Best Places to Eat in Quanzhou, China
Quanzhou, a historic city on China's southeastern coast, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. From traditional Fujianese cuisine to modern fusion dishes, this diverse food scene offers something for every palate. Here are the top 20 places where you can experience the flavors of Quanzhou.
Fujianese Specialties
The local cuisine in Quanzhou is heavily influenced by Fujian province’s coastal location and its history as a major port city during the Song Dynasty. Dishes here are often light, fresh, and focused on seafood.
1. Shuitou Jie (Water Tower Street)
A must-visit for its bustling food stalls and local delicacies like sea cucumber soup and stir-fried scallops with black fungus. The narrow lanes offer a taste of authentic Fujianese flavors in a lively setting.
2. Wuyi Road
This historic street is lined with traditional tea houses and restaurants serving dishes such as braised shark fin, fish maw soup, and sea cucumber porridge. It’s a great place to experience the refined dining culture of Quanzhou.
Fusion and Innovation
Quanzhou’s culinary landscape has also seen an influx of modern eateries that blend traditional flavors with contemporary cooking techniques.
3. Banyan Tree Restaurant
Combining local ingredients with international tastes, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience. Try their signature dish, oyster stir-fried with garlic and chili.
4. Quanzhou Delicacies Street
This street features several trendy cafes and restaurants that offer fusion cuisine. Expect dishes like lobster risotto and Fujianese-style grilled fish.
Authentic Local Fare
These places serve up classic Quanzhou dishes, allowing diners to savor the city’s rich culinary history.
5. Longzha Hutong
A charming alleyway filled with traditional teahouses and small eateries, offering a range of local specialties like beef noodles and pork rib soup.
6. Nanxi Riverfront Area
This scenic area along the river features several riverside restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as grilled whole fish and oyster pancakes with soy sauce.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
For those following a plant-based diet, Quanzhou offers several vegetarian-friendly eateries that incorporate local vegetables into their menus.
7. Vegetarian Restaurant at Qixing Mosque
Nestled within the Qixing Mosque complex, this restaurant serves up delicious vegetarian dishes that are both filling and flavorful.
8. Green Garden Vegetarian Restaurant
Focusing on organic ingredients, this eatery provides a range of vegan and vegetarian options inspired by Fujianese cuisine.
In addition to full-service restaurants, Quanzhou also boasts a variety of cafes and snack shops that offer quick bites and light meals.
9. Tea House on Water Street
A cozy spot where you can enjoy tea and traditional snacks like pastries and rice cakes while soaking in the local atmosphere.
10. Fujianese Snack Hutong
This street is lined with small shops selling all kinds of Fujianese snacks, from pork floss to fried dough sticks, making it perfect for a quick snack or light meal.
- Shuitou Jie (Water Tower Street)
- Wuyi Road
- Banyan Tree Restaurant
- Quanzhou Delicacies Street
- Longzha Hutong
- Nanxi Riverfront Area
- Vegetarian Restaurant at Qixing Mosque
- Green Garden Vegetarian Restaurant
- Tea House on Water Street
- Fujianese Snack Hutong
- (10-20) More places to explore include:
- Yaojiu Alley
- Mingde Road
- Huishan Bay Resort Restaurant
- Liu Ma Street
- Jinma Bridge Vegetarian Restaurant
- Quanzhou Museum Cafe
- Changgong Temple Vegetarian Restaurant
- Guangji Road
- Tianxin Street
- Xiaowei Hutong
- Nantou Old Town
From traditional eateries to modern fusion restaurants, Quanzhou offers a diverse and vibrant food scene that reflects its rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking for authentic local flavors or something more innovative, there’s always a place in Quanzhou to satisfy your cravings.