A Gastronomic Guide to Guangzhou
Dim sum, historic teahouses and refined Cantonese dining in the city where Cantonese cuisine was born.
For anyone who loves Cantonese food, Guangzhou is a pilgrimage. This guide brings together historic teahouses, refined dining rooms and hotels in both the old and new city.
The ritual of yum cha
In Guangzhou, the day often begins with yum cha: tea, dim sum and conversation. Historic teahouses such as Tao Tao Ju keep the tradition alive, and Guangzhou Restaurant shows the grander, banquet side of Cantonese cooking.
Refined Cantonese
The cuisine’s emphasis on freshness, balance and technique reaches its most polished form in restaurants such as Lai Heen. Look also for roast goose, clay-pot rice in winter and the double-boiled soups that Cantonese families prize for their restorative qualities.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou and Rosewood Guangzhou offer skyline views in the new city, while White Swan Hotel places you by the river, close to the old teahouse districts.
Practical notes
Arrive early for dim sum, as teahouses fill quickly, especially at weekends. Avoid the Canton Fair periods if you want lower hotel prices. High-speed trains make an easy day trip from Hong Kong.