In a world that so often feels centred on Western culture—music, films, fashion, what have you—it’s heartening to see greater representation of Asian cultures on the global stage. While conversations around respect and cultural appropriation still continue, there’s no denying that there’s a fast-growing global appetite for the region’s cultural touchpoints. Food, in particular, has become a compelling entry point—offering a lens through which the richness and diversity of Chinese culture can be more meaningfully understood and appreciated.
It is notable that diversity is the key here. For a country of its scale, Chinese cuisine is far too often condensed into a single all-encompassing category. In actuality, it is deeply regional—Beijing is known for its dough-based dishes, Shanghai for its delicate, seafood-forward flavours, and Sichuan for its signature mouth-numbing spice. Beyond these familiar culinary identities, there remains much to be explored in terms of China’s regional culinary offerings.
Guangzhou is one such city, with a vast array of delightful dishes, signature to the provincial city. Long established as a major trading port, it has built a reputation as one of the country’s most vital food capitals—and is widely regarded as the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine. But to reduce Guangzhou to just that would be to overlook the breadth of its culinary landscape. Looking beyond the dishes familiar to most of us, the city is home to a wide selection of local dishes—defined by balance, freshness, and a tender, delicate flavour that’s rarely seen in other parts of the world.
Here, discover our top dining addresses in Guangzhou that will immerse you in the rich, ever-evolving culinary culture of the city.
1 / 7
BingSheng Mansion
For high quality dimsum with an elevated ambiance, head to BingSheng Mansion. Awarded with one Michelin star, the restaurant features hand-crafted small plates that are chock full of flavour, along with hearty Chinese soups to warm the palate and soul. In addition to the traditional dimsum offerings, order their roast goose and special char siu—marinated overnight and grilled till crispy—which is known for its smoky glaze and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
BingSheng Mansion, 5F, Shoufu Mansion, 2 Xiancun Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe, Guangzhou Province, China
2 / 7
Lao Xiguan Laifen
Not all noodle dishes are created equal. Originating from Guangzhou is lai fen, a regional noodle soup dish that boasts a rich and creamy broth made with ground rice, dried shrimp and mushroom. The noodles are short and thick, and are usually accompanied by crispy pork crackling and egg. And if there’s one place you go to try this regional delicacy, let it be Lao Xiguan Laifen. A small shop frequented by locals, the traditional spot honours this everyday fare by coupling it with punchy side dishes such as pickled mustard leaves and spicy pickled vegetables.
Lao Xiguan Laifen, Longgui Street Yongxing Commercial Street No.7 Pu 102, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
3 / 7
Yinji Rice Rolls
A classic Guangzhou breakfast dish is rice rolls, made of thin sheets of rice dough and filled generously with ingredients such as eggs and meat, and topped off with soy sauce. While this affordable delicacy is commonplace in the city and can be found at roadside stalls, we recommend visiting Yinji Rice Rolls, known for their silky, cloth-thin sheets of dough that nearly ooze with flavour. For a fuller meal, you can also order their congee, yet another Guangzhou breakfast staple.
Yinji Rice Rolls, 199 Wenming Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
4 / 7
Ah Ma Shou Zuo
Turning traditional bubble tea on its head is Ah Ma Shou Zuo. This renowned beverage brand is popular online for its rich taro-loaded drinks, but what truly sets their milk tea concoctions apart is the use of buffalo milk. As one of the region’s longstanding agricultural animals, buffalo milk is not uncommon in Guangzhou and boasts a richer and creamier taste as compared to cow’s milk, making it the perfect choice for a localised adaptation of bubble tea. Ah Ma Shou Zuo also regularly presents seasonal creations, where buffalo milk transforms into airy whipped creams and other creative toppings.
Ah Ma Shuo Zuo, 228 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
5 / 7
Min Ji Claypot Rice
You haven’t had food from Guangzhou till you’ve had their claypot rice. Though other cities in and around China do offer variations, one of the best iterations of this comforting Cantonese dish can be found at Min Ji Claypot Rice. Regulars, including locals, usually opt for the version made with lap cheong, a type of Chinese sausage. Otherwise, take your pick—the menu has other protein options like chicken with mushroom or beef. No matter which you end up with, the meat is paired with a delightfully savoury and umami-packed shrimp sauce for a warm, satisfying meal.
Min Ji Claypot Rice, Kefeng Road, No.89 Guangzhou Luogang, Wanda Plaza, Huangpu, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
6 / 7
Ruxu Dessert
The mark of a good East Asian dessert is that it’s not too sweet. And that theory is put to the test at Ruxu Dessert. At this trendy sweets spot, indulge in traditional Chinese desserts such as taro paste, along with egg tarts or fun dessert bowls with all the fixings for a balanced, (slightly) sweet finish to any meal. From the menu, we recommend the Matcha and Taro Double Layer Milk Custard which combines the flavour profiles of Japanese green tea with the signature earthiness of taro.
Ruxu Dessert, Tianhui Plaza, igc Mall, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
7 / 7
Delightful House
Foodies that are willing to travel that extra mile for a solid plate of grub should add Delightful House to their list of outstanding restaurants in Guangzhou. Tucked away in a hidden oasis in the outskirts of the city, the soothing ambiance of the space is only amplified by the restaurant’s slate of classic dimsum and Cantonese dishes, available throughout the day. Here, expect the freshest of ingredients and traditional Guangdong flavours, presented with a fresh, contemporary twist.
Delightful House, 153 Hanxi Avenue Middle, Panyu, Guangzhou Province, China
