Guangzhou Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes & Top Restaurants (2025 Edition)

Guangzhou – A Culinary Capital of China

Guangzhou, the heart of Cantonese cuisine, is often called a food paradise in China. There’s an old saying that to live the perfect life one should “be born in Suzhou, live in Hangzhou, eat in Guangzhou, and die in Liuzhou.” In other words, Guangzhou is the city to dine inflavorandfortune.com. The Cantonese culinary tradition here is renowned for its freshness, diversity of ingredients, and delicate techniques like steaming and stir-frying that preserve original flavors. It’s no wonder the Michelin Guide praises Guangzhou’s “wealth of astonishing restaurants with a strong and historical Cantonese background”. In fact, as of 2024 the city boasts 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, reflecting its world-class dining scene. Yet food in Guangzhou isn’t just about fancy restaurants – it’s deeply woven into daily life and tradition. Locals famously quip that if you tried two new dim sum dishes every day, it would take over a year to taste them all! This expansive variety of bite-sized delights hints at Guangzhou’s rich food culture. As an expat living here, I’ve discovered that the cuisine of Guangzhou truly lives up to its legendary reputation – from humble street stalls to century-old eateries, the city offers an endless adventure for your taste buds. (Fun fact: Cantonese immigrants from Guangzhou popularized “Chinese food” around the world, which is why many Chinatowns originally served Cantonese dishes.)

Must-Try Cantonese Dishes in Guangzhou

A classic Cantonese dim sum spread (点心) enjoyed during morning tea in Guangzhou.
When you visit Guangzhou, be sure to sample the iconic local dishes that define its food scene. Here are some must-try Cantonese foods and what makes them special:

• Dim Sum / Morning Tea (早茶) – Dim sum refers to an array of small plates (dumplings, buns, tarts, etc.) traditionally enjoyed with tea in the morning. Eating “morning tea” (喝早茶) is a beloved Cantonese ritual in Guangzhou. Don’t miss classics like har gow (虾饺 shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (烧麦 pork-shrimp dumplings), or sweet treats like egg tarts. The sheer variety is staggering – there are hundreds of dim sum items, from steamed to fried, savory to sweet. Pro Tip: Go early (7–9am) to popular teahouses to snag a table, and be ready to queue on weekends (the hustle is part of the experience!). Locals linger over pots of tea as carts or menus of dim sum come by. It’s the perfect way to start your day in Guangzhou.
• Roast Goose (烧鹅) – Cantonese roast meats are legendary, and roast goose is the crown jewel. A whole goose is marinated in a flavorful brine, hung to dry, then roasted to perfection until the skin turns crispy golden-brown. The result: crispy skin and succulent meat with a hint of sweet-savory glaze. In Guangzhou, roast goose is ubiquitous – from street-side BBQ meat stalls to high-end restaurants – and typically served chopped with plum sauce on the side. The fragrance alone will draw you in! Try it over rice or as part of a meat platter with char siu (BBQ pork). Pro Tip: When you see a line of locals at a tiny roast meat shop around lunch or dinner, join it – the goose is likely outstanding.
• Wonton Noodle Soup (云吞面) – A simple yet soul-comforting Cantonese classic. Thin springy egg noodles are served in a hot clear broth (often a rich shrimp and pork bone stock) with plump shrimp and pork wontons. In Guangzhou, a bowl of wonton noodles is a common quick meal or snack. Look for old-school noodle houses in older districts – many have been perfecting their wontons for decades. The balance of the al dente noodles, the umami-rich broth, and the juicy wontons makes this dish a forever favorite. Add a splash of black vinegar or chili oil to taste.
• Claypot Rice (煲仔饭) – Guangzhou’s comfort food, especially popular in the cooler months. Rice is cooked in a small clay pot over flame, often topped with cured Cantonese sausages, salted fish, pork ribs or other ingredients. As it cooks, the rice absorbs flavors from the toppings and develops a coveted crispy layer at the bottom. When served, you douse it with a bit of sweet soy sauce – sizzle! – releasing an irresistible aroma. Each bite combines smoky, savory, and sweet notes. You’ll find claypot rice at many casual eateries and street stalls (particularly at night). Pro Tip: Listen for a sizzling sound from the pot when it arrives – that means crispy rice! Let it cool just a little, then scrape up those tasty browned bits.
• Sampan Congee (艇仔粥) – This hearty rice porridge has humble origins on the waterways of Guangzhou. Traditionally sold by boat vendors, “sampan” congee includes a mix of ingredients like fresh fish slices, fried peanuts, pork strips, scallion, and crispy fritters, giving it a wonderful mix of textures. It’s slowly simmered until creamy. Today you can enjoy it at specialty congee shops. It’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl – excellent for breakfast or a midnight snack. If you want to eat like a local, try congee paired with a steamed rice roll or fried dough stick on the side.
• White Cut Chicken (白切鸡) – A simple yet famous Cantonese dish often served at banquets and family dinners. A whole chicken is lightly poached in aromatic broth and then chilled, yielding tender, silky meat with pure chicken flavor. It’s chopped and served with a fragrant ginger-scallion oil for dipping. Don’t be fooled by its plain appearance – the flavor is delicate and addictive. Guangzhou’s version, sometimes called Wenchang Chicken, is a must-try especially if you dine at a long-standing Cantonese restaurant.
• Double-Skin Milk Pudding (双皮奶) – Save room for this Cantonese dessert specialty. Double-skin milk is a silky smooth milk custard made from buffalo milk, egg whites and sugar. It originated in nearby Shunde and is hugely popular in Guangzhou. Served cold or warm, it has a mild sweet creamy taste with a delicate “skin” on top (from the milk) – often compared to panna cotta. You can get it plain or topped with red beans, fruit, or ginger syrup (for a ginger milk curd variation). One famous place to try it is Nanxin Milk Dessert shop, a decades-old dessert house known for this very pudding. Pro Tip: In Guangzhou’s old Xiguan neighborhood, order a bowl of double-skin milk along with 姜撞奶 (ginger milk pudding) for a tasting contrast – the first is sweet, the second has a spicy ginger kick.

These are just a few highlights – Guangzhou’s cuisine includes endless stir-fries, seafood (try the local salt-and-pepper prawns or steamed fish), char siu BBQ pork, herbal soups, and delightful snacks. The key is diversity: whether you’re a foodie seeking the exotic or a traveler craving comfort, Guangzhou has a dish for you.

Top Restaurants in Guangzhou (Where to Eat)

To truly experience “eating in Guangzhou”, visiting the city’s renowned eateries is a must. Here are some of the best restaurants in Guangzhou for authentic Cantonese food, blending local favorites with a bit of insider insight. (Each restaurant’s name is given in English and Chinese, with address in both English and Chinese for easy reference.)

• Guangzhou Restaurant (广州酒家) – Address: 2 Wenchang South Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区文昌南路2号). This iconic restaurant has been serving Cantonese cuisine since 1935 and is beloved for its traditional dim sum and Cantonese classics. It’s so famous it’s nicknamed “the No.1 restaurant for eating in Guangzhou.” Locals often come here for morning tea – the har gow, steamed pork ribs, and custard buns are excellent. Beyond dim sum, their banquet dishes like Wenchang Chicken and roast suckling pig are legendary. Pro Tip: This place gets packed on weekends; aim for an early morning or make a reservation for dinner. (Note: The main branch was under renovation recently – check if it’s reopened or visit one of their other branches around the city.)
• Panxi Restaurant (泮溪酒家) – Address: 151 Longjin West Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区龙津西路151号). Panxi is a beautiful garden-style restaurant by Liwan Lake, operating since 1947. Step in and you’re surrounded by ponds, bridges, and pavilions – an oasis in the city. You can even enjoy tea and dim sum on a little boat floating on the lake! The menu features classic Cantonese dim sum (try their famous shrimp dumplings and char siu buns) and traditional snacks like white sugar cake and horseshoe pudding. The atmosphere is half the experience – it feels like dining in a classical Chinese garden. Pro Tip: Come in the morning or afternoon for dim sum when the ambience is lively. Ask for a seat by the window or koi pond for extra charm.
• Dian Dou De (点都德) – Address: 470 Huifu East Road (Jufulou Branch), Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区惠福东路470号). Dian Dou De is a popular modern dim sum teahouse chain that has exploded in popularity among young locals. This branch is in the bustling Beijing Road area. They serve all-day dim sum, made fresh to order. Expect the classics done right – silky rice noodle rolls, BBQ pork buns – as well as creative new bites (they’re known to make cute pig-shaped custard buns and other Instagram-worthy dim sum). The prices are reasonable and quality top-notch. It’s not unusual to see a queue outside, but turnover is fairly quick. Pro Tip: If there’s a wait, grab a number and wander Beijing Road for a bit; they’ll call you when your table’s ready. Also, try their Kung Fu tea service – servers pour tea from long-spouted kettles in a theatrical way!
• Bingsheng Mansion (炳胜公馆) – Address: 5F, No. 2 Xiancun Road, Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou (广州市天河区珠江新城冼村路2号首府大厦5楼). For an upscale experience, Bingsheng Mansion is a Michelin-starred restaurant that elevates Cantonese cuisine. It’s part of the famed Bingsheng group. The dining room is elegant, but the focus is on fresh, high-quality Cantonese dishes. Signature items include their black pepper crab, crispy lychee-flavored roast chicken, and superb double-boiled soups. Seafood here is very fresh too – the steamed fish and abalone get rave reviews. Despite the upscale vibe, you’ll often see families dining here, celebrating occasions with the very best food. Pro Tip: Reserve ahead, especially for dinner or weekend yum cha. This is a great spot to try Cantonese fine dining – dress smart casual and bring a healthy appetite (and budget).
• Nanxin Milk Desserts (南信牛奶甜品专家) – Address: 47 Dishifu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区第十甫路47号). A trip to Guangzhou isn’t complete without indulging your sweet tooth at this famous old-school dessert shop in the heart of the Shangxiajiu pedestrian street area. Established in the 1930s, Nanxin is known for one thing above all: Double-Skin Milk Pudding. It’s incredibly silky and aromatic – the essence of Cantonese dairy dessert. They also serve ginger milk curd (姜撞奶), steamed egg pudding, mango pancakes, and even savory snacks like wonton noodles and beef offal soup, but dessert is the star. The shop itself is unpretentious and often packed with both tourists and locals taking a break from shopping. Pro Tip: Go in the afternoon (3-5pm) to avoid the meal rush. If it’s full, get your pudding to-go in a container – it’s just as delicious enjoyed on a bench outside while people-watching on the pedestrian street.

Of course, Guangzhou has countless eateries to explore – from street food stalls on Beijing Road and Shangxia Jiu (上下九), to modern food courts and international restaurants. But the places above are excellent starting points to taste authentic Guangzhou flavors in settings that range from historic to contemporary.

Tips for Food Lovers in Guangzhou

• Embrace Yum Cha Etiquette: When having dim sum, tea is pivotal. Pro Tip: Tap two fingers on the table after someone pours you tea – this is a local gesture of saying “thank you” (a tradition stemming from Qing Dynasty tales). And don’t forget to periodically flip the lid of your teapot open – it signals the server for a hot water refill.
• Language & Menus: Many traditional places may not have English menus, but don’t let that stop you. Either go with a local friend or use a translation app. In dim sum spots, often you’ll get a paper checklist – you can match characters for famous items (e.g., 虾饺 for har gow). Pointing and smiling works too, as Cantonese folks are generally friendly with visitors.
• Street Food Safety: Guangzhou is known for some adventurous street eats (grilled oysters, stinky tofu, durian desserts, you name it!). Street food is part of the experience – just stick to vendors that look busy (high turnover means fresher food). The city maintains decent hygiene standards, but it’s wise to carry hand sanitizer or wet wipes when snacking on the go.
• Payment: Most places accept cash, but many local diners also use mobile payment (WeChat Pay/Alipay). If you can set that up, great – if not, ensure you have Chinese yuan on hand. Bigger restaurants and those in tourist areas are likely to accept credit cards, but small shops are typically cash-only.
• When to Eat: Cantonese people eat early. Lunch is often 11:30am–1:30pm, and dinner around 6–8pm. Dim sum is mainly a breakfast/brunch affair (6am up to noon). Some dim sum houses stop serving baskets after 2pm, though others (like Dian Dou De) go into the evening. Late night eats are also popular – look for dessert shops and barbecue skewers or claypot rice vendors open till late. If you’re jet-lagged and hungry at 11pm, you can still find a warm bowl of congee or some freshly steamed rice rolls.

Traveling through Guangzhou’s food scene is truly a rewarding adventure. Whether you’re slurping noodles at a tiny noodle joint or feasting on dim sum in a grand hall, you’ll taste the city’s history and passion in every bite. In Guangzhou they say “食在广州” (Eat in Guangzhou) – and once you’ve savored the delights here, you’ll understand why. Happy eating and 欢迎来广州享受美食 (welcome to Guangzhou to enjoy the food)!