Guangdong Local Cuisine and Restaurants

Guangdong is the only place in China where food has become a culture in itself. Cantonese cuisine, or "Chao Cantonese cuisine" in a broader sense, is a collective term for the local dishes of Guangdong. Known as the culinary world of China, Guangdong's cuisine is a food paradise, characterized by its wide range of ingredients, the most diverse among all Chinese cuisines.

In terms of taste, it is fresh, crisp, and highlights the original flavors. The cooking methods include frying, stir-frying, braising, stewing, and steaming, with a particular expertise in techniques like braising, soft-frying, and quick frying. Some representative dishes include: Eight Treasure Winter Melon Soup, White Cut Chicken, Crispy Roasted Goose, Mei Cai Kou Rou (braised pork with preserved mustard greens), Roasted Suckling Pig, and more. Additionally, there is a wide variety of dim sum, desserts, and seafood.

The vibrant food markets and traditional restaurants provide a rich culinary experience reflecting that reflects the region’s Cantonese and Hakka cultural heritage.

Characterizes Cantonese cuisine

Top 1: Eight-Treasure Winter Melon Soup /八宝冬瓜盅

Eight-Treasure Winter Melon Soup (八宝冬瓜盅) was a favorite delicacy of the Qing Dynasty royal family. It involves stuffing a hollowed-out winter melon with a variety of ingredients such as dried scallops, crab meat, and duck. The melon is then steamed with a broth made from chicken bones and frog bones, resulting in a dish with a refreshing and delicious flavor. The combination of savory ingredients and the fragrant broth makes it both light and flavorful.

Top 2: Whit Cut Chicken / 白切鸡

Whit Cut Chicken is one of the simplest yet most famous chicken dishes in Cantonese cuisine. There is a popular saying in Guangdong: "No feast is complete without chicken." White Cut Chicken is an essential dish at family gatherings and important events, embodying a connection to family, tradition, and emotions. It has become an indispensable part of Cantonese culinary culture.

The preparation is simple: a whole chicken is poached in water with sand ginger, scallions, garlic, and other basic ingredients, without adding extra seasonings. This dish preserves the natural flavor of the chicken, with tender, smooth meat and a light, fresh taste.

Top 3: Roast Goose / 脆皮烧鹅

Roast Goose is a traditional famous dish from Guangdong. The preparation involves cleaning a whole goose, removing the internal organs, head, wings, and feet, then inflating the skin. The goose is seasoned with five-spice powder, stitched up, briefly blanched in hot water, and then rinsed in cold water. The skin is brushed with a sugar glaze before roasting.

The result is crispy skin and tender meat, with a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, rich yet not greasy. It is often served with a side of sour plum sauce for dipping, enhancing the overall taste.

Top 4: Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Greens / 梅菜扣肉客家菜

This dish is a representative of Hakka cuisine. The finest pork belly is specially marinated and then slow-cooked with local preserved mustard greens. The result is tender, fragrant, and absolutely delicious. It’s essential to enjoy the pork belly with the mustard greens, as the flavors meld perfectly, melting in your mouth and leaving a lingering aftertaste. This dish is a must-have during festive celebrations or family banquets, a true delicacy that can't be missed.

Top 5: Honey-Glazed Char Siu /蜜汁叉烧

Honey-Glazed Char Siu is a classic Cantonese dish, also known as Chinese BBQ Pork. The dish is made with lean pork, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, light soy sauce, cooking wine, honey, white sugar, and peanut oil. The result is a vibrant red color with a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Char Siu can be enjoyed on its own or used as a filling for Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns), a delicious dim sum treats. Its tender, flavorful meat and sweet glaze make it a beloved part of Cantonese cuisine.

Top 6: Roast Suckling Pig /烤乳猪

Roast Suckling Pig is one of the most renowned high-end dishes in Guangzhou, with its intricate preparation techniques dating back over 1,400 years. At a Guangdong banquet, roast suckling pig takes center stage as the star dish.

The dish involves marinating a young piglet (around 3 kg) with a blend of spices such as five-spice powder, sesame paste, star anise powder, fermented tofu, and sugar, before roasting it over charcoal. The result is a beautifully golden-brown pig with smooth, glossy skin, and meat that is crispy yet not greasy, tender, and richly flavorful. Locals enjoy dipping roast suckling pig in a bit of white sugar for added flavor.

Top 7: Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple / 菠萝咕噜肉

This dish is loved by both the elderly and children. The pork belly is cut into pieces, coated with cornstarch and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, then stir-fried with pineapple chunks and green and red peppers, and finally topped with a specially prepared sweet and sour sauce. The pineapple aroma makes the meat refreshing and not greasy, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and sweet and sour.

Top 8: Chaoshan beef hotpot / 潮汕牛肉火锅

Known for its tender and juicy beef and unique dipping sauce, Chaozhou-style beef hotpot is a shining gem in China’s hotpot culture. It could be found throughout Guangdong and even the entire country, Chaozhou beef hotpot uses locally-raised Yellow Cattle, known for their tender and juicy meat. The cooking technique emphasizes precise control of heat and timing. The beef slices are cut extremely thin and require only a brief dip in the boiling clear broth, usually just a few seconds. Paired with a distinctive dipping sauce, this hotpot offers an unparalleled experience of fresh, melt-in-your-mouth flavors.

is a dish favored by the Qing Dynasty royal family.

Top 9: Braised Pig’s Trotters Wrapped in Water Grass / 扎猪蹄

This is a traditional specialty from the Foshan region. It begins with the pig’s trotters being carefully skinned, tendons removed, and bones taken out. Then, marinated pork is wrapped inside the pig’s skin and secured with water grass. The whole package is then placed in a marinade and simmered over low heat until it is about 80-90% cooked. Afterward, the pork is wrapped again with fresh water grass and cooked further. This dish is known for its tender meat and rich flavor, making it a beloved local delicacy.

Top 10: Chaozhou Handmade Beef Balls / 潮州手工牛肉丸

The production process requires great patience and strength to beat the beef hard to make it into meat pulp, 3-4 times per second for half an hour, and then make it into meatballs. The texture is chewy, the meat is tender, and the taste is tender. The best meatballs can bounce like a bouncy ball.

Top 11: Clay Pot Rice /煲仔饭

Clay Pot Rice is a classic home-style Cantonese dish. To prepare it, washed rice is first cooked in a clay pot until it’s about 70% done, then various ingredients such as Cantonese cured meats, sausages, vegetables, and other meats or vegetarian items are added. The pot is then simmered on low heat to fully cook the rice.

The result is a crispy golden crust at the bottom of the pot, chewy rice in the middle, and the top layer of rice infused with the rich flavors of the meats. Common variations of Clay Pot Rice include Lap Mei Fan (Cantonese cured meats), Poached Chicken Rice, Fermented Black Bean Spare Ribs Rice, White Cut Chicken Rice, and Roast Duck Rice, among others.

Top 12: Slow-cooked Soup /老火靓汤

Slow-cooked Soup is a traditional Cantonese nourishing soup, passed down through generations for its health benefits. These soups are simmered over low heat for several hours, allowing the ingredients to release their nutrients, offering both nutritional value and medicinal benefits.

The ingredients can include black-bone chicken, squab, pork, quail eggs, seafood, vegetables, dried fruits, and Chinese herbs. Depending on the ingredients, the soups can have varying flavors such as savory, sweet, fresh, or slightly sour.

Common varieties of Cantonese slow-cooked soups include Red Date Black-Bone Chicken Soup, Yam and Pork Rib Soup, and Squab Soup. These soups are often enjoyed for their ability to nourish the body and promote overall well-being.

Top 13: Foshan Nine-Layer Cake / 九层糕

Foshan Nine-Layer Cake (九层糕) is a traditional pastry made during festive occasions, especially during Chinese New Year. The name symbolizes longevity and prosperity, with the idea of "lasting forever" and "rising step by step." Made from rice flour mixed with sugar, the cake is steamed layer by layer, creating a nine-layer structure. Each layer is distinct and, for aesthetic purposes, edible food coloring is often used to give the layers different colors. The final result is visually appealing, with a soft, smooth texture and a delicious taste.

Top 14: Seafood / 海鲜

Guangdong is the province with the longest coastline in China. There are abundant seafood ingredients, so there are many famous seafood dishes, such as A-yi abalone(阿一鲍鱼), Shunde sashimi(顺德鱼生), steamed prawns(清蒸大虾), seafood porridge(海鲜粥), Foshan seafood rice rolls(佛山的海鲜肠粉), which are all seafood delicacies worth trying.

Most Popular Cantonese Dim Sums

The tea market in Guangdong is divided into morning tea, afternoon tea and evening tea. Morning tea usually opens at 6 am, and evening tea closes at midnight the next day. Some tea restaurants are open all night.

Cantonese love drinking tea, especially enjoying Yum Cha (morning tea). A common greeting in the morning here is, "Have you had tea yet?" Drinking tea is a social activity and a way of life for the locals. When having tea, dim sum is an essential part of the experience. These small, delicate treats come in a variety of flavors, both savory and sweet, steamed and baked, with a balance of meat and vegetables, offering a nutritious and healthy choice.

The tradition of morning tea is a quintessential part of Cantonese culture. In this rapidly developing region, morning tea is more than just a meal, it is a cultural ritual where friends and family gather to savor delicious flavors, chat, and enjoy a leisurely moment of relaxation.

Shrimp Dumplings (虾饺): or Har Gao，a must-try dim sum with a translucent, delicate wrapper filled with smooth, sweet shrimp.

Steamed Shaomai (烧卖): A savory snack made by wrapping thin dough around a partially exposed filling of pork or shrimp, then steaming.

Steamed Chicken Feet (蒸凤爪): Tender, flavorful chicken feet steamed with fermented black bean or chili bean paste, commonly served in Cantonese tea houses.

Buns (各种包子): Soft, fluffy buns filled with ingredients like BBQ pork (叉烧包), custard (奶黄包), or salted egg custard (流沙包).

Rice Rolls (肠粉): Smooth rice flour rolls filled with various meats, seafood, or vegetables, served with savory sauce—nutritious and popular in dim sum restaurants.

Boat Congee(艇仔粥): is a traditional Cantonese dish made with a variety of ingredients such as fish fillets, egg strips, and sea cucumber, among others. It is known for its fresh and flavorful taste, making it especially popular during colder weather when people seek something warm and comforting.

Fried Turnip Cake(萝卜糕): Add pickled shredded radish and other ingredients to the rice flour paste, steam it, cut it into small pieces, and then fry it over low heat until both sides are golden brown.

Dry-Fried Beef and Noodles (干炒牛河)：Stir-fry the tender beef until half cooked, then add bean sprouts, onions and rice noodles and stir-fry quickly.

Recommended Yum Cha Places in Guangzhou: Guangzhou Restaurant/ 广州酒家（文昌南路店)、Tao Tao Ju / 陶陶居酒家

Desserts / Tong Sui 甜品

In addition to their love for morning tea, people in Guangdong also have a strong passion for desserts. After a main meal, having a delicious dessert is considered the perfect finish. Locally, desserts are called Tong Sui (糖水), which translates to "sugar water" or "sweet soup." Cantonese desserts come in a wide variety, and some of the most popular ones among locals and tourists include Double Skin Milk (双皮奶), Ginger Milk Curd (姜撞奶), Mung Bean Soup (绿豆沙), Tortoise Jelly (龟苓膏), and Egg Tarts (蛋挞).

Recommended Dessert Places in Guangzhou：Nanxin Dessert Shop/南信甜品店, Shun Kee Ice House/ 顺记冰室.

Where to eat

Top 1: Guangzhou Restaurant / 广州酒家

If you ask the locals which restaurant is the top in Guangzhou, the answer will undoubtedly be Guangzhou Restaurant (广州酒家). Founded in 1935, it is one of the city's most famous and long-established eateries, offering traditional Cantonese cuisine and a wide variety of Cantonese dim sums. Many local residents frequently come here to enjoy their morning tea. The restaurant has received numerous positive reviews online. Additionally, the mid-autumn mooncakes produced by Guangzhou Restaurant each year are extremely popular among both locals and tourists.

Recommended Dishes: Wenchang Chicken, Roast Suckling Pig, Honey-Glazed Char Siu,

Cantonese Dim Sum: Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Shaomai, Steamed Chicken Feet, Custard Buns.

• Recommended: Tandoor Barbecue, Naan, Palif, Hand-shredded Pepper Chicken, Spinach with Gluten
• Operating Hours: 07:00-14:30 & 17:30-20:30
• Tel：020-81380388；020-81389840
• Address: No. 2, Wenchang South Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou

Top 2: Tao Tao Ju / 陶陶居酒家

Tao Tao Ju is one of Guangzhou's most iconic and long-established restaurants, with a history spanning 137 years. The restaurant is renowned for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and a wide variety of specialties. It is also famous for its Cantonese mooncakes, which have won numerous awards. Over the years, many celebrities have dined here. Today, it is one of the largest and most famous restaurants in Guangzhou, with the capacity to serve over 1,300 diners at a time, and multiple branches in different areas. Due to its popularity, the restaurant is often fully booked, so it’s best to make a reservation in advance.

• Recommended: Pig brain fish soup, colorful fresh shrimp, stir-fried crab meat with ginger and scallion, West Lake chrysanthemum fish, hand-torn salt-baked chicken, roast duck, ham and tripe, braised chicken and abalone, thin-skinned fresh shrimp dumplings, etc.
• Operating Hours: 09:00-16:30；17:00-20:30
• Tel：020-83643379；020-83643043
• Address: No. 2, Wenchang South Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou

Top 3: Bingsheng Pinwei /炳胜品味

Bingsheng Pinwei primarily offers Cantonese cuisine, focusing on authenticity, freshness, health, and innovation. The restaurant is known for its elegant and luxurious decor, providing a refined atmosphere for diners. The dishes are meticulously prepared, with their signature roast meats and sashimi (fish slices) receiving widespread praise. These items are considered must-try dishes for many visitors. While they do not serve morning tea, the restaurant specializes in lunch, dinner, and a variety of fresh seafood. It operates until 2 a.m., making it an ideal spot for late-night dining.

• Recommended: Red rice sausage, shrimp dumplings, steamed chicken feet, tripe, steamed spareribs, barbecued pork buns, fried dough sticks, glutinous rice chicken etc.
• Operating Hours: 11:00-15:00；17:00-02:00
• Tel：020-34286910；020-24286911
• Address: No. 33 Dongxiao Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou

Top 4: Youji Restaurant / 有记餐厅

This is a time-honored restaurant, small in size with a simple and cozy decor. The walls are adorned with many old photos, showcasing the evolution of the restaurant over the years. However, one thing that has remained unchanged is the delicious food. The signature dish here is the pig's trotter, which is loved by locals, often causing long queues for a table.

• Recommended: Braised pork knuckle, Slow-cooked Soup, fish skin with vine pepper, double skin milk，Braised fish and eggplant，etc.
• Address: No. 24, Jinyu Street, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong

Top 5: Shunfeng Restaurant / 顺峰山庄

Shunfeng Restaurant is one of the most beloved dining spots among locals, a Cantonese restaurant chain with branches even in Beijing. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the dishes are refined, with standout offerings like their Peking duck, which has crispy skin and tender meat. Their stir-fried milk is also a must-try, with the perfect balance of texture—tender and smooth.

• Recommended: Roast goose, fish soup, roast pigeon, pineapple juice pomelo bun，etc.
• Operating Hours: 10:30-14:00 17:00-21:00
• Tel：0757-22291166
• Address: Shunfengshan Tourist Area, Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province (near National Highway 105)

Guantang Cha Fu Chen Beef Hotpot Restaurant / 官塘潮府陈牛肉火锅店

This is a well-known old establishment in Chaozhou, with a spacious interior and a simple yet lively atmosphere. During meal times, it sees a large of customers. The restaurant known for its specialty beef hotpot, offering a variety of fresh beef cuts. The beef is sliced to order, ensuring it’s always tender and juicy. With its lively ambiance and loyal customer base, it has become a must visit destination for beef hotpot lovers in the region.

• Recommended: Fresh beef, Handmade Beef Balls
• Operating Hours: 10:30-14:00 17:00-21:00
• Address: At the entrance of Guantang Town Comprehensive Farmers Market

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