The guide’s ranking · Shenzhen

Best Chaoshan congee (zhou)
in Shenzhen

Chaoshan claypot congee is the ultimate late-night ritual in Shenzhen. Unlike the thick, blended congee of Hong Kong, the Chaoshan style keeps the rice grains distinct in a savory, seafood-heavy broth. Cooked to order in a claypot to retain intense heat, it is typically loaded with fresh shrimp, crab, or minced pork and ginger. It is mandatory to order a side of **grilled oysters** and **marinated raw seafood** (*sheng yan*) to accompany the bubbling porridge.

潮汕砂锅粥 (Cháoshàn Shāguō Zhōu) · say “Chaoshan congee (zhou)” ·

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Why locals care

Chaoshan claypot congee is the ultimate late-night ritual in Shenzhen. Unlike the thick, blended congee of Hong Kong, the Chaoshan style keeps the rice grains distinct in a savory, seafood-heavy broth. Cooked to order in a claypot to retain intense heat, it is typically loaded with fresh shrimp, crab, or minced pork and ginger. It is mandatory to order a side of **grilled oysters** and **marinated raw seafood** (*sheng yan*) to accompany the bubbling porridge.

Ranked Chaoshan congee (zhou) stops in Shenzhen

Jia Tai

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A brand with over 20 years of history in Shenzhen. They are known for their traditional "hand-beaten" congee process which ensures an even distribution of flavor from the seafood into the rice.
The guide’s verdict · Futian

Queue:

Go: 19:30; 5-min walk from Jingtian Station.

Price: $$

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Huo Di

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Verdict: A gritty, authentic Luohu institution. It is famous for its "bold" flavors and its usage of high-quality mud crabs that provide a rich, orange fat (roe) to the broth.Luohu

Queue:

Go: 01:00 AM for a post-bar feast; 5-min walk from Huangbeiling Station.

Price: $

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Wu Ji Seafood

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Verdict: A no-nonsense Teochew spot that serves excellent claypot congee alongside a wide array of "cold plate" marinated seafood. Great value for the freshness provided.Luohu

Queue:

Go: 12:00 PM; 5-min walk from Xiangxiling Station.

Price: $

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Zhou Lao Da

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Verdict: A neighborhood anchor in the Meilin district. It is less polished than the chains but offers massive portions and a very fresh selection of seafood. The "eel and shrimp" congee is a local favorite.Meilin

Queue:

Go: 21:00; 5-min walk from Xiameilin Station.

Price: $

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De Lin

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Verdict: A highly regarded local favorite known for its "creamy" congee base. They use a specific type of short-grain rice that breaks down just enough to create a silky texture while keeping the grains whole.Jingtian

Queue:

Go: 12:30 PM for a high-quality lunch; 5-min walk from Jingtian Station.

Price: $$

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Jin Dao Yuan

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Verdict: The flagship location of Shenzhen's most famous congee chain. This multi-story restaurant is a 24-hour temple to Teochew supper. The congee is bubbling and rich, and the grilled oysters with minced garlic are considered the city's best pairing.Xiasha

Queue:

Go: 23:00 for the peak late-night energy; 5-min walk from Xiasha Station.

Price: $$

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Bao He Xuan

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Verdict: A more upscale Teochew restaurant where the claypot congee is prepared with a higher degree of refinement. Their "crab roe" congee is particularly famous for its deep orange color and rich taste.Nanshan

Queue:

Go: 19:00; 5-min walk from Houhai Station.

Price: $$

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Xili Wenguang Village stalls

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Verdict: A cluster of local stalls catering to the university and residential population of Xili. This is where you find the best value for money—fresh shrimp congee for half the price of the mall chains.Nanshan

Queue:

Go: 21:00; 10-min walk from Xili Station.

Price: $

Dietary:

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