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Your Location: Home > Guangdong Travel Guide > The Ultimate Tour to Guangzhou Food: A Cantonese Flavor Journey You Can’t Miss

The Ultimate Tour to Guangzhou Food: A Cantonese Flavor Journey You Can’t Miss

Post Date: 2025/12/24 20:00

Guangzhou, known as “the Food Paradise”, is the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine—one of China’s most influential culinary styles. Celebrated for its emphasis on freshness, subtlety, and balance, Guangzhou’s food culture blends centuries-old traditions with creative modern twists. From morning dim sum to midnight street snacks, every bite tells a story of regional heritage, maritime trade influences, and culinary craftsmanship.

How Guangzhou’s Food Culture Evolved
1. Maritime Trade & Ingredient Fusion (10th–19th Century)
· As a key port on the Maritime Silk Road, Guangzhou imported spices (star anise, cinnamon, cloves) and ingredients (seafood, tropical fruits, coconut) from Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East.

· Local chefs adapted foreign flavors to Cantonese tastes—e.g., “Curry Fish Balls” blend Indian curry with fresh local fish; “Coconut Chicken Soup” integrates Southeast Asian coconut into traditional tonic soup.

2. Cantonese Dim Sum Revolution (1920s–1950s)
· Teahouses (“cha chaan teng”) and “dim sum parlors” emerged as social hubs for locals to gather, chat, and conduct business over tea and small bites.

· Classic dim sum like “Har Gow” and “Siu Mai” were standardized, with strict requirements for wrapper thickness (1mm for Har Gow) and filling ratio (70% shrimp for Har Gow).

3. Modern Innovation (21st Century)
· Fusion Cantonese cuisine gains popularity: Truffle Siu Mai, Matcha Egg Tart, Mala Roast Goose blend global flavors with tradition.

· Preservation of heritage techniques: Wood-fired roast goose ovens, hand-beaten beef balls, and 8-hour slow-cooked soups are still valued by top restaurants.

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Core Cantonese Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes
A. Dim Sum – Morning Ritual 

English NameKey FeaturesCooking TipBest Pairing Tea
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumpling)Translucent skin, plump fresh shrimpWheat starch + tapioca flour (1:1 ratio)Oolong Tea (Wu Long)
Siu Mai (Pork & Shrimp Dumpling)Open-top, mixed meat fillingSteamed at 100°C for 5 minsJasmine Tea (Xiang Pian)
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Bun)Soft bun, sweet-savory BBQ porkBaked version: Brush maltose before bakingChrysanthemum Tea (Ju Hua Cha)
Lo Mai Gai (Glutinous Rice Chicken)Lotus leaf-wrapped glutinous rice + chickenSoak lotus leaf overnight; mix rice with oyster saucePu’er Tea (Cooked)
Egg Tart (Dan Ta)Flaky crust, creamy egg custardBake at 200°C for 12 mins (golden top)Black Tea (Hong Cha)
Phoenix Talon (Feng Zhua)Braised then steamed, spicy-savoryMarinate in soy sauce + five-spice for 1 hourTieguanyin Tea
Water Chestnut Cake (Ma Ti Gao)Chewy, sweet, refreshingSteam for 30 mins, cool then sliceGreen Tea (Lu Cha)
Taro Dumpling (Wu Gok)Crispy outer skin, mashed taro fillingDeep-fry at 180°C for 3 minsChrysanthemum Tea
Shrimp Rice Roll (Ha Cheung Fun)Silky rice sheet, fresh shrimpSteam rice batter for 2 minsJasmine Tea
Beef Ball (Niu Wan)Super chewy, hand-beatenBeat for 30 mins, no machineOolong Tea
Lotus Seed Paste Bun (Lian Rong Bao)Soft bun, sweet lotus pasteSteam at 95°C for 8 minsPu’er Tea














dim sumFamily-Style Morning Tea Experience-guangzhou

B. Traditional Breakfast Varieties

English NameKey FeaturesBest Spot
Jidi Zhou (Imperial Examination Porridge)Pork liver + pork kidney + lean pork + congee, nourishingHuashi Wanzamian
Tingzai Zhou (Boatman Porridge)Seafood + pork + fried dough + congee, rich flavorLianxiang Lou
Cha Siu Fan (BBQ Pork Rice)Char siu + steamed rice + soy sauce, sweet-savoryLocal eateries
Chai Mian (Fried Noodles)Wheat noodles + vegetables + meat + soy sauce, savoryMorning stalls
Nai Lao (Milk Pudding)Fresh milk + sugar + agar, silky-sweetShawan Ancient Town

Breakfast Etiquette 
· Yum Cha” Rules:
*Arrive early (7–9 AM) for fresh dim sum; avoid peak hours (10 AM–12 PM)
*Use chopsticks to pick dim sum; don’t flip the bamboo steamer lid
· Street Breakfast Habits:
*Squat on plastic stools (local tradition) while eating noodles or porridge
*Finish quickly (15–20 mins) – locals are busy with work/errands

Chai MianJidi Zhou

C. Roast Meats – Cantonese Icon
1. Roast Goose (Shao E)
· Source: Qingyuan Goose – 3~4kg, fatty but not greasy
· Sauce: Maltose glaze (for color) + Shao Rou Sauce (honey + soy sauce + oyster sauce)
· Cooking Process:
1. Blow air into goose skin to separate skin from meat
2. Marinate with ginger, scallion, five-spice for 2 hours
3. Roast in wood-fired oven at 200°C for 40 mins
· Best Cut: Breast (tender, less fat) / Leg (juicy, more flavor) / Wing Tip (crispy skin)
· Sauce Pairing:
*Classic: Shao Rou Sauce (honey + soy sauce + oyster sauce).
*Spicy: Chili Oil + Garlic (for bold flavor lovers).

Roast GooseRoast Goose-guangzhou

2. Char Siu (BBQ Pork)
· Meat Cuts:
*Lean: Pork tenderloin (low-fat, tender)
*Fatty: Pork belly (juicy, fragrant)
· Marinade: Honey (30%) + Soy Sauce (20%) + Rice Wine (15%) + Five-Spice (10%) + Garlic (5%) + Water (20%)
· Style: Cantonese Classic (sweet) / Chaozhou Style (salty) / Fusion (spicy with chili)
· Cooking Methods:
*Traditional: Charcoal-grilled (smoky flavor)
*Modern: Oven-baked (consistent texture)

Char SiuSuckling Pig

3. Siu Yuk (Roast Pork Belly)
· Crispy Skin Secret:
1. Poke holes in skin with a fork (dense holes = crispier skin)
2. Rub salt + vinegar (1:1) on skin, air-dry overnight
3. Roast at 220°C for 15 mins (skin) then 180°C for 30 mins (meat)
· Serving Styles:
*Classic: Sliced with skin-meat-fat layers, dip in sugar
*Savory: Dip in garlic sauce + chili oil

Siu YukSiu Yuk-guangzhou

4. Other Roast Meats
· Roast Duck (Shao Ya):Smaller than goose, lighter flavor, served with plum sauce
· Roast Chicken (Shao Ji):Marinated in five-spice, crispy skin, tender meat
· Preserved Meat Platter (La Wei Pan):Sausage + Preserved Pork + Preserved Duck, served with rice

Crispy DuckRoast Chicken

D. Seafood – Freshness First 
1. White-Boiled Shrimp (Bai Zhu Xia)

· Freshness Test: Clear eyes, firm texture, intact whiskers, no fishy smell
· Size Choice: Medium (5–7cm, easy to peel) / Large (8–10cm, meaty)
· Dip Options:
*Classic: Ginger-Scallion Oil + Soy Sauce
*Spicy: Chili Oil + Garlic 
*Simple: Salt + Pepper 

White-Boiled ShrimpWhite-Boiled Shrimp-guangzhou

2. Steamed Fish (Zheng Yu) 
· Popular Fish Varieties:
*Sea Bass (Gui Yu): Tender, few bones
*Snakehead Fish (Sheng Yu): Firm, nutritious
*Pomfret (Wu Yu): Fatty, flavorful
· Seasoning Steps:
*Lay ginger + scallion on fish, steam for 8–10 mins (per 500g)
*Pour out excess water, remove old ginger/scallion
*Drizzle hot oil + soy sauce + sesame oil; top with fresh scallion

Steamed FishSteamed Fish.-guangzhoujpeg

3. Salt-Baked Seafood (Yan Shao Hai Xian) 
· Signature Dishes:
*Salt-Baked Shrimp (Yan Shao Xia): Wrap shrimp in salt + ginger, roast
*Salt-Baked Crab (Yan Shao Xie): Fresh crab + coarse salt, baked 15 mins
· Flavor: Salty, aromatic, retains seafood umami

Salt-Baked SeafoodSalt-Baked Seafood-guangzhou

4. Braised Abalone with Oyster Sauce (Hao You Bao Yu)
· Size: 3–5cm (small, tender) / 6–8cm (large, chewy)
· Cooking: Braise with oyster sauce + chicken stock + ginger for 20–30 mins

Braised Abalone with Oyster SauceBraised Abalone with Oyster Sauce -guangzhou

E. Soup Culture – Health in a Bowl 

Soup Name IngredientsSimmer TimeHealth BenefitBest Season
Pork Ribs with Lotus Root SoupPork ribs, lotus root, red dates2 hoursMoisturize skinAutumn
Chicken with Cordyceps Flower SoupChicken, cordyceps flower, wolfberry1.5 hoursBoost immunitySpring
Fish Maw with Papaya SoupFish maw, papaya, lean pork3 hoursNourish stomachSummer
Almond Chicken SoupChicken, southern almond, northern almond1 hourRelieve coughWinter
Pork Belly with Snow Fungus SoupPork belly, snow fungus, lily bulb2.5 hoursMoisturize lungsAutumn
Turtle with Ginseng SoupTurtle, ginseng, red dates, wolfberry3.5 hoursNourish yin & kidneyWinter
Mung Bean with Lotus Seed SoupMung bean, lotus seed, rock sugar1 hourRelieve heat

Summer

SoupSoup-guangzhou

Street Food & Snacks: Hidden Treasures
A. Iconic Street Eats
1. Curry Fish Balls (Ga Li Yu Dan) 
· Texture: Chewy, springy (hand-beaten fish paste)
· Sauce Options: Spicy Curry / Sweet Curry / Tomato Curry
· Best Spots:
*Temple Street Night Market: 20 yuan/10 balls
*Beijing Road Pedestrian Street: 15 yuan/10 balls

Curry Fish Balls-guangzhouCurry Fish Balls

2. Beef Ball Noodle Soup (Niu Wan Mian) 
· Beef Ball Making: Hand-beaten for 30 mins (no machine, super chewy)
· Noodle Types: Thin Rice Noodles (Mi Fen) / Alkaline Wheat Noodles (Jian Mian)
· Toppings: Cilantro, Pickled Mustard Greens (Zha Cai), Sesame Seeds

Beef Ball Noodle SoupBeef Ball Noodle Soup-guangzhou

3. Stinky Tofu (Chou Dou Fu)
· Guangzhou Style vs. Changsha Style:
*Guangzhou: Fried, golden crust, less pungent, sweet bean sauce dip
*Changsha: Dark color, stronger smell, spicy chili sauce dip
· Best Spot: Xiajiao Night Market

Stinky TofuStinky Tofu-guangzhou

4. Sugarcane Juice (Zhe Gan Shui)
· Freshly Squeezed: No additives, served with ice
· Variations: Sugarcane + Pear Juice / Sugarcane + Lemon Juice
· Health Benefits: Relieve heat, quench thirst, promote digestion

Sugarcane Juice-guangzhouSugarcane Juice

5. Ginger Milk Pudding (Jiang Zhuang Nai)
· Making Process:
*Grate fresh ginger, squeeze 20ml ginger juice (must be fresh)
*Heat milk to 80°C (not boiling), add sugar to dissolve
*Pour milk into ginger juice quickly (one pour), let stand 5 mins
· Texture: Silky, jiggly (success if it doesn’t flow when tilted)
· Best Spot: Shawan Ancient Town – traditional handmade version

Ginger Milk Pudding-guangzhouGinger Milk Pudding

6. Additional Street Snacks
· Pig’s Trotter Ginger (Zhu Jiao Jiang):Pig’s trotter + ginger + brown sugar + vinegar, sweet-savory, nourishing for women
· Tang Buai (Sugar Dumpling):Glutinous rice balls + brown sugar syrup + peanut crumbs, sweet-chewy
· Fried Milk (Zha Nai Gao):Milk paste + egg + breadcrumb, crispy outer, creamy inner
· Rice Crust (Mi Bing):Crispy rice cake, sweet or savory (salt + five-spice)
· Salted Duck Egg Yolk Crisp (Xian Dan Huang Su):Pastry + lotus paste + salted egg yolk, flaky-sweet

Pig’s Trotter GingerTang Buai

B. Local “Comfort Food”
1. Clay Pot Rice (Wai Bo Fan)
· Signature Crust: “Guo Ba” – crispy, golden, formed at the bottom of the clay pot
· Popular Combos:
*La Wei (Preserved Meat) Clay Pot Rice: Sausage + Preserved Pork + Preserved Duck
*Chicken & Mushroom Clay Pot Rice: Chicken thigh + Shiitake mushroom
*Seafood Clay Pot Rice: Shrimp + Scallop + Squid
· Sauce: Soy Sauce + Oyster Sauce + Sesame Oil (1:1:0.5) – poured before serving
· Crust Secret: Cook on low heat for 10 mins after ingredients are done

Clay Pot RiceClay Pot Rice-guangzhou

2. Wonton Noodle Soup (Yun Tun Mian)
· Wonton Filling: Shrimp (60%) + Pork (30%) + Bamboo Shoots (10%) – chopped finely
· Noodle Requirement: Alkaline water noodles (thin, chewy, no stickiness)
· Broth: Clear chicken + pork bone stock (simmered for 4 hours)

wonton noodlesWonton Noodles-guangzhou food recommendation

3. Sesame Paste Noodles (Zhi Ma Mian)
· Sweet Version: Black Sesame Paste + Sugar + Rice Noodles – dessert-like
· Savory Version: White Sesame Paste + Soy Sauce + Chili Oil + Vinegar – salty-spicy

Sesame Paste Noodles -guangzhouSesame Paste Noodles

4. Rice Rolls (Cheung Fun)
· Classic Fillings:
*Shrimp Cheung Fun: Fresh shrimp + scallion
*Beef Cheung Fun: Marinated beef + bean sprouts
· Sauce: Soy Sauce + Sesame Oil + Hoisin Sauce
· Texture: Silky, slippery (success if it peels off the steamer easily)

rice rollsRice Rolls-guangzhou

Cantonese Bread & Baking: Sweet-Savory Delights
1. Classic Bakery Items

English NameKey FeaturesBest Bakery
Pineapple Bun (Bo Luo Bao)Crispy top, soft bun, no pineappleMaxim’s
Milk Yellow Bun (Nai Huang Bao)Sweet milk-yolk filling, soft bunGarden Bakery
Red Bean Bun (Hong Dou Bao)Sweet red bean paste, chewy bunLocal neighborhood bakeries
Coconut Bun (Ye Zi Bao)Coconut filling + coconut flakes, aromaticTaiping Bakery 
Pork Floss Bun (Rou Song Bao)Pork floss + salad dressing, savory-sweetQiaoji Bakery

2. Fusion Baking
· Matcha Pineapple Bun: Green tea flavor + crispy top
· Truffle Pork Floss Bun: Truffle oil + pork floss, luxury flavor
· Cheese-Stuffed Milk Yellow Bun: Cream cheese + milk-yolk filling

sweet lotus seed paste bunsstyle Pineapple Buns

Guangzhou Vegetarian Culture: Light & Healthy Cantonese Veggie Dishes

Unforgettable Guangzhou Day Tour:A Cultural Immersion Day Tour from Historic Landmarks to Scenic River ViewsUnforgettable Guangzhou Day Tour:A Cultural Immersion Day Tour from Historic Landmarks to Scenic River Views 7 Days Tour in Guangzhou & Beyond: Comprehensive Tours from Guangzhou to Hongkong, Macau, Zhuhai, and Foshan7 Days Tour in Guangzhou & Beyond: Comprehensive Tours from Guangzhou to Hongkong, Macau, Zhuhai, and Foshan

1. Vegetarian Schools 

· 
Buddhist Vegetarian: No meat, seafood, eggs, onions, garlic (five pungent herbs)
*Signature Dishes: Vegetarian Roast Goose – tofu skin + mushrooms; Buddha Jumps Over the Wall – mushrooms + fungi + dried fruits
· Folk Vegetarian: Flexible, allows eggs and dairy; focuses on fresh vegetables
*Signature Dishes: Stir-Fried Seasonal Veggies; Tofu Skin Roll – tofu skin + vegetables + vermicelli

2. Famous Vegetarian Restaurants
· Dafosi Vegetarian Restaurant: No. 27, Xihu Road, Beijing Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou City
· Buddha's Affinity Vegetarian Restaurant: No. 1, Fuer Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou City
· Zhi Ji Vegetarian Restaurant: 14, Ziyu Street, Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, China

Vegetarian Schools -guangzhouVegetarian Schools

Food Ingredient Culture: The Foundation of Guangzhou’s Freshness
1. Seafood Sourcing
· Key Seafood Markets:
*Huangsha Seafood Market: Largest in Guangzhou, fresh catch from Pearl River Delta
*Panyu Lianhuashan Seafood Market: Fresh shellfish, crabs
· Selection Tips:
*Crab: Heavy for size, hard shell, intact legs
*Scallop: Closed shell (opens when cooked), no fishy smell
*Oyster: Plump, moist, no mud smell

2. Vegetable & Fruit Selection
· Local Specialty Veggies:
*Lotus Root (Lian Ou): Choose thick, white, no black spots (sweet, crispy)
*Water Chestnut (Ma Ti): Firm, smooth skin (sweet, juicy)
*Chinese Cabbage (Si Cai): Green stems, fresh leaves (tender, less fiber)
· Seasonal Fruits:
*Lychee (Li Zhi): June–July, juicy, sweet (from Zengcheng)
*Longan (Long Yan): August–September, nourishing (from Conghua)

3. Meat Quality Standards 
· Pork: Pink color, firm texture, no sticky surface (fresh)
· Chicken: Bright yellow skin, tight meat, intact feathers (free-range)
· Beef: Red color, fine texture, marbled fat (tender)

Herbal Tea & Drink Culture: Guangzhou’s “Food Therapy” Companions
1. Herbal Tea (Liang Cha) – Health Protection

Herbal Tea NameIngredientsHealth BenefitBest For
Wang Laoji (Wong Lo Kat)Chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, licoriceClear heat, detoxifySummer heat, sore throat
Banlangen (Isatis Root) TeaIsatis root, licoricePrevent cold, anti-virusFlu season
Luo Han Guo TeaLuo Han Guo, chrysanthemumMoisturize lungs, relieve coughDry throat, cough
Ju Hua Cha (Chrysanthemum Tea)Chrysanthemum, wolfberrySoothe eyes, reduce fireEye strain, internal heat


Herbal TeaHerbal Tea-guangzhou

2. Sugar Water (Tang Shui) – Sweet Comfort

Sugar Water NameIngredientsTextureBest Season
Mung Bean SoupMung bean, lotus seed, rock sugarSmooth, sweetSummer
Red Bean SoupRed bean, barley, rock sugarThick, creamySpring
Taro Sweet SoupTaro, rock sugar, coconut milkSoft, aromaticWinter
Osmanthus Glutinous Rice SoupGlutinous rice balls, osmanthus, fermented riceChewy, fragrantAutumn

3. Specialty Drinks
· Coconut Juice (Ye Zi Shui): Freshly opened coconut, cool, hydrating
· Pearl Milk Tea (Zhen Zhu Nai Cha): Local twist – less sugar, chewy pearls
· Lychee Juice (Li Zhi Shui): Freshly squeezed, no sugar added (sweet naturally)

Sugar WaterSugar Water-guangzhou

Cooking Techniques: Secrets of Cantonese Cuisine
1. Steaming (Zheng) – Preserve Freshness
· Key Principles:
*High temperature (100–120°C) for short time (preserve nutrition)
*Separate ingredients by cooking time (e.g., seafood first, then meat)
· Examples: Steamed Fish, Steamed Egg Custard

2. Braising (Bao) – Deep Flavor
· Key Principles:
*Slow heat (80–100°C) for long time (ingredients absorb sauce)
*Use clay pot (retains heat, enhances flavor)
· Examples: Braised Pork Belly (Dong Po Rou), Braised Tofu (Bao Dou Fu)

3. White-Boiling (Bai Zhu) – Highlight Umami
· Key Principles:
*Boil water with ginger + scallion + rice wine (remove fishy smell)
*Cook ingredients until just done (avoid overcooking)
· Examples: White-Boiled Shrimp, White-Boiled Beef Slices

4. Roasting (Shao) – Crispy & Fragrant
· Key Principles:
*Marinate first (flavor penetration)
*Control temperature (high for skin, low for meat)
· Examples: Roast Goose, Char Siu

In-Depth Analysis of Food Districts: Guangzhou’s “Taste Map”
1. Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street – Traditional Flavors
· Address: Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street is located between Shangjiu Road, Xiajiu Road, and Dishipu Road in Liwan District, Guangzhou. It is one of the three traditional and prosperous commercial centers in Guangzhou, with a total length of 1237 meters.

· History: 1,000-year-old commercial street, preserved Cantonese architecture

· Best Time to Visit: 8:00–10:00 (breakfast/yum cha, fewer crowds) | 14:00–16:00 (snack hopping) | Avoid weekends (11:00–19:00, heavy tourist flow)

· Must-Eat Spots:
*Lian Xiang Lou: Founded in 1889, famous for lotus paste mooncake and osmanthus cake
*Tao Tao Ju: Century-old teahouse, signature char siu bao and egg tart

· Transportation: 
*Subway: Line 1 to Changshou Road Exit A - Walk 10 mins

· Local Tips:
*For mooncake souvenirs: Buy from Lian Xiang Lou’s main store (345 Dishifu Road) – authentic and gift-worthy
*Enning Road extension: Try “Laobaigan Ginger Candy” and “Shamian Handmade Rice Cakes” for traditional snacks
*Bargain at street stalls: Prices for curry fish balls or sugarcane juice are fixed, but dried seafood/handicrafts can be negotiated (10%–15% off)

Shop NameFoundedSignature DishesPrice RangeKey Features
Lian Xiang Lou1889Lotus Paste Mooncake, Osmanthus Cake, Lo Mai Gai ¥8–68/portion (mooncake ¥15–30/piece)“Lotus King” of Cantonese pastries; uses premium lotus seeds from Guangxi; wood-fired ovens for mooncakes.
Tao Tao Ju

      1880

Char Siu Bao, Egg Tart, Phoenix Talon
¥6–28/portionCentury-old teahouse; char siu bao uses self-brewed sweet-savory sauce; egg tart crust has 36 layers.
Chen Tian Ji1979Fresh Fish Skin, Salted Fish Porridge¥25–38/portionNo preservatives; fish skin blanched in boiling water, tossed with sesame oil + garlic; crispy and refreshing.
Nanxin Milk Dessert1939Double Skin Milk, Ginger Milk Pudding¥12–20/portionUses fresh water buffalo milk; double skin milk has a thick top layer; ginger milk pudding sets naturally in 5 mins.
Shunji Ice House1950Coconut Ice Cream, Mango Sago Dessert¥15–30/portionTraditional hand-churned ice cream; coconut flavor uses Hainan coconut meat; no artificial flavors.


2. Beijing Road Pedestrian Street – Modern & Traditional Mix
· Address: Stretches from Beijing Road North to Yanjiang Middle Road in the south, total length ~1,500 meters. Core food area covers Beijing Road Pedestrian Street + Huifu East Road Food Street 

· Highlights: 
*Exposed “Millennium Ancient Road Ruins” – glass plank road reveals 5 layers of roads from Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties
*Blend of modern malls (Grandview Mall) and ancient landmarks (Guangzhou Big Buddha Temple,built in Ming Dynasty)

· Best Time to Visit: 11:30–14:00 (lunch, diverse choices) | 18:00–21:00 (dinner + night snacks); Huifu East Road is lively until midnight

· Must-Eat:
*Curry Fish Balls (Temple Street Stall): Spicy-sweet, chewy
*Niu Wan Mian (Beijiang Noodle Shop): Hand-beaten beef balls, clear broth
*Sugarcane Juice (Street Cart): Freshly squeezed, ice-cold

· Transportation:
*Subway: Line 1/2 to Beijing Road Station Exit A/B - 3-minute walk to pedestrian street

· Local Tips:
*Hidden gem: “A Po Beef Offal” – small stall in Huifu East Road alley (opens 16:00, limited supply; ¥20/box, savory and spicy)
*Handicrafts & snacks: “Bazhen Fried Dumplings” (founded 1956) – pan-fried dumplings with thin skin and juicy filling (¥12/6 pieces)
*Photo spot: Big Buddha Temple at night (lit up with warm lights, perfect for photos with street food in hand)

Shop NameFoundedSignature DishesPrice RangeKey Features
Yinji Rice Rolls 1950Shrimp Rice Roll, Beef Rice Roll¥18–28/portionTime-honored rice roll brand; stone-ground rice batter for silky texture; fresh shrimp/beef filling.
Taiping Sha Caiji Beef Noodle1985Braised Beef Brisket Noodle, Beef Ball Noodle¥25–38/portionBeef brisket braised for 3 hours (tender, no tough fibers); beef balls hand-beaten for 20 mins (chewy).
Curry Fish Balls (Temple Street Stall)-Spicy-Sweet Curry Fish Balls¥15/10 ballsHand-beaten fish paste; sauce simmered with Indian curry powder + local honey (balance of spicy and sweet).
Fulin Restaurant1995Crispy Pork Knuckle, Salted Fish Chicken Clay Pot¥45–88/portionKnown as “civilian Michelin”; crispy pork knuckle fried twice (golden crust, juicy meat).
Sugarcane Juice (Street Cart)-Fresh Sugarcane Juice, Sugarcane + Pear Juice¥10–15/cupNo additives; served with ice; sugarcane from Guangzhou Panyu (sweet and juicy).


3. Huangsha Seafood Market – Seafood Paradise
· Address: No. 11 Huangsha Avenue, Liwan District

· Status: Largest seafood market in South China, fresh catch from Pearl River Delta

·
Experience: Buy seafood on-site, get it cooked at nearby restaurants (processing fee ¥10–20/dish)

·
Business Hours:
*Fresh Seafood Area: 6:00–19:00 (morning market 6:00–9:00 has the freshest catch)
*Processing Restaurants: 10:00–21:00

· 
Experience Flow:
*Select Seafood: Negotiate prices (10%–15% discount possible for bulk purchases); check freshness (live seafood should be active, shells closed for scallops/oysters)
*Choose Processing Restaurant: Recommend “Lin Ji Seafood Processing” or “Hai Xian Lao Processing Shop” (good reputation, transparent pricing)
*Customize Flavor: Cantonese-style (steamed/boiled, highlight umami) or spicy (garlic/chili, for bold flavors)
*Pay Processing Fee: ¥10–20/dish (steamed/boiled cheaper; salt-baked/fried slightly higher)

· 
Transportation:
*Subway: Line 1/6 to Huangsha Station Exit F ? 5-minute walk east along Huangsha Avenue
*Bus: Routes 208, 219, 538 to “Huangsha Market” Station

· 
Local Tips:
*Shrimp/Crab: Clear eyes, firm shell, active movement
*Scallop/Oyster: Closed shell (opens when tapped gently, closes quickly)
*Avoid scams: Don’t let vendors “help select” (they may push expensive/less fresh seafood); bring a small scale (some vendors use inaccurate scales)
*Matching drink: Local beer (Pearl River Beer) or chrysanthemum tea (balances seafood’s “cool” nature)
· Must-Try Seafood: Lobster, crab, scallop, oyster (affordable prices)

SeafoodPrice Range Recommended Cooking MethodKey Features
Boston Lobster¥80–120/jin (500g)Steamed with Garlic/Soy SauceMeaty, sweet, low fat
Hairy Crab (Female)¥60–80/piece (150g)Steamed WholeRich roe, tender meat
Flower Crab¥40–60/jinSalt-Baked / Ginger-Scallion BraisedSweet meat, firm texture
Fresh Scallop¥3–5/pieceGarlic Vermicelli SteamedPlump, juicy, absorbs garlic flavor
Live Oyster¥5–8/pieceGrilled with Garlic/CheeseMoist, creamy, no fishy smell


4. Shamian Island – Western-Cantonese Fusion
· Address: Shamian Island, Liwan District

·
History: Former foreign concession, colonial architecture, quiet atmosphere

·
Best Time to Visit: 14:00–17:00 (avoid morning tour groups; pleasant weather for walking + afternoon tea)

·
Transportation:
*Subway: Line 1 to Huangsha Station Exit D - Walk south along Huangsha Avenue for 8 mins, cross the Shamian Bridge underpass
*Bus: Routes 208, 219, 538 to “Huangsha Wharf” Station - 5-minute walk west|

·
Local Tips:
*Photo spots: Shamian Church (Gothic architecture), European-style promenades, riverside plank road (perfect for photos with egg tarts or coffee)
*Afternoon tea hack: Choose outdoor seats at Shamian Café – enjoy the breeze and watch European-style buildings while eating pastries
*Avoid crowds: Stay away from Shamian South Street (main tourist route); explore Shamian North Street and lanes for quieter eats

·
Must-Eat Restaurants:
*Taixing Restaurant: Fusion dishes like baked pork chop with rice
*Shamian Café: Western-style cakes + Cantonese herbal tea

·
Signature Snack: Egg Tart (Portuguese-influenced, flakier crust)

Shop NameCuisine TypeSignature DishesPrice RangeKey Features
Taixing RestaurantCantonese-Western FusionBaked Pork Chop Rice, Iced Milk Tea¥38–68/portion (drinks ¥18–25)Pork chop marinated in honey + black pepper; rice cooked with chicken stock; milk tea uses Ceylon black tea
Shamian CaféWestern Pastry + Cantonese Herbal TeaTiramisu + Chrysanthemum Tea Set¥45–88/setRetro European decor (wooden tables, vintage lamps); herbal tea balances sweet pastries
Qiaomei Lan Kwai Fong Cantonese Seafood FusionBraised Abalone with Oyster Sauce, Steamed Sea Bass¥80–180/portionUses Huangsha Market fresh seafood; abalone braised for 25 mins (tender, absorbs sauce)
Shamian Rose GardenFrench-Cantonese FusionBeef Tenderloin with Black Pepper Sauce, Matcha Egg Tart¥68–128/portionBeef tenderloin from Australia; egg tart crust uses French butter (flaky + matcha filling)
Old Guangzhou Handicraft ShopCantonese Traditional SnacksChicken Cake, Walnut Crisp¥15–45/boxNo preservatives; chicken cake is savory-sweet (dried pork + melon seed); walnut crisp is buttery


5. Legendary Restaurants

Restaurant NameFounded YearSignature DishStory
Guangzhou Restaurant1935Roast Goose, Lotus Paste MooncakeKnown as “the No.1 Restaurant in Guangzhou,” hosted state banquets
Lian Xiang Lou1889Osmanthus Cake, Lo Mai GaiOriginally a pastry shop, famous for lotus-themed dishes
Tao Tao Ju1880Char Siu Bao, Egg TartFeatured in Cantonese operas, a cultural symbol of Guangzhou
Panxi Restaurant1947Gold Medal Roasted Suckling Pig, Eight-Treasure Winter Melon SoupSelected for the "First Batch of Chinese 20th-Century Architectural Heritage" list.

· Heritage Preservation
*Craft Inheritance: Most time-honored restaurants use traditional techniques (e.g., wood-fired ovens for roast goose)
*Ingredient Selection: Strictly source local, fresh ingredients (e.g., Qingyuan goose for Guangzhou Restaurant)

Souvenir Guide: Bring Guangzhou’s Flavors Home
1. Traditional Pastries 
· Lotus Paste Mooncake (Lian Rong Yue Bing): Guangzhou’s iconic souvenir, from Guangzhou Restaurant 
· Osmanthus Cake (Gui Hua Gao): Fragrant, sweet, from Lian Xiang Lou
· Peanut Candy (Hua Sheng Tang): Crispy, chewy, from Shangxiajiu Street 

2. Sauces & Condiments
· Char Siu Sauce (Chao Shou Jiang): Sweet-savory, suitable for BBQ, from Tao Tao Ju
· Oyster Sauce (Hao You): Umami-rich, from Lee Kum Kee – local brand
· Chili Oil (La Jiao You): Spicy fragrant, from local street stalls 

3. Dried Seafood
· Dried Shrimp (Gan Xia): Sweet, chewy, for cooking or snacking
· Dried Scallop (Gan Bei): Umami-rich, for soups or braised dishes
· Dried Abalone (Gan Bao Yu): Nourishing, luxury souvenir

Food & Festivals: Guangzhou’s “Festival Flavors”
1. Spring Festival (Chun Jie) – Reunion Feast
· Must-Have Dishes:
*Braised Pork Belly (Dong Po Rou): Symbolizes prosperity (fat = richness)
*Whole Fish (Zheng Quan Yu): Symbolizes surplus (yu = abundance)
*Dumplings (Jiao Zi): Symbolizes wealth (shape like gold ingots)
*Rice Cake (Nian Gao): Symbolizes progress (gao = higher)

2. Dragon Boat Festival (Duan Wu Jie) – Zongzi
· Guangzhou Zongzi Styles:
*Meat Zongzi (Rou Zong): Glutinous rice + pork + salted egg yolk + mushroom
*Sweet Zongzi (Tang Zong): Glutinous rice + red bean paste + jujube
· Wrapping: Bamboo leaves (soaked overnight for aroma)

3. Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie) – Mooncakes
· Classic Fillings:
*Lotus Paste with Salted Egg Yolk (Lian Rong Xian Dan)
*Red Bean Paste with Salted Egg Yolk (Hong Dou Xian Dan)
*Five-Nut (Wu Ren): Walnut + Almond + Peanut + Melon Seed + Sesame
· Custom: Eat mooncakes + drink tea while admiring the moon

4. Winter Solstice (Dong Zhi) – Tang Yuan
· Guangzhou Style: Glutinous rice balls + ginger syrup (warm, nourishing)
· Symbol: Family reunion (tang yuan = tuanyuan, reunion)

Healthy Eating Guide: Wellness Wisdom of Cantonese Cuisine
1. Low-Salt & Low-Fat Tips
· Reduce Salt: Use oyster sauce/soy sauce sparingly; replace with mushroom/vegetable stock for umami
· Reduce Fat: Choose lean meat (pork tenderloin, chicken breast); skim oil from soup surface
· Steam/Boil/Braise Instead of Fry: Preserve nutrition, reduce oil intake

2. Food Therapy for Different Groups
· Elderly: Soft, easy-to-digest dishes (steamed fish, braised tofu, lotus root soup)
· Children: Nutritious, flavorful dishes (egg custard, pork rib soup, shrimp rice rolls)
· Pregnant Women: Nourishing, low-spicy dishes (bird’s nest soup, red date tea, steamed chicken)
· Weight Loss: High-fiber, low-calorie dishes (stir-fried veggies, konjac, fish soup)

3. Common Misconceptions
· Cantonese soup is too oily – Truth: Skim surface oil; choose lean ingredients
· Dim sum is high-calorie – Truth: Choose steamed (not fried) dim sum; control portion
· Seafood is expensive – Truth: Local markets offer fresh, affordable seafood (e.g., small shrimp, clams)

Foreign-Influenced Guangzhou Food: Fusion & Innovation
1. Western Influence
· Shameen Island (Shamian): Former foreign concession, home to classic Western restaurants
· Signature Dishes:
*Baked Pork Chop with Rice (Kaao Zhu Pai Fan): Western-style baking + Cantonese rice
*Omelette Rice (Dan Chao Fan): Japanese omelette + Cantonese fried rice
· Famous Restaurant: Taixing Restaurant – fusion of Cantonese and Western flavors

2. Southeast Asian Fusion
· Reason: Maritime trade + overseas Chinese influence
· Signature Dishes:
*Lemongrass Chicken (Xiang Mao Ji): Thai lemongrass + Cantonese braising
*Coconut Curry Fish (Ye Zi Ka Li Yu): Malaysian curry + local fish

3. Modern International Fusion
· Trendy Restaurants:
*Cantonese-Western Fusion: Truffle Roast Goose, Foie Gras Char Siu
*Cantonese-Japanese Fusion: Sashimi-style Steamed Fish, Wasabi Har Gow 

Practical Tips 
A. Ordering Phrases

EnglishChineseScenario
“I’d like a plate of Har Gow, Siu Mai, and Phoenix Talon.”“Wo yào yi pán xia jiao, shao mài hé fèng zhua.”Dim sum parlor
“Is this dish spicy? I can’t handle too much spice.”“Zhè dào cài là ma? Wo chi bù liao tài là de.”Seafood restaurant
“Can I have the soup with less oil and salt?”“Tang ke yi shao fàng yóu hé yán ma?”Soup restaurant
“Do you have vegetarian dim sum options?”“You dian xin de sù shí xuan xiàng ma?”Tea house
“Where can I buy authentic char siu sauce as a souvenir?”“Na li néng mai dào zhèng zong chao shao jiàng dang bàn shou li?”Local market
“Could you recommend a local specialty seafood dish?”“Néng tui jiàn yi dào ben dì tè sè hai xian ma?”Seafood market restaurant

B. Restaurant Classification by Price

Price RangeRestaurant TypeExamples
Budget (¥30–60/person)Street stalls, small eateriesJiaochangkou Night Market stalls, local noodle shops
Mid-Range (¥80–150/person)Chain restaurants, local teahousesTim Ho Wan, Tao Tao Ju (branch)
High-End (¥200+/person)Luxury Cantonese restaurantsGuangzhou Restaurant (main branch), Lian Xiang Lou (VIP room)

C. Transportation to Food Spots 

Food SpotTransportationSubway Line
Shangxiajiu Pedestrian StreetSubway + WalkLine 1 (Changshou Road)
Huangsha Seafood MarketSubwayLine 1/6 (Huangsha Station)
Shamian IslandSubway + WalkLine 1 (Huangsha Station)
Beijing Road Pedestrian StreetSubwayLine 1/2 (Beijing Road Station)
Shawan Ancient TownBus + SubwayLine 3 (Shichiao Station) + Bus 67

D. Avoid Tourist Traps
· Red Flags:
1. English-only menus (no local customers)
2. Aggressive touts pulling you into restaurants
3. Overpriced dishes (e.g., ¥100+ for a small plate of shrimp)
4.  “Famous” signs with no local reviews

· Authentic Spot Clues:
1. Local crowds (especially elderly and office workers)
2. Plastic stools, simple decor
3. Cash-only or WeChat/Alipay (no credit card)
4. Menus with only Chinese characters (basic English at most)

Guangzhou’s Food – A Symphony of Flavors & Heritage
Guangzhou’s food is more than sustenance—it’s a living heritage shaped by history, geography, and community. From the delicate dim sum steamer to the hearty clay pot of soup, from the spicy street food to the soothing herbal tea, every flavor reflects Guangzhou’s spirit of balance, innovation, and respect for freshness. Whether you’re a foodie chasing authentic tastes, a traveler exploring culture through cuisine, or a home cook mastering Cantonese techniques, Guangzhou’s culinary journey promises to delight, nourish, and inspire.

Guangzhou Food Guide Recommended by Your Way Holiday 
We will provide a private & spacious car and a local professional tour guide with over 5 years guiding experience only work for you or your group. You will be escorted during your tour. Transport, ticket, and dining (At some local restaurants popular with locals) all we will arrange for you according your requirements. Please check our most popular Guangzhou Tours: 

Revel in China’s History and Innovation: A 13-Day Tour Through Guangzhou, Guilin, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing's Timeless WondersRevel in China’s History and Innovation: A 13-Day Tour Through Guangzhou, Guilin, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing's Timeless Wonders Ultimate 7-Day Guangdong Tour: A Deep Dive into Guangzhou’s History, Shenzhen’s Innovation, and Meizhou’s Cultural RootsUltimate 7-Day Guangdong Tour: A Deep Dive into Guangzhou’s History, Shenzhen’s Innovation, and Meizhou’s Cultural Roots

Are the above sample tour programs not suitable for you? We have more Guangzhou tours. Our tours can be tailor-made based on your requirements and budget to create unique Shanghai experiences that allow you to interact with the local people and culture. Our enthusiastic tour expert will promptly reply you in details within 24 hours.

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