Guangzhou: A Culinary Paradise with Six Must-Try Dishes
Guangzhou, a city known for its picturesque landscapes, is also a culinary paradise that tantalizes the taste buds of food lovers. As one of China’s top ten “Gourmet Capitals,” Guangzhou offers a diverse array of unique snacks that leave visitors in awe, just like its scenic beauty. Today, let’s unveil the top six must-try dishes in Guangzhou. If you haven’t tried at least four of these, your journey is incomplete! Let’s explore the charm of this culinary haven together.
1. Beef Offal (Niuzha)
Guangzhou locals have an unparalleled passion for beef offal. The secret lies in the broth-making technique, which is nothing short of exceptional. To create that rich aroma, locals add a blend of over a dozen spices and several pounds of beef bones, simmering them fresh every day. When you stand by the pot, the intoxicating aroma captures your soul, pulling you in.
As the lid is lifted, a wave of satisfaction floods your senses. The fragrant steam hits your face, practically begging you to take a bite. The sight of the hearty ingredients, coupled with the sound of the boiling broth, makes your stomach growl in anticipation.
2. Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheong Fun)
Rice noodle rolls, a famous Guangzhou delicacy, are like a master artist who skillfully demonstrates the city’s food culture. Depending on the preparation, this dish comes in two forms: “Cloth Pulled” and “Drawer Steamed” Cheong Fun. Both methods offer unique flavors, and both are beloved by locals, especially as a breakfast staple.
The taste of the rolls largely depends on the accompanying sauces. Just like colors on a palette, different ratios and combinations create varying flavors. In Guangzhou, the sauces are a symphony of taste—soy sauce adds a salty tang, peanut oil provides a rich aroma, and the thick rice batter lends a deep, hearty flavor. The result is a dish with a taste that’s impossible to describe in just a few words.
3. Boat Congee (Ting Zai Zhou)
Boat Congee, a traditional snack from Guangzhou’s Liwan District, is packed with a surprising array of ingredients. Made with a congee base simmered from fish bones and combined with nine luxurious toppings, it’s a dish fit for royalty. With tender fish slices, chewy squid, and soft, crispy dough sticks, it’s hard not to drool.
When tasting Boat Congee, it’s best to start with the fish slices. The hot congee cooks the fish perfectly, making it tender and flavorful. Each bite melts in your mouth, allowing you to experience the delicate combination of smooth fish and savory congee. One bowl is never enough!
4. Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Beef (Gan Chao Niu He)
Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Beef is one of the signature dishes of Cantonese cuisine and a true test of a chef’s skill. Having grown up with this dish, I’ve seen it made in countless ways—sometimes boiled in soup, sometimes steamed and topped with various ingredients, and often stir-fried to perfection. Despite appearing dry, the dish is always rich in flavor and never too greasy.
The flavors can vary based on personal preference. Some people add chili sauce, others sprinkle green onions, and sometimes a bit of sweet sauce is included. Each version is delicious and leaves you craving more.
5. Wonton Noodles (Yun Tun Mian)
A favorite in Guangdong, Cantonese-style Wonton Noodles are beloved by all ages. The most popular version is shrimp wonton noodles. Each delicate wonton is packed with a whole shrimp, while the filling is tender and flavorful. The wonton skin, thin and slippery, resembles the tail of a goldfish. The noodles are chewy and firm, dancing in your mouth with every bite.
The broth, made from pork bones, shrimp shells, and dried sole, is another highlight. Every spoonful bursts with flavor, leaving you longing for the next bite.
6. Double-Skin Milk (Shuang Pi Nai)
My first taste of Guangzhou’s Double-Skin Milk left me mesmerized by its rich, creamy flavor. The smooth texture glides on your tongue like silk, transporting you to cloud nine. It looks like yogurt but has a jelly-like, bouncy consistency. Each spoonful carries a subtle sweetness, making it utterly addictive.
The key to an authentic bowl of Double-Skin Milk is its two layers of milk skin. The top layer is sweet and rich, while the bottom layer is silky and smooth. Traditional Double-Skin Milk is made from buffalo milk, which enhances its flavor and nutritional value.
Eat in Guangzhou, Eat in China！！