Sanya: A must-experience paradise for food lovers

Ranked fourth in Beijing News Think Tank's 2025 Small City Gastronomy Tourism Ranking, Sanya has become a top-tier food destination, captivating travelers with its irresistible blend of tropical flavors. From sizzling street snacks to luxurious seafood feasts, this coastal paradise offers a culinary journey. 

Start your adventure with Sanya's vibrant street food scene. Qingbuliang, a refreshing coconut milk dessert packed with red beans, fruits, and chewy pearls, is the perfect antidote to the tropical heat.

Qingbuliang. [Photo/WeChat account: sanyatour2013]

Dare to try "jishiteng" jelly? Despite its unappetizing name, this herbal delicacy delights with its soft, fragrant sweetness. Crispy shrimp cakes, pungent Yacheng stinky tofu, and tangy pickled mango further showcase the city's bold flavors. 

Sanya serves as an exceptional destination for aficionados of noodles. The Gangmen noodles are accompanied by a seafood-infused bone broth and garnished with fish cakes and peanuts, delivering a flavor profile reminiscent of the ocean. Enthusiasts of spiciness will appreciate the Hou'an noodles, which feature a notable peppery heat, while the Lingshui sour noodles provide a distinctive tangy flavor.

Gangmen noodles. [Photo/WeChat account: sanyatour2013]

Seafood reigns supreme here. Visit bustling markets to handpick your catch - succulent steamed grouper, garlic-buttered scallops, or fiery Sichuan-style crab — then have it cooked to order.

Don't miss Hainan's four famous dishes: Wenchang chicken with zesty lime dip, Jiaji duck (roasted to perfection), tender Dongshan goat, and Hele crab oozing with golden roe. 

Sanya has many other famous dishes, such as Tengqiao fried pork ribs, coconut chicken hotpot, and dregs vinegar hotpot, which are worth trying.

Coconut chicken hotpot. [Photo/WeChat account: sanyatour2013]

End your feast with tropical fruits - dip mangoes in chili salt or savor coconut rice pudding - and toast to Sanya's edible wonders. 

With every bite, Sanya proves why it's a food lover's paradise. Ready to taste the hype?