Sanya’s Top Ten Dishes

Tengqiao Pork Ribs, one of Sanya’s top ten signature dishes, features locally raised free-range pork ribs marinated in honey, ginger, garlic juice, and other seasonings before being slow-fried to perfection. The finished dish boasts a golden hue, crispy exterior, and tender interior, offering a savory-sweet flavor with a rich, aromatic finish that appeals to all ages. With its long-standing history and exquisite craftsmanship, Tengqiao Pork Ribs stands as an outstanding representative of Sanya’s culinary culture, beloved by both tourists and locals alike.

Scallion and Ginger Stir-Fried Flower Crab is a seafood delicacy that excels in color, aroma, and flavor. Using plump flower crabs paired with fresh scallions and ginger, this dish is stir-fried over high heat. The crab meat emerges tender and juicy, while the scallion and ginger aroma fills the air, creating an incredibly delicious taste. This dish not only preserves the authentic flavor of the flower crab but also incorporates the unique taste of scallions and ginger, leaving a lasting impression. Additionally, flower crabs are rich in protein and trace minerals, offering significant health benefits. Savoring stir-fried flower crab with scallions and ginger is an excellent choice for enjoying the delights of seafood.

Sanya Fresh Fish Soup, originating from Sanya, Hainan, is renowned for its unparalleled freshness and flavor. Made primarily with locally caught fresh sea fish and seasonal vegetables, it is slowly simmered over low heat. The broth is clear and rich, while the fish meat remains tender, preserving the authentic taste of the sea. This soup is not only nutritious, packed with high-quality protein and trace elements, but also helps stimulate appetite and aid digestion. In Sanya, savoring a steaming bowl of fresh fish soup offers an exceptional way to experience the local maritime charm and culinary culture.

Zao Po Vinegar Hot Pot originated in Wenchang City, Hainan Province, and is a hot pot with a long history and unique flavor. It uses vinegar fermented from wine lees as its broth base, featuring a mildly spicy, sweet, and sour taste that is highly popular among diners. The hot pot offers a rich variety of ingredients that complement the sour and spicy flavor of the vinegar, greatly stimulating the appetite. Moreover, the vinegar itself is rich in nutrients such as organic acids, vitamins, and minerals, which aid digestion, help lower blood pressure, and boost immunity. Today, this hot pot has gained popularity nationwide and is widely cherished by customers.

Coconut Chicken Soup is a classic tropical delicacy featuring fresh coconut water and tender chicken simmered slowly until the broth becomes rich and aromatic with coconut fragrance. This dish boasts a clear, translucent appearance and a sweet, savory flavor where the coconut’s delicate scent intertwines with the chicken’s natural richness. Every spoonful offers pure, natural sweetness and nourishment. Beyond its delicious taste, coconut chicken soup is rich in electrolytes and vitamins, helping replenish energy and quench thirst. It’s especially refreshing during the sweltering summer months. Whether shared at family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends, this soup is an unforgettable dish that transports diners to the tropical paradise it embodies.

Hainan Five-Herb Duck is a signature dish among Hainan’s specialty cuisines. It features free-range sea ducks from Hainan’s mangrove forests, renowned for their succulent meat, slow-cooked for 40 minutes with five aromatic herbs. The flavors of the five herbs permeate the duck meat, rendering it tender and succulent, with every bite bursting with the essence of sea breeze and sunshine. This dish boasts an enticing aroma and rich broth, leaving a lingering, unforgettable taste. Paired with delicacies like Lāpó Shīshī Oyster Omelette or handmade noodles simmered in the herb-infused duck broth, it becomes utterly mouthwatering.

Braised Fish in Lentil Sauce is a traditional masterpiece that harmoniously blends savory richness with deep, complex flavors. Crafted with fresh fish as the main ingredient and paired with a smooth, aromatic lentil sauce, it is meticulously braised over low heat. Infused with the lentil sauce, the fish becomes exceptionally tender and smooth, fully absorbing the sauce’s richness and the lentils’ delicate fragrance. Each bite delivers profound layers of flavor. This dish boasts an enticing appearance and an aroma rich with savory notes. The unique taste of the lentil sauce harmonizes perfectly with the fish’s natural sweetness, preserving the fish’s original essence while adding a rich complexity to the texture.

Nanshan Vegetarian Cuisine, originating from Hainan’s Nanshan Cultural Tourism Area, specializes in vegetarian dishes meticulously prepared using natural ingredients. The dishes are visually appealing, aromatic, and flavorful, with exquisite presentation. They preserve the essence of traditional vegetarian cuisine while incorporating modern culinary techniques. Nanshan Vegetarian Cuisine is not only delicious but also promotes a healthy eating philosophy, making it a favorite among vegetarian enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. It stands as an excellent choice for experiencing Hainan’s vegetarian culinary culture.

Yazhou Dry-Fried Lamb, originating from Yazhou, Hainan, is a local specialty. Made with premium lamb, chili peppers, garlic shoots, and other seasonings, it’s prepared using the dry-stir-fry technique. The finished dish boasts a bright red hue, tender meat, and a spicy-savory flavor that leaves a lasting impression. Yizhou Dry-Stir-Fried Lamb not only preserves the authentic taste of lamb but also infuses it with the aromatic heat of chili peppers. It’s an excellent choice for experiencing Hainan’s culinary culture and is beloved by diners.

Coconut Leaf Zongzi, a traditional Hainan delicacy, features glutinous rice, coconut meat, red beans, and other fillings wrapped in fresh coconut leaves and steamed to perfection. Its vibrant green appearance is irresistibly appealing, with an enticing aroma that fills the air. The texture is soft, sticky, and sweet, blending the refreshing fragrance of coconut with the tender chewiness of glutinous rice. It is an essential dish for Hainan’s festive celebrations and family gatherings. Beyond their delicious taste, coconut leaf zongzi are also rich in nutrients, making them an excellent choice for experiencing authentic Hainanese culture and culinary traditions.