During the National Day holiday, Guangdong invites you on an unforgettable culinary adventure. The diverse province boasts distinct regional flavors that promise to delight every food lover! Here is a list of the absolute must-try dishes for your gastronomic journey.
White cut chicken
A deceptively simple dish requiring impeccable ingredients and precise cooking. The skin achieves a perfect gelatinous texture while the meat remains succulent, highlighting the natural flavor of the chicken.
Where to try: Qingyuan, located in northern Guangdong's Pearl River Delta region, is famous for its white cut chicken made with local poultry. You can reach Qingyuan by high-speed rail to Qingyuan Station, which connects to major cities like Guangzhou, or drive there, then visit rural restaurants specializing in this dish.
(Photo: Guangzhou Release)
Roasted goose
Featuring crispy, mahogany-colored skin that cracks to reveal tender, juicy meat, this Cantonese classic represents the pinnacle of roasting techniques.
Where to try: Dongguan, in central Guangdong's Pearl River Delta, is particularly famous for its roasted goose. Travel to Dongguan by high-speed rail, then use the city's extensive bus network to reach renowned roast goose restaurants; or you can drive to Dongguan.
(Photo: Da Lingshan Release)
Oyster omelet
A textural masterpiece featuring crispy edges that give way to plump, juicy oysters. This iconic street food represents Chaoshan's (encompassing Chaozhou, Shantou, and Jieyang) perfect balance of texture and ocean freshness.
Where to try: Shantou in eastern coastal Guangdong is renowned for its oyster omelet. Take the high-speed rail to Shantou Station, then use the city's metro system to reach the old town area where the best street vendors are located; or you can drive to Shantou.
(Photo: Shantou Release)
Beef hot pot
Experience communal dining at its finest with thinly sliced, freshly butchered beef briefly cooked in flavorful broth. The hand-pounded beef balls are particularly noteworthy for their remarkable springiness.
Where to try: Chaoshan beef hot pot originated in Shantou. Arrive via Shantou Railway Station and take a short taxi ride to local restaurants; or you can also drive.
(Photo: Shantou Release)
Braised goose
Marinated in a complex blend of spices and soy sauce, this preserved food specialty offers savory depth that contrasts beautifully with Chaoshan's lighter dishes.
Where to try: Chaozhou in eastern Guangdong is the best place for authentic braised goose. Reach Chaozhou via high-speed rail, then take a bus or taxi to the ancient city area where specialist shops abound; or you can drive to Chaozhou.
(Photo: Shantou Release)
Chaozhou-style cold crab
Quickly cooked then chilled, this unique preparation preserves the delicate sweetness of crab meat, resulting in a refreshing and elegant seafood experience.
Where to try: Chaozhou is the definitive destination for this delicacy. Take the high-speed rail to Chaozhou Station, then transfer to local bus lines 101 or K4 to the Ancient City area (Gu Cheng Qu), where traditional seafood restaurants along the Hanjiang River serve authentic versions; or you can drive there.
(Photo: Shantou Olive TV)
Chive oil rice noodles
This local variation on rice noodles uses fragrant chive oil instead of peanut oil, creating a uniquely aromatic dish that exemplifies regional creativity.
Where to try: Maoming is in southwestern Guangdong's coastal area, whose Dianbai district is the birthplace of this dish. Travel to Maoming by high-speed rail, then take a local bus to Dianbai for the most authentic experience; or you can drive to Maoming.
(Photo: Maoming Release)
Sour bamboo shoot duck
The fermented bamboo shoots impart a pungent acidity that cuts through the richness of the duck, creating a bold, comforting dish representative of Northern Guangdong's robust character.
Where to try: Nanxiong in northern Guangdong is famous for this dish. Take the high-speed train to Shaoguan Station, then transfer to the bus heading to Nanxiong for the most authentic version; or you can drive to Nanxiong.
(Photo: Shaoguan Headline)
Nanxiong cured meats
Exceptional air-dried sausages and bacon capture the essence of the region's terroir, offering concentrated savory flavors that differ markedly from coastal specialties.
Where to try: Also take the high-speed train to Shaoguan Station, then transfer to the bus heading to Nanxiong; or you can drive there.
(Photo: Nanxiong Release)
Stone pot "water ghost" fofu
Through a fascinating process of frying and soaking in mountain spring water, this Qingyuan specialty achieves a texture that's simultaneously firm and silky, offering a truly unique culinary experience.
Where to try: Qingyuan's Lianzhou area specializes in this tofu dish. Travel to Qingyuan by high-speed rail, then take a local bus to Lianzhou, where traditional restaurants serve it in stone pots; or you can drive there.
(Photo: Qingyuan Tourism Release)
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
