Best things to eat in Shunde, China’s ‘cradle of Cantonese cuisine’
Hong Kong chef Silas Li takes us on a food tour of Shunde for specialities including ‘unforgettable’ fish, Chencun noodles and Lunjiao cake
Shunde, a district of the city of Foshan in China’s Guangdong province, is one of those places where you can eat good food, but you can eat great food if you know an insider.
One such person is Silas Li, the executive chef of Hong Kong Cuisine 1983, in Hong Kong’s Happy Valley neighbourhood, who calls the district his second home.
Our journey began at the Jiang Shun Seafood Restaurant in Ronggui, a surprisingly rustic spot perched by the Xijiang (West River). We knew we were in the right place when our arrival was delayed by a truck unloading the day’s catch, destined directly for our table.
“It earns that name for its taste,” Li said. “But the price is what really makes it unforgettable.” This local freshwater fish, which is native to Southeast Asia and has a diet of wild fruit, can set you back at least a couple of thousand Hong Kong dollars.