Cantonese cuisine refers to a specific style of eating that is common throughout the Guangdong province in China. Cantonese food is considered to be one of the eight culinary traditions in China and it is characterised by strong flavours and comforting textures. If you are unsure of whether this type of cuisine will appeal to your tastes, get ready to learn more about what it has to offer you and why this should be the next thing you get when you order takeaway.
How the Cantonese savour their mealtimes
If you are interested in Cantonese cuisine, the good news is that you will be able to enjoy this delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Traditionally, a Cantonese breakfast consists of a number of elements. This includes dim sum, congee and tofu pudding. After an early breakfast, you may find yourself starving by the time lunch rolls around. Fortunately, the midday meal in Cantonese cuisine is packed with delicious and filling dishes. Tuck into crispy spring rolls and spicy soup with steamed buns. A Cantonese dinner is often a rather lavish affair consisting of noodle dishes, spicy stews with delicious steamy rice or even a grilled meat dish. With all of these options, you may find it difficult to make up your mind about what to eat next.
The vibrancy of Cantonese food
- When you eat Cantonese food, you can expect traditional proteins like beef, pork and chicken but you may be surprised to learn that ingredients like frog legs, offal, chicken feet and duck tongues are also commonly eaten.
- A common principle held by Cantonese chefs is that food should be well balanced: this means that you are unlikely to find food that is overly greasy, spicy or bland.
- Cantonese food does not usually contain a lot of fresh herbs. The only fresh elements that can be found in this type of food are garlic, chives and coriander.
Must-try Cantonese dishes
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: Although boiled chicken hardly seems appealing, this dish will change your mind. Served with steamed rice and ginger and chive dipping sauce, this traditional dish is packed with astounding flavour.
- Cha Siu Bao: These barbeque pork buns are a classic in Cantonese homes. Made from a soft dough that is steamed, it is common to find this dish in street food stalls as well as on a varied dim sum menu.
- Dan Tat: For a sweet treat that will blow all of your expectations out of the water, you should be sure to try out these egg tarts. A flaky pastry is filled with a soft and creamy custard that is then baked until it is set.
- Beef Chow Fun: If you have ever been to a Chinese restaurant there is a strong possibility that you have tried these fried noodles. With their rich savoury taste, they are a popular option amongst all diners.
Less common Cantonese meals
- Lo Bak Go: Chefs in Cantonese cuisine often prepare daikon radish with rice flour before deep-frying until the cakes are brown and crispy.
- Cheong Fun: Also known as intestine noodles, these sumptuous noodles are made from thickly rolled rice noodles and are served with a tasty broth.
- Braised chicken feet: Cooked in a delicious fermented red bean sauce, these savoury treats are a tasty snack.
One of the best Cantonese restaurants
For a true taste of Canton, visit Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant and treat yourself to the fishbone soup with fish maw and ‘Ko Kee’ seed or bean curd and seafood soup for a warming delicacy.
