2-Day Chaoshan Food and Kungfu Tea Tour from Shantou

Chaoshan food is a world unto itself and these two days were a non-stop feast. Beef hotpot where they explain every cut of the cow, oyster omelettes, marinated goose, and snack after snack through Chaozhou's old streets. Learning the original tiny-cup gongfu tea ceremony from a local was the cultural cherry on top.

As someone of Teochew descent, this trip to Chaozhou and Shantou was emotional and delicious. The gongfu tea ritual with the three tiny cups is something my grandparents did and the guide explained the whole etiquette. The food, from kueh to braised goose, was the real deal. Two days, endless eating.

Off the usual tourist track and all the better for it. Our English-speaking guide and private car meant we hit hole-in-the-wall spots no tour bus could reach. Chaozhou's ancient city wall and Guangji Bridge between the food stops. The kungfu tea is taken seriously here and learning it properly was a treat.

A foodie's dream two days through Shantou and Chaozhou. Come hungry, the eating is relentless. The gongfu tea ceremony was a calm, lovely contrast. Some dishes were adventurous (raw marinated shellfish) so be open-minded. Guide was warm and knew every vendor by name.