Eating Out in Guangzhou: A Few Things Worth Knowing

Choosing a restaurant

Longstanding names, recent guidebook listings and busy neighbourhood places can all be useful starting points. None replaces checking the exact branch, menu and current reviews. Food streets around older shopping areas are convenient when you want to compare a few small dishes on foot.

Tea and ordering

Many Cantonese restaurants ask which tea you would like before taking the food order. A per-person tea charge is common. Ask about it if the menu is unclear, and check whether a service charge applies.

Build a meal around different cooking methods rather than several similar rich dishes. For dim sum, start with a few shared plates. Price categories such as small, medium and large often describe cost bands, not portion size.

At the table

Some diners rinse their tableware with hot tea or water before eating. It is a local habit, not a reason to assume the rinse sterilises the dishes. Use the small side plate for bones or shells when that is how the table is set, and ask staff if you need another plate.

A light finger tap on the table can thank someone who pours tea. Lifting or tilting the teapot lid often signals a request for a refill. These customs are easy to observe, but a spoken request works too.

Be clear about ingredients

Stocks, sauces and mixed fillings may contain ingredients that are not obvious from an English dish name. Explain allergies and dietary requirements directly. Keep the meal relaxed, order more only if needed and leave room for the next stop.

From the source gallery