The 2025 Dianping's Must-Eat List was recently announced, with 3,091 restaurants across 144 cities and regions making the cut. Xiamen stood out as the city with the most listed merchants in Fujian province, with 44 establishments earning a spot.

Dubbed a "food guide for consumers", and a "culinary card for cities", the list highlights eateries that embody authenticity and local charm.

Xiamen's selections reflect its special food culture, blending coastal and mountainside flavors while embracing both tradition and modernity.

Over 75 percent of Xiamen's honored culinary outlets are hidden neighborhood gems and street stalls, like the 36 yuan($5)-per-person Chenxi Shacha Noodles, winning hearts with authentic flavors at wallet-friendly prices.

Nearly 40 percent are decade-old local institutions, such as Xiamen's time-honored brand 1980 Braised Pork Zongzi — a gastronomic landmark embodying the city's heritage.

Half of this year's selections were first-time winners, like ADLIB's innovative Southeast Asian fusion dishes, spotlighting the city's vibrant, evolving food culture.

Fujianese restaurants interpret the essence of southern Fujian's "freshness, aroma, and richness" through traditional cooking methods. Seafood eateries carry forward the tradition of "living off the sea", making it their signature feature.

Meanwhile, diverse flavors like spicy Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, Japanese fare and Southeast Asian dishes add to the mix, showcasing the inclusivity of Xiamen's culinary culture.

In recent years, Xiamen has introduced culinary rankings and implemented a series of policies to support restaurants to participate in these evaluations, strengthening the development of local dining brands.