Editor's Note: In the scorching summer, why travel far to escape the heat? From Guangzhou, it takes less than an hour to reach the hidden water town of Daojiao in Dongguan. It is also easily accessible from Zhaoqing, Foshan, and Huizhou.
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Daojiao, with a history spanning nearly 700 years, is renowned as the Famous Gourmet Town of China. Good food needs no bush, as the alleyway food in Daojiao has a unique local flavor.
Authentic delicacies in the alleys
The Friendship Breakfast Store (友谊早餐店) and Uncle Wei's Delicacies (卫叔美食店), among others, offer platefuls of freshly steamed spareribs, making them the top choice for many locals' breakfasts and lunches.
With their layers of ribs, Daojiao's specialty meatballs, and beef brisket brimming with original flavors, these dishes have become so renowned that they draw visitors from all around, even attracting celebrity Wong Cho Lam to have a taste.
The Heji Daojiao Fish Congee Eatery (和记道滘鱼粥) in Yongqing Village (永庆村) is a culinary masterpiece of the water town, offering a comprehensive range of specialties such as meatball congee, crab congee, and dragon boat rice.
Beside the river where egrets roost, Uncle Tai's tofu pudding (泰叔豆腐花), with over 40 years of history, is imbued with human touch.
Gently scooping the delicate tofu pudding from the edge, and pouring on syrup, the tender white pudding wobbles gently in the bowl, exuding a subtle sweetness.
Prepared over an open flame in clay pots, with ingredients cooked fresh to order, clay pot rice is a must-try for those passionate about carbohydrates, offering a perfect blend of aroma, taste, and appearance. From Chongji Clay Pot Rice to Mei Xiang Clay Pot Rice, and Ming Yi Clay Pot Rice, Daojiao residents can effortlessly point out their favorite eateries without hesitation.
There are also syrup stores, snack bars, and breakfast stores all over the streets and alleys, serving local favorites including brine snacks, wonton noodles, beef brisket noodles, and the water town specialty - Daojiao Salted Noodles.
Authentic water town cuisine: Top Ten dishes and snacks
Daojiao's top ten dishes, like Salty Stir-fried Pork Belly with Green Beans, Ancient-Style Braised Fish Head, and Snail and Green-Headed Duck Stew, all embody the ultimate patience of the people in the water town.
The chewy snail meat, infused with the rich duck broth, makes for a flavorful Snail and Green-Headed Duck Stew.
Simmered in a clay pot over charcoal, the earthy chicken retains its juicy flavors, locked in by the intense heat, resulting in a tender and fragrant dish.
Freshly made meatballs and crabs elevate the congee to unparalleled sweetness and richness, offering a taste that lingers long after the first bite.
The Ancient-Style Braised Fish Head is devoid of any fishy smell, leaving only tender and delicious meat, even the bones exuding a savory aroma.
There are also three treasures of Daojiao - Baked Eggs with Sausage, Steamed Eggs with Pork, and Baked Harvest Worms - and many more authentic dishes worth repeated savoring.
Daojiao's top ten famous handmade snacks, such as Daojiao Zongzi (rice dumplings), egg rolls, and youci (fried glutinous rice balls), are commonly seen in daily life and festivals.
The charm of Daojiao extends beyond its serene scenery; it also boasts fun and novelty.
"Floating Teahouses" owned by younger generations, coffee shops adorned with fish lanterns, and time-honored brands preserving the essence of Daojiao, all wait for you to experience.
Literary times in the riverside teahouse and the fish lantern shop
In Yongqing, a visit to the floating teahouse - “He Bian Tea Story (河边茶事)” - is a must.
Sit by the gently flowing river, feeling the breeze caress your face, and indulge in a day of leisure. Savor exquisite pastries as black-canopied boats glide by on the water's surface.
If you're in the mood, have a taste of popping rice here - with a "pop," the aroma of rice fills the air, adding a playful twist to local snacks.
The former soy sauce factory has been reborn as a tea shop, brimming with nostalgia and familial warmth. Over 30 years ago, this was the place where traditional soy sauce was brewed in large vats under the sun, with families queuing up to buy it. A bowl of soy sauce mixed with rice was a childhood delight for many post-80s and 90s.
Today, the small shop is run by the girls who grew up here, offering tea drinks, desserts, and coffee, reviving the old workshop with new business forms.
A short walk from the shop is Beiyong Village. Near Daojiao Central Primary School lies a Qianchuan Cafe (前川咖啡) nestled within a private residence, which is quite a surprise.
Upon pushing open the door, one's eyes are immediately drawn to the uniquely shaped Aoyu fish lanterns of varying sizes.
Stepping into the courtyard, one finds trees and ponds that are inherent parts of the house, along with numerous carefully selected decorations, creating a sensory experience of genuine comfort.
The owner, a talented artist, has painted numerous intriguing portraits for the guests who visit.
Author | Tonny (intern), Chua
Editor | Monica, Nina, James
