzhou South Station.

Souvenirs 

Bring a taste of Shunde home. Popular souvenirs include crunchy cookies like “cat ears” (made of flour and lard) and bangsaa (made from flour, sugar, lard and fermented tofu). Another great option is Shunde milk chips, which are thin slices of coagulated milk soaked in vinegar and salted water – perfect as a condiment for congee.