Food is a treasure of Chinese culture and a unique label for every city, however, in this food paradise, there are also cities that are known as "food deserts". Today, let's take a look at the three most "unpalatable" cities in China and why they are so "notorious".
1. The first of the food desert: Shenzhen.
Shenzhen, a city known for its economic miracle, is a bit stretched thin when it comes to food. Shenzhen's food culture has been influenced by immigrants, and while diversifying, it has also lost its local characteristics. There are a lot of restaurants in Shenzhen, but there are very few that can really make a lasting impression. Shenzhen's food market is full of fast food, snacks and exotic dishes, and local specialties are almost hard to find. In Shenzhen, it may take a lot of effort to find an authentic local meal.
Second, the second time of the gastronomic desert: Shanghai.
Shanghai, a bustling international metropolis, has a rich and colorful food culture. However, similar to Shenzhen, Shanghai's local cuisine does not stand out in the diverse F&B market. Shanghai's restaurant scene is highly competitive, with a variety of exotic cuisines and high-end restaurants, but it's rare to find a truly memorable local cuisine. In the streets of Shanghai, you'd be hard-pressed to find the kind of authentic snacks that make people stop and taste. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why Shanghai is known as a "food desert".
3. The end of the gastronomic desert: Beijing.
Beijing, as the capital and cultural center of China, naturally has a broad and profound food culture. However, like Shenzhen and Shanghai, Beijing's local cuisine is not visible among the many food and beverage outlets. Beijing's catering industry is dominated by traditional snacks and high-end catering, but there are few foods that can really make you forget to return. In the streets of Beijing, you may find some traditional and time-honored restaurants, but there are not many that can truly give people a taste of Beijing.
Why these cities are called "food deserts"?
So why are these cities called "gastronomic deserts"? In fact, this is closely related to their urban development history and demographic structure. As an emerging city, Shenzhen has a large foreign population, and it is difficult to form local specialties. Shanghai and Beijing are international metropolises, and the competition in the catering market is fierce, and local cuisine is difficult to stand out in the diversified catering market. In addition, the fast-paced life in these cities makes it difficult to find time to taste and discover authentic cuisine.
How to find good food in these cities.
Although these cities have some shortcomings in the field of food, it does not mean that we cannot find delicious food in these cities. Here are some suggestions to help you find good food in these cities:
1.Go deep into the alleys: The alleys of these cities are often hidden away by many authentic food stalls and restaurants. These places may be inconspicuous, but they offer a taste of authentic local cuisine.
2.Look for time-honored restaurants: These cities' time-honored restaurants are often steeped in local history and culture, making them a great place to sample authentic cuisine. Although it may be slightly higher, it is definitely great value for money.
3.Try local ingredients: Every city has its own unique ingredients and ways of cooking. Trying these special ingredients will not only give you a better understanding of the local customs, but also give you a taste of unique cuisine.
4.Attend food events: These cities often host food festivals, cooking competitions, and more. Participating in these events will not only allow you to taste a variety of cuisines, but also meet like-minded food lovers.
Epilogue. While Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing have been dubbed "food deserts" in some ways, that doesn't mean they don't have great food. Each city has its own unique food culture and gastronomic characteristics, as long as we explore and taste it carefully, we can find our own food paradise in these cities. Let's appreciate and respect the unique charm of each city while tasting the food!