Diving beetle egg tarts draw adventurous foodies to Guangdong eatery
A Foshan restaurant's egg tarts topped with whole diving beetles, a traditional southern Chinese delicacy, have gone viral and drawn diners from Hong Kong and beyond. The 28 yuan set of three has sold about 20 orders daily since October.
A Foshan restaurant in Guangdong has become an unlikely culinary sensation with an unconventional dessert: whole diving beetles perched on freshly baked egg tarts. The dish, which has captivated adventurous food lovers across southern China, features edible aquatic beetles known colloquially as "water cockroaches" and traditionally called longshi, a longtime part of southern Chinese folk cuisine.
The novel pairing of the insects with a classic dim sum favourite has gone viral on social media, prompting food bloggers and diners from neighbouring areas, including Hong Kong, to visit the shop for a bold tasting experience. The creator, a restaurateur surnamed Pan, said the idea came from his lifelong familiarity with traditional Cantonese ingredients and a desire to reinvent local dim sum.
Preparing the insects requires meticulous care. According to Pan, the beetles must first be thoroughly deodorised to remove any lingering swampy scent before being deep-fried to achieve a crisp texture. The frying process demands precise temperature regulation to ensure the delicate wings remain intact and visually appealing, before each beetle is positioned atop a warm, custard-filled tart shell.
Pan described the texture of the finished dessert as reminiscent of eating a standard flaky egg tart topped with a crunchy potato chip. Beyond their novelty appeal, diving beetles hold a niche spot in traditional southern herbal culture. Pan noted that folk medicine has long attributed various wellness benefits to the insects, including alleviating nocturia, boosting kidney vitality, and nourishing the complexion. In line with Cantonese eating habits, diners typically peel away the hard outer wing cases before consuming the entire insect together with the sweet pastry.
Since the pastry set hit the menu in October, it has been priced at 28 yuan for a serving of three pieces, maintaining a steady daily sales volume of roughly 20 orders. The bizarre appearance has generated widespread curiosity, drawing visitors from nearby Guangzhou as well as travellers crossing the border from Hong Kong.
The dish has also gained broader online traction, attracting an influencer from Beijing who journeyed south specifically to livestream herself sampling the dessert, along with an Italian food vlogger who documented the tasting experience for international followers.