As the 138th Canton Fair welcomes visitors from around the world, Guangzhou, known as a "Food Capital of China," invites them to explore its authentic flavors. From morning dim sum to late-night congee, every meal here tells the story of a city that brims with the allure of delicious food.
Morning dim sum: a leisurely start of the day
In Guangzhou, a perfect day begins with yum cha—literally "drinking tea." Locals gather in teahouses early in the morning, sipping hot tea as bamboo baskets of freshly steamed dim sum are served one after another.
(Photo: Guangzhou Panyu Fabu)
Steamed dim sum forms the heart of Cantonese morning tea. Classic favorites include crystal shrimp dumplings, siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), cha siu bao (barbecue pork buns), and silky rice rolls drizzled with soy sauce. Each bite is delicate, light, and full of the city's signature freshness.
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
Equally irresistible are the baked and fried pastries that add layers of texture and aroma to the meal. From crispy turnip cakes and golden char siu puffs to flaky egg tarts and sesame balls, every bite reflects Guangzhou's love for rich yet balanced flavors.
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
Midday classics: Essence of local flavors
In Guangzhou, a good meal always begins with soup. From black-bone chicken soup with red dates and gelatin, to pigeon soup with Chinese yam and poria, or duck soup with winter melon and lotus leaf, each bowl reflects the season and the people's pursuit of freshness and balance.
(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)
Cantonese roasted and cured meats are another must-try. Roast goose, barbecued pork, crispy roast pork, and soy sauce chicken are cooked to perfection, offering crisp skin, juicy meat, and an abundance of flavor.
(Photo: Yuexiu Fabu)
Seafood is also a highlight, with oysters, shrimp, and crabs filling markets and menus. Steamed sea bass, gently cooked with ginger and scallions and finished with hot oil and soy sauce, captures the pure freshness of Cantonese cuisine.
(Photo: Grandview Mall)
For something heartier, black goat stew is a favorite in cooler months. Seared with sand ginger, the meat stays tender inside while rich flavors develop on the outside.
(Photo: Grandview Mall)
When the lid lifts, the juejuebao (啫啫煲), literally meaning sizzling claypot dishes, comes alive with a lively sizzle. Meat, seafood, and vegetables dance in the bubbling sauce, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma that makes it impossible to wait before tasting.
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
Cantonese desserts: Sweet treats through the seasons
No visit to Guangzhou is complete without sampling a Cantonese dessert. Locally known as sweet soups, these treats come in many varieties that change with the seasons. In spring, try the nourishing pear and papaya stew; in summer, cool off with mung bean and water chestnut soup; and in winter, enjoy sweet red bean soup with glutinous rice balls. These desserts are not only delicious but also believed to have health benefits, making them a beloved part of daily life in Guangzhou.
(Photo: Guangzhou Yuexiu Fabu)
(Photo: Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau)
Late-night eats: Savoring Guangzhou after dark
The city's late-night scene is full of warmth, chatter, and the irresistible aroma of grilled food and steaming congee. Barbecue stalls form the heart of Guangzhou's nightlife. Locals gather around grills loaded with skewers of seafood, meat, and vegetables, where sweet honey glaze meets smoky charcoal for bold yet balanced flavors.
(Photo: Guangzhou Liwan Fabu)
When the night grows late, a bowl of Cantonese congee offers unmatched comfort. In Panyu District, some of the city's most beloved congee shops only get busy near midnight. Fresh pork offal arrives from the market, and chefs ladle thick, silky congee into steaming bowls. With rich broth, tender meat, and crisp ginger, each bite warms both body and soul.
(Photo: Guangzhou Panyu Fabu)
Author | Huang Xinying
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He