Food is at the heart of life, and during the Spring Festival, Chinese families always come together to enjoy a spread of delicious dishes and treats. Today, let’s dive into how Dapeng New District’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage” foods come together to create a festive New Year’s menu that brings the flavors of home and the warmth of reunion to the table.

Nan’ao Sea Urchin Zongzi

Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage (Listed in 2021)

A well-known saying in Nan’ao in Dapeng New Area goes, “No money for eggs, but sea urchins in every meal.” Sea urchins, rich in nutrients, have become a local delicacy, with the hardworking Nan’ao people using them to create a variety of dishes. Among them, the Nan’ao Sea Urchin Zongzi stands out as a signature dish that has earned a spot on the municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It’s now recognized as a Shenzhen specialty enjoyed by people around the world.

Taste: This zongzi is made with local mangrove leaves, dried scallops, peanuts, dried shrimp, pork belly, and duck egg yolk, all topped with fresh sea urchin. The result is a soft, sticky texture, with the sea urchin yolk adding a rich, savory flavor. The combination of mountain and sea flavors in each bite is a true treat.

Kuichong Hakka Tea Cakes

Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage (Listed in 2021)

Kuichongs Hakka Tea Cakes are diverse in form and closely tied to local festivals and traditions. Many of the are believed to have medicinal properties. These cakes are a connection to the past, a way for the Hakka people to share memories and cultural stories.

Taste: The fillings range from sweet to savory, and the cakes have a chewy texture with a slight bounce. There are many variations, including bitter melon, pumpkin, grape, nori, and almond tea cakes, each offering a unique taste and health benefits like soothing the throat and nourishing the lungs.

If these Intangible Cultural Heritage dishes aren’t enough to fill your table, here are a few more local Shenzhen dishes to try.

Dapeng Kiln Chicken

Dapeng New Area’s Kiln Chicken is a finely crafted dish made from free-range chicken, marinated in a secret sauce and wrapped tightly in aluminum foil before being slow-cooked in a kiln at around 500°C.

The result is a tender, juicy chicken with a smoky aroma. The chicken’s skin is golden and crispy, while the meat remains incredibly soft and flavorful. The dish’s rich fragrance will leave you craving more with every bite.