Guangzhou earns Michelin Guide: South Chinese city lands honor for food

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Michelin, the tire people, are also the driving forces behind a series of books that rank chefs, restaurants, and cities for excellence in food.

Well, their latest Michelin Guide highlights the unmistakable flavors of China’s Guangzhou. The city is now the second on the Chinese mainland – after Shanghai – to get a guide.

For years, Guangzhou has held the reputation of being China’s city of gastronomy, and the prestigious guide, due out in the coming weeks, will likely cement the status of several restaurants and dishes.

"I grew up here in Guangzhou; it's a famous city for food," said lifelong resident Gu Shuyi. "We have many special dishes."

Those dishes range from rice noodle rolls and dumplings to roast duck and barbecue pork. Many locals say Guangzhou Restaurant, a popular spot since 1935 which serves all of the aforementioned foods, deserves the maximum 3-star Michelin rating for excellence in Cantonese cuisine.

"We’re enjoying our tea but also having lots of dim sum. I think it’s a lifestyle, more than food. It's a culture," said Justin Liang, a UK resident who was born in Guangzhou.

Black tea is enjoyed with meals and throughout the day in Guangzhou. /CGTN Photo

Even foreign chefs in town agree. "Guangzhou, or Canton, has a very strong, a really strong culture of food," said Andrea Zamboni, the lead chef at Limoni, an Italian restaurant in town. "To be honest, I am surprised that Michelin didn’t start to rate Guangzhou before going to Shanghai," he added.

Guangzhou offers a broad selection of cuisines. But right now, it’s the local favorites in the spotlight. Many hope this Michelin Guide will attract even more visitors here – especially those with discerning taste buds.

"Everywhere you go, you will find something you like. My favorites are the roast duck and barbecue pork," Carmen Li said, who dined with friends like Liang at Guangzhou Restaurant.

Upon its release, the Michelin Guide can be found wherever books are sold, or online at www.guide.michelin.com.