In recent days, the scorching heat in Foshan has made us cut back on our outdoor activities. With the solar term Major Heat approaching, it's the ideal season to indulge in some delightful summer delicacies with friends and families. Here are some authentic refreshing cuisines to beat the heat and savor the flavors of the entire summer.

Refreshing Bitter Gourd Feast

From April to August, in Tanbian Village, Shishan Town, Nanhai District, a special vegetable-round-shape bitter gourds are in high demand. Compared to regular bitter gourds, the round-shape bitter gourds have a 10% higher sugar content, making it more succulent, refreshing, and sweet. Every year during this season, numerous visitors from other regions flock to the village just to savor a bite of the seasonal bitter gourds.

The Bitter Gourd Feast in Nanhai District has garnered a lot of attention from food lovers over the years. With a single round-shape bitter gourd, chefs can transform it into over a hundred delectable dishes.

Sashimi is a classic way to enjoy the round-shape bitter gourds. Thin, translucent slices of the gourds are served with various ingredients, creating a variety of flavors.

For the residents who love fresh taste, the round-shape bitter gourds are sliced thinly and arranged on an ice platter. It is then mixed with ingredients such as jellyfish, taro strips, cilantro, peanuts, and other condiments. The combination creates a refreshing and sweet taste, with a subtle hint of lingering sweetness.

Bitter gourd salad, braised pork belly with bitter gourd, double skinned milk with bitter gourd, etc, various innovative dishes have attracted food enthusiasts from all over the country.

Lotus Banquet

The lotus flower is a stunning emblem of Sanshui District, Foshan. Over two decades ago, Sanshui Lotus World was developed into a renowned tourist destination in the Guangzhou-Foshan region.

And the foodies of Foshan, of course, would not miss the chance to appreciate the beauty of lotus flowers through the art of culinary. Recently, a new dish has emerged in Sanshui, offering people the opportunity to savor both fragrant lotus tea and indulge in a delectable lotus banquet.

A typical lotus banquet consists of over ten dishes. These lotus-themed delicacies incorporate the roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits of the lotus as ingredients, which is not only visually appealing but also a refreshingly tasty. Additionally, the presentation of the dishes and the design of their names incorporate elements of the lotus, adding unique charm to the overall experience.

In fact, lotus is a treasure in every part of its body. These dishes not only showcase the versatility of the lotus in culinary creations but also provide a delightful gastronomic experience. Here are a few delicious dishes for recommendation.

Lotus Fragrance Braised Treasure Duck

Lotus Fragrance Spare Ribs

Lotus Fragrance Baked Shrimp

Lotus Fish Soup

Featured Lotus Chicken

Winter Melon Pot

Winter Melon Pot is a renowned delicacy in Nanhai District, Foshan. It originated from the Qing Dynasty and has gained a reputation for its long-simmered winter melon that retains its firm texture and its clear and flavorful broth.

With a handpicked 20kg black-skinned winter melon, the pot is filled with a medley of ingredients, such as tangerine peel and lotus leaf, which are simmered together to infuse the broth with a delightful aroma. Only the soup base is enough to finish off two bowls of rice.

Diners can customize their hotpot by combining various ingredients, delivering a delectable medley of flavors in one pot.

After simmering the ingredients in the winter melon pot for a few minutes, the tantalizing aroma of the winter melon blends harmoniously with the succulent meat. Scooping up a bowl of soup with the luscious winter melon puree, the broth is authentically thick, smooth, and exquisitely flavorful. Every sip delivers a gratifying and refreshing aroma.

Reporter | Eleanor

Revisor | Linn, Christy

Photo | Nanhai Tourism, Yundonghai Release, Nanhai Guicheng