In addition to Shenzhen’s restaurants, one can deeply experience the city’s vibrant local atmosphere and authentic flavors through its street food markets. Compared to high-end dining establishments, these food streets offer an array of affordable and genuine culinary delights from across China.
They not only provide authentic tastes at reasonable prices but also serve as popular dining destinations for local residents. Based on recommendations from Shenzhen locals, the following are some of the most renowned street food markets. Whether you are a first-time visitor or seeking late-night snacks, these locations are highly recommended.
Dongmen Old Street
Dongmen Old Street, officially known as Shenzhen Dongmen Commercial Pedestrian Street, is located in Luohu District, Shenzhen. It is one of the city’s oldest and most popular commercial streets, with a history tracing back to the mid-Ming Dynasty. As one of Shenzhen’s earliest established marketplaces, Dongmen Old Street exemplifies the typical Chinese “pedestrian street,” characterized by a dense concentration of shops and heavy foot traffic. Such commercial hubs naturally attract a wide variety of street food vendors. Therefore, Dongmen Old Street is not only a shopping paradise but also a renowned destination for authentic and affordable local Shenzhen cuisine. The exact location is north of Shennan East Road in Luohu District. Visitors can take Shenzhen Metro Line 1 to Laojie Station and exit from Exit A to arrive directly at Dongmen Old Street.
What Delicious Foods Can You Find at Dongmen Old Street?
Based on recommendations from Shenzhen locals, we have compiled a list of must-try foods at Dongmen Old Street. Once you arrive, simply visit the shops listed in the table below to easily enjoy authentic local snacks:
| Food Name | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Bage Spicy and Sour Noodles | Tangy and appetizing with a rich broth and generous portions; one of the most popular spicy-sour noodle stalls in Dongmen, often with queues. |
| Changsha Black Stinky Tofu | Crispy outside and tender inside, served with special garlic paste and chili oil; a favorite among fans of strong flavors. |
| Li’s Beef Offal | Rich broth with chewy beef tripe and tendon, served with radish, vermicelli, and spicy sauce; a well-known street food stall. |
| Dessert Shop (Mango Sago / Taro Balls) | Trendy and refreshing style, with chewy taro balls and rich coconut milk; perfect for a sweet, refreshing treat after meals. |
| Octopus Takoyaki | Crispy outside, tender inside, freshly made with flavorful sauce. |
| Handmade Egg Waffles | Crispy grid-like exterior with a soft center, a traditional Guangdong street snack; tastes even better with condensed milk. |
| Grilled Cold Noodles / Teppan Squid | Classic night market combo; spicy sauce, egg, and lettuce on a hot plate with a tempting aroma, a must-try street food memory. |
| Luosifen (Snail Noodles) | Strong-flavored specialty with pungent aroma and smooth noodles; some stalls add fried tofu skin, braised egg, and wood ear mushrooms, offering great value. |
| Hong Kong Style Fish Balls / Siu Mai | Classic Guangdong dim sum items, great for a quick bite; authentic flavors available at street stalls. |
| Candied Hawthorn / Cotton Candy | Nostalgic snacks often found near the central square of the old street; perfect for eating on the go and for photos. |
The above recommended shops all come from popular rankings on local Shenzhen social media platforms and enjoy widespread acclaim. However, since taste preferences vary from person to person, whether these flavors suit international visitors depends on individual experience and judgment. Budgeting around 100 RMB should be sufficient for a satisfying meal.
Below are food images provided by netizens for your reference:
Huaqiangbei Food Street
Huaqiangbei Food Street is located in the Huaqiangbei area of Futian District, Shenzhen. It is not only a famous hub for electronic products but also a paradise for food lovers. This area brings together a wide variety of regional snacks and authentic flavors from across China, including Sichuan, Hunan, Chaoshan, and Northwestern cuisines, making it popular among both locals and tourists. With convenient transportation and a perfect blend of shopping and dining, Huaqiangbei Food Street is an ideal place to experience Shenzhen’s diverse food culture. The exact location is Huaqiangbei Road, Futian District, Shenzhen. You can take Shenzhen Metro Line 2 to Huaqiangbei Station and exit from Exit C or D to reach Huaqiangbei Food Street on foot.
What Delicious Foods Can You Find at Huaqiangbei Food Street?
| Shop Name | Recommended Dishes | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Shantou Hui Ji Rice Rolls | Beef Rice Rolls, Chaoshan Rice Rolls | Thin, chewy skin with generous fillings; authentic Chaoshan-style sauce |
| Er Jiefu Tianjin Jianbing Guozi | Jianbing (Chinese Crepe) + Tofu Pudding | Crispy outside and soft inside crepe, paired with sesame sauce tofu pudding; traditional northern breakfast flavor |
| Bangzi Guilin Rice Noodles | Guilin Rice Noodles, Snail Noodles | Rich toppings like pickled bamboo shoots, pickled beans, fried tofu skin; spicy and flavorful broth |
| Ziwu Road Zhang Ji (Xi’an Roujiamo) | Roujiamo (Chinese burger), Liangpi (cold noodles), Youpo noodles | Traditional Xi’an snacks with fragrant bread, tender meat, and spicy chili oil |
| Lanxi Handmade Noodles · Huichun Noodle House | Beef Fried Noodles, Kidney Fried Noodles | Chewy noodles with stir-fried style, suitable for lovers of strong Sichuan flavors |
| Chaomingxing Rice Roll King | Various Chaoshan Fried Snacks + Rice Rolls | Crispy fried chicken wings, dried tofu, taro balls, and other fried snacks with addictive crispiness |
Below are food images provided by netizens for your reference:
Finally
If you’re looking for affordable snacks in Shenzhen, these two places are more than enough to satisfy your cravings. Enjoying delicious food while exploring the surrounding area makes for a delightful experience. Both locations are among the most popular and bustling snack hubs in Shenzhen, beloved by locals and tourists alike, and definitely worth a visit.
