Top 10 must-try dishes in Sanya

Sanya, situated in Hainan province, South China, is a renowned tropical travel destination that is also home to incredible local cuisine! Check out these 10 must-try dishes and embark on a tropical food adventure!

1.Fresh fish soup

This soup, perfect for fall and winter, is a simple yet flavorful preparation that features fresh fish, ginger, and locally sourced ingredients like sour beans and starfruit. Slow-cooked to perfection, it captures the essence of Sanya’s local taste.

2.Coconut chicken soup

As a local favorite, this dish combines the natural sweetness of coconut with the tender, juicy meat of Wenchang chicken. Paired with kumquat dipping sauce, it's irresistibly delicious.

3.Fried eggs with hance pepper stemand leaf

Hance pepper stemand leaf is a tropical herbaceous plant. This dish blends fresh leaves with eggs, creating a crispy and refreshing taste.

4.Tengqiao pork ribs

Originating from Tengqiao town, these crispy, golden pork ribs are coated in a special batter and fried to perfection. Tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside, this dish is loved by many.

Tengqiao pork ribs. [Photo/WeChat account: sanyatour2013]

5.Herb duck

Raised on wild herbs near the water, the meat of this duck is firm and flavorful. After being stir-fried with seasonings, the dish bursts with savory, aromatic tastes that will leave you craving more.


6.Sour rice vinegar hotpot

A unique hotpot from Wenchang, made with fermented rice vinegar and a spicy-sour broth. The tangy, bold flavor has become a local favorite.

7.Nanshan vegetarian cuisine

This refined vegetarian cuisine blends the essence of temple food with local flavors. Made with wild mushrooms and fresh seasonal vegetables, it's known for its health benefits and anti-aging properties.

8.Yazhou stir-fried Lamb

Delicately stir-fried lamb in a rich, aromatic sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of tender meat and a savory, slightly smoky flavor.

9.Ginger scallion crab
A classic Sanya dish where fresh crab is stir-fried with ginger and scallions, creating a fragrant and sweet combination that's irresistibly delicious.

Ginger scallion crab. [Photo/WeChat account: sanyatour2013]

10.Flat bean sauce braised fish

This dish features fresh yellow croaker fish braised with a unique local flat bean sauce. The sauce's rich umami flavor melds perfectly with the fish, creating a mouthwatering taste.