Guangzhou Gourmet Week kicks off: Guide for Int'l visitors

The third edition of Guangzhou Gourmet Week (GGW) officially opened on October 11 at Haixinsha Island, a central landmark in Guangzhou.

Running until October 19, the event coincides with the first phase of the 138th Canton Fair (October 15-19), during which a large number of international visitors are expected in Guangzhou. Accordingly, GGW offers a suite of convenient services tailored for these visitors, including seamless transportation, "pain-free" payment options, and multilingual support.

Paula Costa (left) and her friends from Portugal say the event offers good chance to experience Guangdong specialty.Paula Costa (left) and her friends from Portugal say the event offers a good chance to experience Guangdong specialties

A Redefinition of Guangdong Culinary Charm

Unlike traditional food festivals that focus on street snacks, Guangzhou Gourmet Week is an iconic brand event cultivated by the city in its efforts to establish itself as an international consumption hub.

This year's GGW brings together over 220 premium dining brands, including Michelin-starred restaurants, recipients of the Black Pearl awards (a prestigious Chinese restaurant guide), time-honored local brands, and cuisines recognized as intangible cultural heritage.

At the opening ceremony on October 11, an exclusive "Collaborative Gala Dinner" crafted by eight master chefs from both Black Pearl and Michelin-starred restaurants offered visitors a glimpse into the event's rich offerings. Guests enjoyed a spectacular lineup of dishes, including:

· Chen Xiaodong from Yue Creative Chinese Dish presented "Marinated Foie Gras with Caviar," a perfect fusion of French luxury and traditional Cantonese marination.

· Liang Jianyu from Huacheng Yuan Restaurant elevated the umami of sea cucumber with aged Chinese Hua Diao wine in his "Drunken Sea Cucumber."

· Feng Yongbiao from Guangzhou Rosewood's Hotel Lingnan House demonstrated the pinnacle of Cantonese boiling techniques with "Plain-Sliced Sunflower Chicken," using a premium breed raised on sunflower seeds.

· Cai Hao from Howard's Gourmet showcased innovative fermentation techniques to create a uniquely aromatic "Sturgeon Tendon Fermented Sour Soup."

Belarusian and Russian visitors say they enjoy a wide selection of both Eastern and Western delicacies at the event.Belarusian and Russian visitors say they enjoy a wide selection of both Eastern and Western delicacies at the event

The festival is structured into several themed zones.

The Fine Dining Zone, featuring nearly 20 renowned Black Pearl restaurants, offers exquisite, high-end Cantonese cuisine; the Intangible Cultural Heritage Zone, where more than 10 intangible cultural heritage brands and masters preserve and present traditional Cantonese flavors; the Specialty Experience Zone, which hosts the "China Fine Wine Festival" highlighting the appeal of Chinese wines and offers innovative dishes like Ham and Pineapple Cake. 

Cantonese intangible cultural heritage delicacy made with over a hundred years of culinary technique.Cantonese intangible cultural heritage delicacy made with over a hundred years of culinary technique

Many participating brands will also debut new dishes exclusively during the event.

Effortless Experience for International Guests

To enhance the experience for international guests, comprehensive services have been introduced. 

For transportation, visitors can take a scenic Pearl River cruise, available day or night, from the Convention & Exhibition Center Wharf (会展中心码头) near the Canton Fair venue to Haixinsha West Pier (海心沙西区码头), close to the Gourmet Week venue. International exhibitors and buyers presenting valid Canton Fair credentials will enjoy a 20% discount on night ferry tickets. 

Payment convenience is also a priority. Every food stall is equipped with POS machines that accept foreign bank cards, allowing international visitors to pay seamlessly via Visa or UnionPay by either scanning a QR code or using tap-to-pay technology, eliminating the need for local payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

An international visitor browses the diverse food stalls at the event.An international visitor browses the diverse food stalls at the event

Additionally, a multilingual volunteer team has been assembled to assist global guests. Bilingual signage is available throughout the venue, from directional guides to menu and product descriptions, ensuring that international friends can fully appreciate the stories and craftsmanship behind each culinary creation.

Beyond the gastronomic delights, GGW will host various performances, including nine days of high-quality music parties, dance shows, mass Zumba sessions, and trendy running club activities, adding a festive vibe to the culinary extravaganza.

Admission to Guangzhou Gourmet Week is free. Visitors can reserve tickets and claim consumption vouchers via the "GGW广州精品美食周" WeChat mini-program.

Reporter | Huang Xinyi

Photo | Huang Xinyi, GGW Organizing Committee

Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He 

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