What Food To Try in Sanya and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Sanya for 2024.
National currency: Yuan Renminbi, symbol — ¥ (international currency code CNY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Sanya cafes and restaurants
$2.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.65
$20.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $20.68
$4.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.31
What to Try in Sanya
Must-try Dishes
海南粉 - Hainan Noodles (rice noodles) - These thin, chewy rice noodles are typically served with chicken and a savory broth. Locals often enjoy it as a quick breakfast, grabbing a bowl from street vendors before heading to work.椰子饭 - Coconut Rice (flavored with coconut) - This fragrant rice dish is steamed in a coconut shell, infusing it with rich coconut flavor. It's common to find locals savoring it at lunch, often served alongside seafood for an aromatic meal.
清蒸鱼 - Steamed Fish (whole fish) - Fresh, whole fish is gently steamed and topped with soy sauce, scallions, and ginger. This is a popular choice at family dinners where sharing from a communal dish is customary, highlighting the importance of togetherness.
烧仙草 - Grass Jelly (herbal dessert) - A surprising mix of grass jelly topped with coconut milk, fruits, and sometimes sago pearls, this dish is often enjoyed as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal. You'll find it being picked up from carts during the warmer months.
海南鸡饭 - Hainanese Chicken Rice (poached chicken) - This succulent poached chicken with fragrant rice is presented with a side of dipping sauces, often garnished with cucumber slices. Locals savor it during lunch, sometimes ordering directly via a simple "one chicken rice, please," to avoid overcomplicated variations.
夜市炒米 - Night Market Fried Rice Noodles (stir-fried) - Stir-fried rice noodles tossed with prawns, vegetables, and a hint of chili, it’s a robust street food option. Typically enjoyed late at night, it's where locals kick back and chat, often asking for their dish to be extra spicy—a common request.
椰子鸡汤 - Coconut Chicken Soup (coconut and chicken) - This comforting soup combines tender chicken cooked in creamy coconut milk and ginger. It's a popular dinner choice during monsoon season, thought to warm up the body, and dividends on comfort food among friends and family.
Desserts & Drinks
Hot Lemonade - 热柠檬 (sweetened lemon drink) - A refreshing blend of hot water, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of honey. Locals enjoy this soothing drink especially during the cooler evenings, often after a long day at the beach to relax and unwind.Coconut Smoothie - 椰子冰沙 (creamy tropical treat) - This delicious smoothie combines fresh coconut water, coconut meat, and a touch of sugar, making it ultra-refreshing on hot days. It's popular among beachgoers and tourists alike, especially when the sun is blazing.
Wuzhishan Beer - 五指山啤酒 (local craft beer) - A light, crisp beer brewed with fresh spring water from the Wuzhishan mountains, making it uniquely refreshing. You'll find locals sipping this at barbecues during the evenings, wishing to beat the heat while keeping things casual and laid-back.
Pineapple Cake - 鳳梨酥 (sweet pastry) - This delightful pastry is filled with a sweet pineapple jam, encased in a buttery crust that crumbles beautifully with each bite. Perfect for festivals, especially during the Lunar New Year, when families gift it to relatives as a symbol of good fortune.
Ice Cream Roll - 冰淇淋卷 (frozen dessert) - Made by pouring a base onto a cold plate, then rolled into delightful spirals, this dessert often features tropical flavors like mango or taro. It's a favorite street snack on hot summer afternoons, enjoyed while strolling along Sanya's vibrant streets.
Food and Groceries in Sanya
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.29 |
| Oranges | $1.52 |
| Potatoes | $0.61 |
| Apples | $3.34 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.51 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.28 |
| Imported Beer | $1.38 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.89 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $2.62 |
| Cigarettes | $2.91 |
| Rice | $0.76 |
| Local Cheese | $17.92 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Wandering through Sanya, it's fascinating to observe how locals dine at specific times throughout the day. Breakfast typically takes place around 7 AM, with many people lining up for warm soy milk and deep-fried dough sticks (you can find a whole breakfast spread for about ¥20). By noon, the rush for lunch intensifies. Workers swarm into nearby canteens and stalls, quickly devouring rice and stir-fried vegetables, usually costing about ¥30-¥50 per meal. Dinner sets in around 6 PM, where families gather for seafood broils, a beloved local custom, often seen in the Dadonghai district.
One common misconception among visitors is that meals all require formal sit-down settings. While high-end dining spots are prevalent, street food dominates the scene. Eating as the locals do means embracing a casual communal atmosphere—think of vibrant night markets filled with vendors offering skewers for ¥10-¥30 each. Just try not to make the rookie mistake of overlooking these stalls for restaurants; you’ll miss out on the authentic flavors.
In terms of dining areas, major districts like the Phoenix Island and the bustling pedestrian streets in Haitang Bay are hotspots, particularly for evening meals. The price range can vary significantly; restaurants here might charge between ¥100-¥300 per head, while similar meals at local stalls can be around ¥40-¥70. It's worth mentioning that payment customs differ too; while cash is still accepted, mobile payments dominate the scene, especially through apps like WeChat Pay, which even small vendors readily accommodate.
One aspect that surprises many newcomers is the lack of tipping. In Sanya, service charges may be included, but tipping is not customary. That said, showing appreciation in a more personal way—like a friendly smile—often goes a long way.
As for local dining habits, an interesting quirk is the trend of feasting on seafood, especially during weekends, when families look to indulge in fresh catches from the ocean. During festivals, however, the demand sees a spike, causing prices to rise—though it’s still a bargain compared with other coastal cities. For those wanting a more settled dining experience, making reservations during weekends is important, or risk waiting for a table.
A practical note: the best time to experience Sanya’s food culture is early weekday mornings and late evenings to avoid the crowds. As the food culture evolves, so too do food trends, with younger locals increasingly gravitating towards plant-based options, creating an interesting shift towards sustainable dining.
One common misconception among visitors is that meals all require formal sit-down settings. While high-end dining spots are prevalent, street food dominates the scene. Eating as the locals do means embracing a casual communal atmosphere—think of vibrant night markets filled with vendors offering skewers for ¥10-¥30 each. Just try not to make the rookie mistake of overlooking these stalls for restaurants; you’ll miss out on the authentic flavors.
In terms of dining areas, major districts like the Phoenix Island and the bustling pedestrian streets in Haitang Bay are hotspots, particularly for evening meals. The price range can vary significantly; restaurants here might charge between ¥100-¥300 per head, while similar meals at local stalls can be around ¥40-¥70. It's worth mentioning that payment customs differ too; while cash is still accepted, mobile payments dominate the scene, especially through apps like WeChat Pay, which even small vendors readily accommodate.
One aspect that surprises many newcomers is the lack of tipping. In Sanya, service charges may be included, but tipping is not customary. That said, showing appreciation in a more personal way—like a friendly smile—often goes a long way.
As for local dining habits, an interesting quirk is the trend of feasting on seafood, especially during weekends, when families look to indulge in fresh catches from the ocean. During festivals, however, the demand sees a spike, causing prices to rise—though it’s still a bargain compared with other coastal cities. For those wanting a more settled dining experience, making reservations during weekends is important, or risk waiting for a table.
A practical note: the best time to experience Sanya’s food culture is early weekday mornings and late evenings to avoid the crowds. As the food culture evolves, so too do food trends, with younger locals increasingly gravitating towards plant-based options, creating an interesting shift towards sustainable dining.