Try These 7 Delicious and Impressive Cantonese Dishes When Traveling to China

Cantonese cuisine is one of the major culinary schools in China. By blending the essence of Western culinary traditions with traditional dishes, it creates a unique and captivating flavor that attracts tourists to China.

Exploring Cantonese cuisine is a must-try experience when traveling to China. This culinary school is renowned for its diverse cooking methods. With 21 different techniques such as frying, roasting, grilling, stewing, stir-frying, steaming, braising, and more, it produces flavorful and enticing dishes. This school emphasizes four key elements: aroma, appearance, taste, and presentation. However, it demands high standards for dishes, such as being tender but not raw, rich but not greasy, light but not bland, refreshing in summer, and hearty and warm in winter.

Additionally, the presentation of dishes in this culinary school is quite distinctive. It continuously refines flavors, presentation, ingredient usage, and cooking techniques by incorporating influences from other culinary traditions. It also integrates Western cooking methods into traditional dishes, creating uniquely captivating flavors. Join Mytour in discovering the standout dishes you must try when visiting Guangdong, China!

1. Shrimp Dumplings

When discussing Cantonese cuisine, shrimp dumplings are a must-mention, being one of the most famous dishes from the region. This simple yet beloved dish is cherished for its delicious flavor and nutritional value. The filling is typically made from finely minced shrimp and vegetables, seasoned to perfection. The wrapper is soft yet chewy. Steamed to perfection, the dumplings retain the natural sweetness of both the shrimp and vegetables.

2. Cantonese Roast Duck

Alongside Beijing roast duck, travelers to

China should not miss Cantonese roast duck, renowned for its equally delightful flavor. The Cantonese preparation method is unique. After plucking and cleaning the duck, a small hole is made to remove the innards. The duck is then marinated with a variety of spices, including brown sugar slabs, licorice powder, soy sauce, white vinegar, garlic, and wine. To achieve the best taste, the duck must marinate for two hours before roasting. It is continuously rotated on a spit to ensure even cooking and moisture retention. The result is a crispy golden skin and tender, juicy meat.

3. Crispy Fried Oatmeal Sticky Rice

Crispy fried oatmeal sticky rice is a standout dish in Cantonese cuisine. The ingredients are simple: glutinous rice flour, sugar, and oatmeal. The rice flour and sugar are mixed with warm water, rolled thin, and cut into bite-sized rounds. The thickness varies by the chef's preference. The cakes are deep-fried until one side turns golden, then sprinkled with oatmeal on the other side for an appealing look. This dish is best enjoyed in autumn, strolling through Guangdong streets while savoring its warm, crispy texture.

4. Watercress and Pork Rib Soup

Watercress and pork rib soup is a familiar dish to many Vietnamese and holds significant importance in Chinese culinary culture, especially in Cantonese cuisine. Similar to soups and greens in Vietnamese meals, this dish is both nutritious and flavorful. The key to its deliciousness lies in simmering the ribs until tender, then adding watercress, carrots, almonds, jujubes, and other ingredients. Once everything is soft and well-seasoned, it's ready to serve.

5. Stuffed Mackerel

Stuffed mackerel is one of the most delicately and intricately prepared dishes in Guangdong cuisine. The mackerel is carefully selected and combined with Chinese sausage and mushrooms. All ingredients are finely minced, mixed with seasonings, and balanced to perfection. The dish's essence lies in the fish bone broth. It is often served with stir-fried greens and drizzled with a special sauce. This sauce is made from a secret recipe, with each chef adding their unique twist.

6. Shunde-Style Fillet Chicken Stew

Fillet chicken stew is a beloved specialty in Guangdong. The chicken is meticulously chosen and marinated with ginger, salt, rock sugar, white wine, and rice flour. The meat is marinated for hours to ensure every fiber absorbs the flavors, resulting in a rich and savory taste. The dish offers a mild sweetness from the chicken, a refreshing touch from vegetables, and the warmth of ginger and wine, making it both delicious and healthy. If you visit China, don’t miss this aromatic and flavorful chicken stew!

7. Chocolate Bao

When discussing Chinese cuisine, bao buns are a must-mention. Guangdong has its own unique and famous version: the chocolate bao. Unlike regular bao, this variant stands out with its distinct chocolate flavor and color, showcasing the creativity of Shunde (Guangdong) chefs. The filling comes in two types: red bean and walnut. The bun's shape resembles a walnut, making it visually appealing. Chocolate bao from Guangdong is not only delicious but also nutritious, perfect for breakfast or a snack during your trip to China.

Source: Mytour.vn

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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide

Mytour.vnApril 23, 2024