A Culinary Journey
Through Food Cities in China

Chengdu’s kitchen is loud, vibrant, and intoxicating. This UNESCO City of Gastronomy is home to peppercorns that numb your tongue yet awaken your soul. The air is perfumed with chili oil and garlic, and every corner bursts with the sound of sizzling woks. Signature dishes include Mapo Tofu, twice-cooked pork, and of course, the city’s iconic hotpot, which balances heat and aroma in perfect chaos. Beyond the spice, Chengdu’s tea culture offers calm relief. Locals spend hours at bamboo-shaded teahouses sipping jasmine tea, playing mahjong, and chatting about daily life. The food scene extends from traditional Jinli Ancient Street to sleek fusion restaurants experimenting with Sichuan heritage.

Why visit now?
Chengdu’s culinary creativity is booming, young chefs are transforming heritage recipes into modern art. With the opening of new food markets and annual spice festivals, the city has become Asia’s most dynamic playground for adventurous eaters.

Guangzhou, often called the food capital of China, is where refinement meets abundance. This is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, famous for fresh ingredients and subtle flavours. Locals begin their day with yum cha — tea served with baskets of dim sum like har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork dumplings). The culinary journey continues with roast goose, sweet and sour pork, and steamed grouper. Visit the lively markets of Qingping and the Pearl River promenade, where street vendors and luxury restaurants coexist in harmony. The attention to texture, fragrance, and presentation defines Guangzhou’s excellence.

Why visit now?
A new wave of Michelin-starred restaurants and creative dim sum parlours is redefining tradition in Guangzhou. With high-speed train access from Hong Kong and Shenzhen, it’s easier than ever to explore the city that inspired Cantonese cuisine worldwide.

Shanghai’s cuisine reflects its cosmopolitan soul. Influenced by nearby Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, the city is known for delicate sweetness, refined sauces, and artistic presentation. Must-tries include xiao long bao (soup dumplings), shengjian bao (crispy pan-fried buns), and red-braised pork simmered to perfection. In the French Concession, chic bistros reinvent local flavours, while on the Bund, world-class restaurants serve dishes that merge tradition and innovation. Street food lovers can snack on scallion pancakes or fried dumplings at the buzzing Yuyuan Bazaar.

Why visit now?
Shanghai’s dining scene is at its creative peak. From high-end tasting menus to hole-in-the-wall eateries, chefs are embracing both nostalgia and novelty. The city’s annual International Food Festival showcases China’s evolving culinary identity, making it a must-visit stop on any Tours to Asia itinerary.

Beijing’s food heritage is as grand as its history. From imperial feasts to street-side delights, the capital celebrates every layer of Chinese cuisine. The famous Peking Duck, roasted until golden and served with paper-thin pancakes, remains a must-try masterpiece. Wander through Wangfujing Snack Street to find scorpions on sticks, candied hawthorn, and steaming baozi. The city’s hutongs hide tiny kitchens where you can savour zhajiangmian noodles or lamb skewers late at night.

Why visit now?
Beijing’s food scene is evolving with a stylish edge, ancient recipes are finding new life in modern settings. With upcoming culinary exhibitions and new heritage food tours, it’s the perfect time to taste imperial flavours in a modern capital.

In Chongqing, eating hotpot is a social ritual. The bubbling red broth, thick with chilies and peppercorns, sets the stage for long, laughter-filled meals. Locals dip thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and tofu into the fiery mix, balancing pain with pleasure. But Chongqing’s food culture extends beyond hotpot: try xiao mian (spicy noodles), mala skewers, and fried rice cakes from street stalls. The dramatic river city, with its mist-covered hills and neon-lit bridges, makes dining here a multisensory experience.

Why visit now?
Chongqing has become a pilgrimage site for spice lovers. Its annual Hotpot Festival, complete with giant communal cauldrons and cooking contests, draws visitors from around the world. With new direct flights and growing foodie tours, there’s never been a better time to dive in.

Hangzhou’s cuisine mirrors its scenery—graceful, balanced, and poetic. Its famous Dongpo Pork melts like silk, West Lake Fish glistens in sweet vinegar sauce, and Longjing Shrimp offers a delicate hint of green tea. Meals here feel like art. After exploring West Lake, visit Hefang Street for lotus pastries and steamed buns, or relax at a lakeside teahouse watching reflections dance across the water. The city’s slower pace makes every bite more meaningful.

Why visit now?
Hangzhou is blending old-world elegance with modern creativity. Luxury tea restaurants and farm-to-table dining experiences are transforming how travellers experience Jiangnan cuisine. With the city preparing new lakeside festivals, it’s the perfect time to discover its romantic culinary rhythm.

Known as the “Spring City,” Kunming bursts with colour and freshness all year round. Yunnan cuisine is diverse and aromatic, shaped by the province’s 25 ethnic minorities. The signature Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles is a meal and performance in one, with ingredients added to steaming broth right at your table. You’ll also find dishes infused with edible flowers, tropical fruits, and wild mushrooms. Visit local markets like Nanping Street or Guandu Old Town for spicy rice cakes, grilled cheese from the Bai people, and rose-flavoured desserts.

Why visit now?
Kunming’s culinary scene is trending globally for its health-conscious, natural approach. With new food-themed walking tours and indigenous cooking workshops, the city is a paradise for travellers seeking authenticity and adventure on one plate.