In China, Cantonese cuisine is regarded among the top three culinary delights that the country has to offer. There are four things that best characterize Cantonese cuisine. These are its unique blend of color, taste, fragrance and presentation.

Chances are, you’ve tasted Cantonese cuisine even though you may have not known it at the time. Perhaps its most common representative is dim sum, those small, simple and delicate pastries which are oh-so-delicious.

According to legend, Cantonese cuisine was prepared basically as a means to bring local customs to life. Hence, its wide diversity. Culinary experts in China often say that Cantonese cuisine encompasses anything that swims save for the submarine, anything that flies save for the airplane, and anything that has four legs save for the table.

There has also been some criticism of Cantonese, particularly that the local standards of hygiene can be raised a little more, especially since most Cantonese dishes are traditionally prepared by hand. Here’s a good rule of thumb: when in doubt, don’t order any dish with meat. It’s a good thing that most Cantonese dishes are basically vegetarian in nature.

Here’s a quick run-down of the most famous restaurants in Guangzhou, broken down by specialty.

Traditional

1.    Liuhua Congee House
Located at Renmin Bei Lu, this restaurant is renowned for its wide variety of Cantonese dishes, exquisite dim sum and beautiful environment.

2.    Panxi Restaurant
Located at 151 Longjin Xi Lu, it is best known for its dim sum and for the fact that its menu is available in English. Unfortunately, it only honors local credit cards. Panxi was closed for renovated on January 7, 2008, but it is expected to re-open soon.

3.    Lian Xiang Lou

Located at 67 Dishipu Lu, this restaurant is another haven for excellent dim sum. It has been serving satisfied customers since 1889.

4.    Tao Tao Ju

Located at 20 Dishipu Lu, this is one of the best places in Guangzhou for sumptuous moon cakes, their specialty.

5.    Guangzhou Restaurant

With a name like Guangzhou Restaurant, this place should be expected to serve some of the most delicious Cantonese food in the city. Thankfully, it certainly lives up to expectations. This relaxing family restaurant has many branches around the city. Its main branch is on 2 Wenchang Nan Lu. Its two most popular other branches are at 20 Binjiang Xi Lu and 112 Ti Yu Dong Lu.

6.    Datong Restaurant

Located at 63Yanjiang Lu, this restaurant is one of the largest you will find in town, occupying the entire eight floors of this old building. Datong has a rich tradition and long history. It is one of the favorite restaurants of locals, and for good reason. Their Cantonese food is superb.

7.     Wenji Restaurant

Located at 10 Xuanyuan Qiao, this place is renowned for its original Qingping chicken. That shouldn’t be a surprise, considering that Wenji was created by a group of former chefs from the Qingping restaurant. Don’t miss a chance to sample this rare delicacy.

8.    Baifu Restaurant

Located at 112 Tiyu Dong Lu, Baifu offers a wide  range of Cantonese dishes on its menu.

Vegetarian

1.    Shui Yun Tian

Located at 38-42 Jinghui Lu, this restaurant serves a well-stacked buffet of vegetarian dishes  during lunch time.

2.    Cai Gen Xiang

Located at 167 Zhongshan 6 Lu, this venue serves some of the best-tasting vegetarian dishes in town.

3.    Fo Shi Jie

Eat here and you will also extend a helping hand to the city’s less fortunate. Part of this restaurant’s proceeds are donated to charity. This humble Buddhist restaurant is located at Niu Nai Chang Jie, beside Tongfu Zhong Lu.

4.    Fo You Yuan

Located at 12 Shi Lu Ji Zhongshan 8 Lu, this restaurant is renowned for creating new and interesting vegetarian fare.

Southeast Asian

1.    Cow and Bridge Thai Restaurant

With two locations at 2/F, Xiang Long Garden, 181 Tianhe Bei Lu, this popular Thai restaurant also serves some of the best Thai cuisine around. Meals come in two versions – regular and spicy hot. If you have a taste for the novel, give the latter a try.

2.    Lan Kwai Fong

This Indian restaurant is located at 5 Shamian Nan Jie. They serve fantastic curries and the service is great. As an added bonus, menus also come in English

3.    Banana Leaf

Another excellent Thai restaurant and an extension of the original Thai restaurant chain. Located at 28 Tianhe Bei Lu, Banana Leaf offers a wide array of traditional Thai dishes. There are other branches located at the ground floor of GZTV Hotel on 8 Luhu Lu and on the fifth floor of the World Trade Center on 371-375 Huanshi Dong Lu.