If you’re in Shenzhen and craving authentic international flavors, you’re in for a treat! From the cleanest Indian cuisine in town to boozy French bistros, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our #01-05 list of must-visit spots, each offering a unique taste of the world.
#01 ·· Madras Restaurant ··
💡 The Cleanest Indian Food in Town!
With its faded yet iconic sign, Madras Restaurant has stood the test of time, making it one of the most well-known foreign eateries in Shekou, Shenzhen. The owner, Taj, hails from Madras, India, and his fluent Mandarin and Cantonese will impress even locals. The menu? Pure home-style Indian cooking—authentic, flavorful, and most importantly, super clean.
The place is tiny—just three tables, but the flavors are massive! One must-try is the Masala Pani Puri, an addictive street snack made famous in the movie Dangal. Crisp puris filled with onions, coriander, and crunchy Indian bites are taken to the next level when drenched in a refreshing green sauce made from celery, mint, and lemon juice. A single bite? Instant energy boost! Rumor has it that in India, the original version has a funky sour taste—we might have to go try it someday!
📍 Address: 109 Shang Le Street, Shuiwan, Shekou, Nanshan, Shenzhen
🕘 Opening Hours:
- Mon-Thu, Sat: 12:00-22:30
- Fri: 16:00-22:30
#02 ·· Wu’s Cha Chaan Teng ··
💡 Best Pig Liver Dish in Town!
We don’t usually go to Hong Kong-style cafés (Cha Chaan Tengs) expecting a mind-blowing dish, but this one surprised us. The highlight? White-Blanched Pig Liver.
Unlike the usual overcooked liver, this one is thick-cut, shockingly tender, and has a delightful bounce to it. Drizzled with hot scallion oil and dipped in soy sauce, it’s a game-changer. You might come for a casual meal, but this dish alone will keep you coming back!
📍 Address: L3-T3083, UpperHills Mall, Caitian Road, Futian, Shenzhen
🕘 Opening Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 08:30-22:00
- Sat-Sun: 10:00-22:00
#03 ·· Four Seasons Sweet Shop ··
💡 Buffalo Milk Ice & Fresh Fruit Delights!
Nestled next to Bai Cao Tang, a new dessert shop has popped up, specializing in simple yet standout sweet treats. The menu is short, but every single item is a hit.
Their Buffalo Milk Shaved Ice is impossibly creamy and airy, thanks to the richness of buffalo milk. If you’re a fruit lover, go for their Mango Pomelo Sago Ice, packed with fresh fruit and topped with your choice of chestnut or red bean filling. The best part? Not too sweet, so even non-dessert fans can down a whole bowl with no regrets.
Fair warning—it’s a tiny shop, and it gets super busy at night, so be prepared to wait for a seat!
📍 Address: 124 Xinjie, Shekou, Nanshan, Shenzhen
🕘 Opening Hours: 13:00-01:00
#04 ·· Tangquan Hakka Restaurant ··
💡 No-Frills Hakka Comfort Food
This old-school Hakka eatery has been around for at least a decade, though rumor has it they’ve changed chefs and owners multiple times. Still, it remains a reliable spot for hearty, home-style Hakka cuisine.
Must-try dishes include:
✅ Hakka Salted Chicken – Firm yet juicy, perfectly paired with their signature claypot rice.
✅ Pork Soup – A light, peppery broth that’s both refreshing and warming.
✅ Iron Plate Stuffed Eggplant – The most oily, indulgent dish on the menu. Deep-fried, stuffed with minced pork, then coated in a thick sauce—delicious but rich enough to stop after two pieces.
📍 Address: 21 Zhaoshang Road, Shekou, Nanshan, Shenzhen
🕘 Opening Hours: 10:00-23:00 (Open Year-Round)
#05 ·· Bistro Ohlala ··
💡 Where the Wine Flows and the Menu is a Mystery!
Welcome to Bistro Ohlala, where there’s no fixed menu—just a blackboard listing whatever the chef feels like making that day. This place truly embodies the bistro spirit, offering a rotating selection of small European dishes alongside an impressive drink menu.
Must-try items include:
🍤 Drunken Shrimp – Big, juicy, and ice-cold. The head is packed with rich umami, reminiscent of Shantou-style marinated seafood.
🦆 Pan-Seared Duck Breast – Tender and juicy, but the roasted pumpkin puree steals the show.
🍨 Black Truffle Ice Cream – Highly recommended by others, but a bit too sweet for our taste.
If you love casual wine nights and surprise menus, this is your spot.
📍 Address: Shop 110, 1777 Chuangye Road, Nanshan, Shenzhen (450m from Dengliang Metro Station, Exit C)
🕘 Opening Hours: 18:00-01:00
Final Thoughts: Shenzhen’s Global Dining Scene!
From Indian street food to French wine bars, Shenzhen’s international food scene is as vibrant as ever! Whether you’re craving something exotic, nostalgic, or just plain delicious, there’s always a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
🥢 Which spot are you visiting first? Let us know!
