Guangdong, a region renowned for its rich culinary heritage, offers a diverse array of dishes that have captivated food lovers worldwide. Here, we present a list of 30 iconic Guangdong foods that showcase the region’s vibrant flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
1. Shumai (烧卖)
A dim sum classic, Shumai is an open-topped dumpling filled with steamed ground pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. Often garnished with a pea or fish egg, this delicacy originated from tea houses along the Silk Road and has since become a staple in dim sum cuisine globally.
2. Char Siu (叉烧)
Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is a savory dish where pork is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine, and star anise, then roasted to perfection. The dish’s name literally means “fork-roasted,” referencing its traditional preparation method.
3. Crispy Fried Chicken (脆皮炸鸡)
This Cantonese specialty involves steaming chicken with spices like cinnamon and Sichuan pepper, drying it, and deep-frying to achieve a crunchy skin with tender meat beneath. It’s a popular dish at wedding feasts and is traditionally enjoyed in the evening.
4. Beef Chow Fun (干炒牛河)
A hallmark of Cantonese stir-frying, Beef Chow Fun features marinated beef slices stir-fried with flat rice noodles, bean sprouts, and scallions. Mastery of this dish lies in achieving the perfect wok hei—imparting a smoky, umami flavor.
5. Salt-and-Pepper Squid (椒盐鱿鱼)
Originating from Guangzhou, this dish consists of cross-hatched squid pieces deep-fried to a golden crisp, then stir-fried with garlic, scallions, and hot peppers. A final dusting of Sichuan pepper and salt completes the dish.
6. Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs (糖醋排骨)
A Cantonese favorite, these spare ribs are marinated, deep-fried, and coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Often served as an appetizer, this dish is also popular during Chinese New Year celebrations.
7. Winter Melon Soup (冬瓜汤)
This restorative soup is made with winter melon, pork or chicken broth, and various herbs like goji berries and jujube. Despite its lack of a distinct flavor, the melon absorbs the rich flavors of the broth, making it a soothing dish enjoyed year-round.
8. Lo Mein (捞面)
A versatile noodle dish, Lo Mein involves boiled wheat and egg noodles tossed in a savory sauce and stir-fried with a variety of vegetables or meats. The noodles should have a firm bite, akin to al dente pasta.
9. Fish Balls (鱼丸)
Fish Balls, made from finely pulverized white fish, are a beloved snack in Southern China, Hong Kong, and Macau. These bouncy, tender balls are often served in soups or skewered for a quick bite.
10. Sweet and Sour Pork (咕咾肉)
Sweet and Sour Pork features crispy chunks of pork coated in a bright, sticky sauce with pineapple and vegetables. This dish is a staple in both Cantonese cuisine and American-Chinese restaurants.
11. Wonton Noodles (云吞面)
A comforting bowl of Wonton Noodles features thin egg noodles served in a savory broth with shrimp or pork wontons. This dish is a favorite breakfast or lunch option in Guangdong.
12. Red Bean Soup (红豆汤)
This sweet, velvety soup made from red beans is often enjoyed as a dessert. It’s a simple yet satisfying end to a meal, especially in Guangdong’s humid climate.
13. Honey-Soy Braised Chicken Wings (蜜汁炖鸡翼)
These tender chicken wings are slow-cooked in a rich blend of soy sauce, honey, and spices, resulting in a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s impossible to resist.
14. Beef Balls (牛丸)
Beef Balls, often served in noodle soups or hot pots, are known for their bouncy texture and savory taste, achieved through a mix of finely minced beef and various seasonings.
15. Egg Rolls (蛋卷)
Crispy on the outside and filled with savory ingredients like pork and vegetables, Egg Rolls are a popular appetizer in Guangdong and beyond.
16. Roast Squab (炸乳鸽)
This dish features a young pigeon roasted to perfection, with tender meat and crispy skin. It’s a luxurious treat often served at banquets.
17. Snow Fungus Soup (银耳汤)
A nourishing dessert soup, Snow Fungus Soup is made with snow fungus, red dates, and goji berries, believed to have health-boosting properties.
18. Shark Fin Soup (鱼翅羹)
A controversial delicacy, Shark Fin Soup is made with shark fins and chicken broth, symbolizing wealth and status at banquets.
19. Cantonese Seafood Soup (海皇羹)
This rich, thick soup is packed with seafood like shrimp, scallops, and fish, often thickened with cornstarch for a velvety texture.
20. Shacha Sauce (沙茶酱)
A savory, slightly spicy sauce from Chaoshan, Shacha Sauce is made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, and dried shrimp, often used as a dip or stir-fry sauce.
21. Pig’s Organ Soup (猪杂汤)
A hearty soup featuring various pig organs like liver, intestines, and stomach, often flavored with ginger and served with rice.
22. Red Bean Cake (红豆糕)
These sweet, chewy cakes made from red bean paste are a popular snack or dessert in Guangdong.
23. Tangerine Beef (陈皮牛肉)
This stir-fried dish combines tender beef slices with tangerine peel, creating a fragrant and tangy flavor profile.
24. Seafood Bird’s Nest (海鲜巢炒)
A luxurious dish featuring seafood served in a crispy nest made from fried noodles or taro, often served at banquets.
25. Braised Abalone (焖鲍鱼)
Abalone, a prized seafood, is slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce until tender, making it a sought-after dish in Cantonese cuisine.
26. Swiss Wings (瑞士鸡翼)
Despite the name, Swiss Wings are a Cantonese dish featuring chicken wings braised in a sweet soy sauce-based marinade.
27. Wind Sand Chicken (风沙鸡)
This unique dish involves roasting chicken with a mixture of garlic, creating a crispy, golden skin reminiscent of sand.
28. Baobing (刨冰)
A refreshing dessert, Baobing is a shaved ice treat topped with various sweet toppings like red bean paste, fruits, and condensed milk.
29. Cantonese Mooncake (蛋黄莲蓉月饼)
A traditional pastry enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Cantonese Mooncakes are filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks.
30. Teochew Braised Duck (潮州卤鸭)
This flavorful dish features duck braised in a savory soy sauce-based broth, infused with spices like cinnamon and star anise.
These dishes represent just a glimpse of the culinary wonders awaiting in Guangdong, each one telling a story of the region’s rich history and vibrant food culture. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious foodie, these 30 must-try dishes should be on your list when exploring the flavors of Guangdong.