‘Real Time China’ Day 9: Trying Canton dim sum

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When you are in Guangdong, yum cha - which literally means “drinking tea” - has to be on your checklist.

But in this southern Chinese province, drinking tea is much more than just a way to quench your thirst. Enjoying dim sum and desserts together is a big part of the experience.

Some of the famous dim sum dishes include shrimp dumplings, rice noodle rolls, steamed meatballs, spare ribs, lotus leaf rice and egg tarts.

Golden cake (L), fried milk (C), and curry fish balls (R). /CGTN Photo

To many Guangdong locals, yum cha is an essential part of their lives, no matter their age. The tradition dates back to the late Qing dynasty. At that time, “drinking tea” was a past time for most professionals and businessmen, most of whom came to the teahouse to exchange information while enjoying some snacks, desserts and drinks.

The tradition was retained and gradually spread throughout the general public in the region. Many people chose to visit the teahouse for a moment of relaxation before or after starting their daily routine.

As I arrived in Zhongshan City on the ninth (and penultimate) day of our “Real Time China” journey, I figured it was time to try some of the local cuisine.

I took a one-hour break with my fellow colleagues and set out to explore the local food culture.

Curry fish balls, double-skin milk with red beans and lotus seeds and coconut double-skin milk. /CGTN Photo

We visited a famous local eatery called Minxin Laopu, and tried some dim sum and desserts. The price was unbelievably affordable. The Shuangpinai (双皮奶) - double-skin milk with red beans and lotus seeds - I ordered only cost 13 RMB, which is roughly two U.S. dollars. That is almost a third of what it would cost in Beijing.

It has a super-rich milky taste, richer than any other Shuangpinai I've tried. The texture is incredibly soft, and most importantly, it's nutritious and good for your health.

The food alone is enough to make me want to come back. I hope to see you again very soon, Guangdong!

CGTN's special series “Real Time China” commemorates the 40th anniversary of the country's reform and opening up. The CGTN crew is crossing some 2,000 kilometers from the capital Beijing all the way to the southern city of Shenzhen by bus from December 5 to December 14, inspecting along the way what has changed and what remains the same after four decades of rapid development.

(Videographer: Qi Jianqiang)