Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Guangzhou
If you’re visiting Guangzhou for the first time, there’s one experience you cannot miss — Cantonese dim sum. Known as the birthplace of dim sum culture, Guangzhou offers an endless variety of dumplings, buns, rolls, and delicate tea snacks that define Cantonese cuisine.
But for a foreign traveler, the choices can feel overwhelming. Which restaurants are truly authentic? Which ones offer English menus? And how can you fit a dim sum feast into your Guangzhou itinerary without getting lost in translation?
A Morning in Guangzhou: Where Dim Sum Begins
It’s 8:30 AM in Guangzhou. The city is buzzing with locals heading to work, but tucked inside tea houses, another scene unfolds. Families, businessmen, and retirees gather around tables filled with bamboo steamers stacked high with shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and rice noodle rolls.
For locals, dim sum (点心 diǎn xīn) isn’t just breakfast — it’s a lifestyle of “yum cha” (饮茶, drinking tea). For first-time visitors, joining this ritual is the perfect way to dive into Guangzhou’s culture.
Costs: How Much Does Dim Sum in Guangzhou Cost?
The good news? Dim sum in Guangzhou is affordable, with options for every budget.
- Local Tea Houses: ¥50–¥80 RMB ($7–$12) per person.
- Mid-Range Dim Sum Restaurants: ¥100–¥150 RMB ($15–$22) per person.
- Luxury & Michelin-Starred Dim Sum: ¥200–¥400 RMB ($30–$60) per person.
Tip: Go in the morning between 7:30–11:00 AM when dim sum is freshest.
Getting There: Transportation Tips
Guangzhou is well-connected by metro, bus, and taxis, making it easy to reach any dim sum restaurant.
- Metro: Fast and cheap (¥2–¥6 per ride). Stations are often close to major restaurants.
- Taxi or DiDi App: Convenient if you don’t speak Chinese; short rides cost around ¥15–¥25 RMB ($2–$4).
- Walking: If you’re staying in central areas like Tianhe, Yuexiu, or Liwan, you’ll likely find dim sum spots within walking distance.
Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Guangzhou
Here’s a curated itinerary-style list of the best dim sum restaurants — from historic institutions to modern fine dining.
1. Tao Tao Ju (陶陶居) – The Legendary Institution
Why go? Established in 1880, Tao Tao Ju is the most famous dim sum restaurant in Guangzhou. The décor feels like stepping back in time, with red lanterns, old Cantonese paintings, and an atmosphere filled with chatter.
What to order:
- Shrimp dumplings (虾饺, xiā jiǎo) – crystal-skin dumplings filled with juicy shrimp.
- Roast pork buns (叉烧包, chā shāo bāo).
- Lotus leaf sticky rice (糯米鸡, nuò mǐ jī).
Location: No. 20 Dishifu Road, Liwan District
Metro: Line 1 to Changshou Lu Station
Tip for Travelers: Imagine 19th-century poets and merchants sipping tea here. You’re literally eating in a piece of living history.
2. Panxi Restaurant (泮溪酒家) – Dining by the Lake
Why go? Located beside Liwan Lake, Panxi is known for its scenic gardens and classic Cantonese banquets. It’s ideal if you want both food and a beautiful setting.
What to order:
- Steamed beef balls (牛肉丸, niú ròu wán).
- Osmanthus cake (桂花糕, guì huā gāo) for dessert.
- Rice noodle rolls with BBQ pork (叉烧肠粉, chā shāo cháng fěn).
Location: No. 151 Longjin West Road, Liwan District
Metro: Line 1 to Chen Clan Academy, then a short taxi ride
Traveler Itinerary Idea: Visit Panxi after exploring Shamian Island and Liwan Lake Park for a half-day culture + food trip.
3. Guangzhou Restaurant (广州酒家) – The People’s Favorite
Why go? This restaurant, often called “The No.1 Restaurant in Guangzhou”, has multiple branches and is always filled with locals. It’s perfect if you want authentic, everyday dim sum.
What to order:
- Turnip cake (萝卜糕, luó bo gāo).
- Shrimp dumplings (虾饺, xiā jiǎo).
- Mango pudding (芒果布丁).
Location: 2 Wenchang South Road, Liwan District
Metro: Line 1 to Huangsha Station
Traveler Tip: Go early! Queues often start forming by 8 AM.
4. Dian Dou De (点都德) – Affordable & Authentic
Why go? A modern chain popular with locals, known for good quality at reasonable prices. It’s easy for first-time visitors, as some branches offer English picture menus.
What to order:
- Golden custard buns (流沙包, liú shā bāo).
- Rice noodle rolls (肠粉, cháng fěn).
- Phoenix claws (凤爪, fèng zhuǎ, chicken feet).
Location: Multiple across Guangzhou (try the Beijing Road branch)
Metro: Line 6 to Beijing Lu Station
Traveler Itinerary Idea: Combine a dim sum meal at Dian Dou De with shopping at Beijing Road Pedestrian Street.
5. Social Place (唐宫小聚) – Modern Twist on Dim Sum
Why go? If you want Instagram-worthy dim sum, this trendy restaurant offers creative takes like charcoal custard buns shaped like birds or butterfly pea flower dumplings.
What to order:
- Truffle mushroom buns.
- Black swan puff pastries.
- Signature roasted pigeon.
Location: Taikoo Hui Mall, Tianhe District
Metro: Line 1 or 3 to Shipaiqiao Station
Traveler Tip: Great for younger travelers or those who want fusion dining with Cantonese roots.
6. Jade River (翡翠江) at White Swan Hotel – Michelin Star Luxury
Why go? Located inside the 5-star White Swan Hotel on Shamian Island, Jade River offers Michelin-starred dim sum with refined presentation and views of the Pearl River.
What to order:
- Abalone dumplings.
- Wagyu beef puff pastries.
- Bird’s nest egg tarts.
Location: White Swan Hotel, Shamian Island
Metro: Line 6 to Huangsha Station
Traveler Itinerary Idea: Stay at White Swan Hotel, enjoy dim sum in the morning, then stroll around colonial-era Shamian Island.
Highlights of the Dim Sum Experience
- Ordering style: Some restaurants still use dim sum carts where you choose dishes as they pass by. Others use menu checklists.
- Tea culture: Always start with tea. Popular choices include Pu’er, Chrysanthemum, and Tieguanyin.
- Sharing is key: Dim sum is designed for sharing. Go with at least 2–3 people to try more dishes.
Suggested One-Day Dim Sum Itinerary in Guangzhou
If you’re short on time, here’s how you can fit dim sum into your Guangzhou day trip:
Morning (8 AM – 10 AM)
- Start with breakfast dim sum at Tao Tao Ju or Guangzhou Restaurant.
Late Morning (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Walk through Shamian Island or Beijing Road shopping district.
Lunch (1 PM – 2 PM)
- Head to Dian Dou De or Panxi Restaurant for another round of dim sum (yes, locals sometimes do dim sum twice a day!).
Evening (6 PM – 8 PM)
- Treat yourself to fine-dining dim sum at Jade River in the White Swan Hotel.
FAQs About Dim Sum in Guangzhou
1. Do restaurants have English menus?
Yes, some like Dian Dou De and hotel restaurants offer English picture menus. Local tea houses may not, but pointing and photos work well.
2. What time should I go for dim sum?
The best time is 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Some restaurants also serve dim sum at lunch and dinner, but mornings are more authentic.
3. Is tipping required?
No. Service charge is usually included, and tipping is not a Chinese custom.
4. Can vegetarians enjoy dim sum?
Yes. Look for vegetarian dumplings, turnip cake, and sweet pastries. But always confirm ingredients, as some broths may use meat.
5. How do I signal for tea refills?
Tap two fingers on the table when someone refills your tea — it’s the Cantonese way of saying thank you.
Dim sum in Guangzhou isn’t just about eating — it’s about sharing stories, drinking tea, and experiencing local life. Whether you’re a backpacker looking for cheap eats or a luxury traveler wanting Michelin-star dim sum, Guangzhou has something for you.
If you only try one thing in Guangzhou, make it a dim sum morning. It’s the best introduction to Cantonese culture you could ask for.