What to eat when in Guangzhou? So, so much! Here is my guide to the top 10 must-try local snacks in Guangzhou which come from the local Cantonese cuisine. Cantonese cuisine is one of China’s eight famous cuisines and it is also the one most popular and most palatable for foreigners. You can find all of these at a Dian Xin (點心) restaurant and I will list some famous ones at the bottom of the page. Also see our Guangzhou Dim Sum guide.
Steamed Rice Rolls (蒸肠粉)
This delicious thin roll is made from a strip of rice noodle, filled with shrimp, pork, beef, vegetables and other ingredients.
Shahe Rice Noodle (沙河粉)
Originated from Shahe Town, this is one of the most popular snack in Guangzhou. The method of making it is grinding the rice and then cut them into long narrow strips.
Shui Mai (烧卖)
Also known as pork and mushroom dumpling, Shui Mai is filling with a combination of ingredients, including seasoned ground pork, shrimp, and Chinese black mushroom.
Cha Siu Bao (叉烧包)
This can never be missed if you come to Guangzhou. Filled with barbecue-flavoured cha siu pork, the dim sum is one of the most delicious thing in the planet!
Shrimp Dumplings (虾饺)
Filled with the chopped seasoned shrimp, this is one of the most popular dim sum in Guangzhou.
Sampan Congee (艇仔粥)
Sampan Congee is a kind of gruel, consisting of fish meat, seafood, and fried peanuts. All these ingredients make the gruel having a special flavor.
Wonton Noodles (馄饨面)
Composed of crisp noodles, wonton, Vegetables and fragrant soup, Wonton Noodles is one of those dishes which are eaten every day by people in Guangzhou.
Water Chestnut Cake (马蹄糕)
Made of shredded Chinese water chestnut, Water Chestnut Cake is a sweet Cantonese dim sum dish.
Egg Tart (蛋挞)
This is almost the most famous dim sum of Guangzhou. If you are in Guangzhou, there is no way for you to miss this delicious snack. It is mainly made of egg and sugar.
Double-Skin Milk (双皮奶 )
With a history of over 100 years, this dim sum is simmered milk with a covering made from a mixture of egg and milk.
Where to find these dishes? They almost ubiquitous and you should not have too much trouble simply bumping into a place during your travels. I will list some of the most popular and highly rated Cantonese restaurants in Guangzhou where you can try them in comfort and be guaranteed of the best taste.
Guangzhou Restaurant 广州酒家手信店 – Recommended
Wenchang South Road very near Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. 文昌南路2号(近上下九)
Lu Yun Tea House 禄运茶居(正佳广场店) – Recommended
Tianhe City/Sports Center Sports East Road, Grandview Mall, 5th Floor, Guangzheng Street
Mei Xin Jade Garden 美心翠园
Shop 301-306, 3/F, Hui Fang, No.75 Tianhe East Rd., Tianhe
Jade Garden 翠园
Shop M01, Level M, TaiKoo Hui Shopping Centre, 383 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
Also see our Guangzhou Dim Sum guide.