Eating seems to be everyone's favorite activity in Guangzhou. When it is time to eat here, the range and diversity of dishes will impress even the most experienced Chinese food connoisseur.

Guangzhou dishes are among the most famous in China. There is a famous saying: " East and west, north and south, Cantonese food is best". This fame is derived partly from the abundant agricultural resources and fertile land surrounding the area and partly from the scarcity of money in the city. Guangzhou is situated close to the sea and fresh seafood is readily available. Cantonese chefs believe in preserving the unique texture and natural flavor of ingredients so minimum seasoning is used.

The land here is also very fertile and a wide range of vegetables and fruits are grown. The European influence in the area can also be seen and fruit such as lychee and Portuguese oranges are commonly served, an effect of the areas proximity to Macau. However, the fact that this is a traditionally poor area has also contributed to the growth of a distinct local cuisine. In times of need, resources were pooled and ingenuity ruled the kitchen. As such, the visitor to Guangzhou today can still find an incredible range of dishes that use ingredients in an unusual but inspiring way.

Alocal specialty is Yum Cha which is served in many restaurants in the morning. This elaborate form of breakfast features small dim sum parcels like prawn dumplings and barbecue pork bun. The emphasis is on flavors of light, fresh and smooth. The local desserts are red bean soup, sweet potato cake and papaya soup.