Food, Drinks & Traditional Dishes in Guangzhou

This seemingly simple dish is the ultimate test of a chef's skill and the ingredient's quality. The bird is gently poached without heavy spices, resulting in incredibly tender meat and crisp skin. It is always served with a highly aromatic dipping sauce made of minced ginger, spring onions, and oil. The dish perfectly encapsulates the regional culinary philosophy of preserving original, natural flavours. It is a mandatory order at any respectable local banquet.

Watching this magical dessert being made at your table is as enjoyable as eating it. Fresh ginger juice is poured quickly into hot milk, causing the liquid to instantly curdle into a soft, wobbly pudding. The spicy, warming kick of the ginger balances beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the milk. It is considered highly beneficial for digestion and health in traditional medicine. The texture is incredibly delicate, melting instantly in your mouth.

These bite sized portions of food are carefully crafted to be visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. Staples include translucent shrimp dumplings, steamed pork buns, and fluffy barbecue pork buns. Eaten alongside pots of strong tea, they form the basis of the beloved morning social ritual. The variety is staggering, with top restaurants offering over a hundred different intricate options. It is a highly refined culinary art form that originated in this very region.

You will easily spot these highly glazed, succulent meats hanging in the windows of local eateries. The selection typically includes sweet barbecued pork, crispy roasted pork belly, and rich roast goose. They are roasted in special ovens that render the fat perfectly while keeping the meat juicy. Usually served simply over rice with a sweet plum sauce or savoury gravy. The combination of crispy skin and tender meat is highly addictive.

This delicate, highly comforting dessert features a smooth, custard like texture. It is made by carefully boiling milk to form two distinct layers of rich skin on top. The flavour is gently sweet and heavily relies on the high quality of the dairy used. It can be served hot or cold, often topped with sweet red beans or fresh fruit. It is the perfect, soothing conclusion to a heavy, savoury meal.