Ask a QuestionXiamen is located on the coast of the Golden Triangle in southern Fujian, and is home to Xiamen Island, Gulangyu Island and surrounding waters (such as the area where the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait meet). The waters in these waters are clean and rich in plankton, providing an excellent environment for the growth of seafood.
Xiamen's local fishermen mostly use the small fishing boat offshore operationmodel. The catch (such as small squid, white pomfret, oysters, and mussels) that arrives ashore in the early morning or afternoon every day can be quickly transported to the market, restaurants, and even some food stalls are directly connected to the fishing boats, so that tourists can eat "the latest seafood" - this short "from sea to table" chain is an advantage that inland cities cannot replicate.
Special seafood varieties in Xiamen
Xiamen boasts a number of unique seafood dishes with distinct regional characteristics, each of which carries with it the local culinary memories. Among them, the local small squid is particularly special. Unlike ordinary squid, the small squid from Xiamen's coastal waters is more tender and has a sweet flavor. Simply blanching it and dipping it in soy sauce unleashes its freshness, making it a favorite among locals. Xiamen oysters are at their best in spring, when they are plump and juicy. They are not only the core ingredient in Xiamen's classic delicacy, Oyster Omelette,but can also delight the palate with their sweetness even when cooked directly in soup or steamed. And earthworm jelly is a unique cold seafood dish"in Xiamen.It is made by boiling the gelatinous substance of the "star worm" (sea sandworm) unique to the Xiamen coast and then cooling it. It has a chewy and smooth texture and is also called sea cordyceps because of its rich nutrition. It is a special delicacy that cannot be missed when experiencing the flavor of Xiamen seafood.
Characteristics of Xiamen's seafood cooking
Xiamen residents' approach to seafood cooking revolves around the core principle of prioritizing freshness over stir-frying. In their culinary philosophy, the allure of seafood lies in its natural flavor, and they never mask this freshness with complex seasonings or elaborate cooking procedures. Whether at a family dinner table or at a street stall, the ultimate goal of all cooking techniques is to maximize the seafood's original freshness, allowing diners to taste the scent of the sea with every bite. This ultimate pursuit of freshness has become the most distinctive hallmark of Xiamen's seafood culinary culture.
Soy sauce water is a classic Xiamen tradition, embodying the Xiamen philosophy of prioritizing freshness over stir-frying. Its seasoning is incredibly simple: a small amount of soy sauce establishes a salty and savory base, while scallions, ginger, and garlic enhance the flavor and flavor, and a few Xiamen red chilies add a subtle spiciness. Whether boiling a plate of mixed fish or braising a serving of squid, soy sauce water cleverly enhances the ingredients without overpowering the original flavors. The salty, savory, and slightly spicy flavor neutralizes the fishy flavor of the seafood while allowing each bite to reveal its sweetness. It's the most down-to-earth way to enjoy seafood in Xiamen.
Besides soy sauce, blanching and steaming offer minimalist cooking methods that directly highlight the natural flavors of seafood. Tender seafood like squid and shrimp can be simply blanched and then dipped in a little soy sauce or mustard to enjoy their firm, chewy texture and natural sweetness. Steaming is the ideal choice for ingredients with rich umami flavors like crab and abalone. The high temperature locks in the richness of the crab roe and the tenderness of the abalone, allowing the umami flavor to hit your taste buds without excessive seasoning. Influenced by their overseas Chinese heritage, Xiamen residents have also incorporated the Nanyang-style shacha sauce into their seafood dishes. Shacha lobster and shacha-cooked oysters blend the rich shacha aroma with the freshness of the seafood, retaining the core emphasis on freshness while adding a unique Minnan flavor.
Recommended Seafood Markets
The Eighth Market (Bashi)
Xiamen's oldest seafood market, a hub for seafood distribution since the 1920s and 1930s, offers a wide variety of seafood at relatively affordable prices, along with a variety of local snacks. The market also boasts numerous seafood processing restaurants, where visitors can select their seafood and have it prepared for them to enjoy immediately. It's recommended to visit after 3 p.m., as prices are likely to be lower.
Xia Shang International Aquatic Products Trading Center
Located in the central fishing port of Fujian and Taiwan, Xia Shang International Aquatic Products Trading Center specializes in live seafood, chilled seafood, shellfish, frozen products, freshwater fish, and dried goods, offering over 200 varieties of seafood. After the fishing season begins, many discerning residents flock here late at night to stock up on seafood, renowned for its high quality, large scale, and freshness.
Recommended seafood restaurants
Jinjiagang Seafood Food Stall (Zhongshan Road Branch)
This popular seafood stall, tucked away in a small alley, is clean and comfortable. The seafood served is fresh, locally sourced from Xiamen's waters, ensuring it's incredibly tender. Their salt and pepper shrimp and mushrooms are considered the best in the city, and dishes like soy sauce abalone and stir-fried razor clams are also highly praised. The restaurant offers both a large dining area and private rooms, providing a pleasant dining environment and making it a great place for visitors to enjoy authentic Xiamen seafood.
Zuiyihao Seafood Stall - Old Xiamen Specialties (Xiamen Landmark Restaurant)
This restaurant is extremely well-known in Xiamen and has received rave reviews. It boasts a vast seafood pool, boasting a wide variety of seafood, including king crab and grouper. Their signature dish, Shacha Lobster, features a rich and alluring shacha sauce that perfectly complements the fresh, bouncy lobster. Other options include Wild Lily and Conch Bone Soup, Ginger Duck, and Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp. With a price per person of around 100 RMB, this is a great place to enjoy a seafood feast.
Shanghao Affordable Seafood Restaurant
Specializing in wild seafood, fresh ingredients, and affordable prices. Relocated from a fishing boat to the seaside, the restaurant has been renovated into a stylish restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings and friends, offering guests fresh, delicious, and affordable seafood.
Recommended Seafood Dishes
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