Along with the huge flow of migrant workers in Shenzhen and the numerous business travelers, comes a varied selection of cuisine. Delicacies from all over the country are available here and the upmarket dining scene is particularly good.

Shenzhen cooking is characterized by its combination of different cooking techniques and ingredients. Particularly popular here is Guangdong style cuisine which is beautifully presented and delicately flavored and Hunan cooking which is less hot and spicy in this city than in its home province! The best restaurants to sample Guangdong style cooking are the Jinchuan Restaurant and the Xiangjiang Restaurant. The Xiangcai Restaurant serves great Hunan style food. The Dongmen area of the city is one of the best districts to check out local cuisine. Seafood is also hugely popular and generally very fresh and full of flavor here.

International cuisine is also strong here. Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Korean and Japanese food is available throughout the city in many of the large hotels.

The city's "Food Street" and "Dapaidang" road are fun places to sample the atmosphere and local snacks and dishes. Most of the places around here are open all night and are well priced. Nan'ao bay, where the fish and crabs are brought almost directly from the sea to your table, is another atmospheric area to sample and experience great seafood and local character.