As the summer sun shines brightly over Nanhai's lush fields, the Yanbu eggplant stands out as a must-try seasonal delicacy. With a unique flavor and tender texture, this summer treat is best enjoyed in Dali Town, Nanhai, where local chefs have crafted various innovative dishes that showcase the eggplant's versatility and taste.

The Yanbu eggplant, known for its tender and juicy qualities, is a versatile ingredient that can be steamed, fried, braised, or boiled. At Wenbao Restaurant in Dali Town, chefs have created a special eleven-course menu featuring this seasonal delight. The dishes highlight the eggplant's delicate flavor and smooth texture, making it a perfect choice for summer meals.

Signature Dishes:

Lychee Wood-Roasted Goose with Eggplant

This classic dish features roasted goose marinated with a special sauce and traditional cooking methods. The tender goose is served atop fresh eggplant, allowing the flavors to meld together for a savory and aromatic experience.

Eggplant and Shrimp Wontons

Perfect for a hot summer day, these wontons are filled with shredded eggplant and fresh shrimp. The thin wonton skins burst with juicy flavor, enhanced by a tangy mix of vinegar, chili, and cilantro, offering a refreshing and satisfying bite.

Sizzling Thai Sauce Eggplant

A hearty and flavorful dish, the eggplant is stuffed with minced meat and grilled until crispy on the outside and tender inside. Coated in a tangy Thai sauce, it provides a rich and vibrant taste that is sure to stimulate the appetite.

Braised Eggplant with Goose Feet

This dish features eggplant braised in a special sauce, served with tender goose feet that have absorbed the flavorful broth. The result is a succulent and gelatinous treat that pairs perfectly with the delicate eggplant.

Winter Melon and Dried Scallop Eggplant Soup

A hearty and nourishing soup, this dish combines eggplant with winter melon, dried scallops, fish maw, and other ingredients for a rich and flavorful broth. It's a perfect way to cool down and enjoy a nutritious meal during the summer.

Other delectable options include crispy fried eggplant, soy sauce-braised eggplant, and chilled eggplant salad with fruit. Each dish offers a unique taste experience, showcasing the versatility and flavor of the Yanbu eggplant.

Tradition and Excellence: A 300-Year Delicacy

Yanbu eggplant, with its slender "J" shape and vibrant green skin, has been cultivated for over 300 years. This year's crop is particularly sweet and tender, thanks to abundant rainfall. Liang Weihong, a local farmer with over a decade of experience, explains that the best time to harvest these eggplants is early in the morning when they are at their peak freshness.

Grown with meticulous care, the Yanbu eggplant is renowned for its superior quality and distinctive appearance. Locally referred to as "Guanyin's Fingers" due to its elegant shape, the eggplant is cherished for its unique flavor and texture.

Where to Taste and Buy Yanbu Eggplant

Wenbao Restaurant

Address: Second Floor, Fisheries Comprehensive Building, Nine Village Entrance Road, Bohai Road, Huangqi, Dali Town, Nanhai District

Several local restaurants, including Changrun Restaurant, Wenbao Restaurant, Lijing Restaurant, Juhao Cuisine, and Chengfeng Cuisine, offer a variety of Yanbu eggplant dishes. With over 60 different preparations, these eateries provide a culinary adventure that highlights the unique flavors of this summer delicacy.

Reporter丨Eleanor

Revisor丨Zoey

Photo | Foshan News Network, Nanhai Dali

*If the picture infringes any rights, please contact us for deletion.