Dim sum to dessert soup, 5 of the best Guangzhou restaurants to visit on your next trip

Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province in southern China, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Hong Kong. But it rewards those who visit with a blend of history, vibrant modernity and culinary delights. Formerly called Canton, it is the birthplace of Cantonese cooking. Today, the food offerings in this bustling metropolis can best be summarised as affordable luxury – one can enjoy great meals without breaking the bank. For everything from dim sum to roast pigeon, congee and desserts, here are five places to eat at on a weekend getaway. 1. Da Ge Fan Da Ge Fan’s flagship branch in Guangzhou has a Michelin Bib Gourmand, awarded to restaurants considered to offer a value-for-money gourmet experience. The name of the chain translates to “big pigeon rice”, and it specialises in the roasted bird, a century-old southern Chinese speciality. It has a loyal following. The skin of the pigeon is crispy and the meat tender and succulent. Diners can opt for a salt-baked version, which is less oily than the original but equally delicious. In addition to its signature dish, the restaurant serves Cantonese dishes ranging from seafood to stir-fries. The wide choice of dishes on the menu make the restaurant a popular choice for both casual dining and special occasions. A two-person set including a whole pigeon, rice, two main dishes and drinks costs 289 yuan (HK$310) when bought through food app Meituan-Dianping. Average cost per person: 150-200 yuan Multiple locations across Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hunan province 2. Lu Zhou Lu Zhou resembles a Hong Kong dai pai dong (food stall), but its main offering is congee, which can be enjoyed with a variety of meat, seafood and other ingredients. Classic choices include crab, and pig offal. The restaurant grew in popularity after a televised visit by Hong Kong pop diva Kelly Chen during one of her international tours. As well as congee, the modest-sized shop serves fried noodles, stir-fried dishes, vegetables and steamed pork chop rice – which is also a signature dish. Not much innovation is required at an old-school restaurant like this, and it is best that it stays the way it is. The restaurant’s authentic offerings have made it a favourite of both residents and tourists. There is sometimes a queue, but thanks to the speed of service it tends to move quickly. Average cost per person: 50 yuan G/F, 128 Xingyuan Street, Haizhu district, Guangzhou 3. Jian Ji This more than 50-year-old e-fu, or yi mein, noodle shop has also been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The Cantonese egg noodles it specialises in are flat and delicate. They are made from wheat flour, and can be difficult to cook well. Options for the accompanying broth include dace, pork bone, shrimp roe and dried shrimp, all priced between 20 and 30 yuan. Diners can also order the delicate, handmade wontons with noodles in a savoury broth. The shop’s decor is not the most glamorous; the focus is on the taste. The women working in the open kitchen take orders quickly, so make sure you have your mind made up before entering – it is a cultural experience. Average cost per person: 30 yuan 299-303 Changshou East Road, Liwan district, Guangzhou 4. South Sea Fishing Village This traditional Cantonese restaurant is a solid option for those looking for an authentic taste of Guangzhou. It resembles many a Hong Kong restaurant with its live seafood tanks at the entrance. From delicate dim sum to expertly prepared seafood specialities, its dishes feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try the yum cha classics such as siu mai (pork and prawn dumplings) and har gow (shrimp dumplings), and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Average cost per person: 100-150 yuan 4/F, Block F, Autumn Zone, GT Land Plaza, 11 Zhujiang East Road, Tianhe district, Guangzhou 5. Bai Hua Dessert Store Established in 1986, this unassuming shop in the heart of Guangzhou’s bustling Yuexiu district is a favourite among long-time residents as well as tourists. Bai Hua offers more than a hundred flavours of Chinese sweet soup, or tong sui, from classics to the more unusual. The portions are usually generous and the prices affordable, mostly ranging between 10 and 30 yuan. This, as well as the restaurant’s commitment to tradition, gives it an edge against the newer, trendier dessert shops that have emerged in the area. Average cost per person: 30 yuan 197 Wenming Road, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou

Dim sum to dessert soup, 5 of the best Guangzhou restaurants to visit on your next trip

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From a Michelin-recommended roasted pigeon restaurant to noodle and congee joints, must-try places for your next trip to Guangdong’s capital

1. Da Ge Fan

From a Michelin-recommended roasted pigeon restaurant to noodle and congee joints, must-try places for your next trip to Guangdong’s capital