If there’s one thing Guangzhou locals take seriously, it’s dim sum — those steaming bamboo baskets of pure happiness that define Cantonese mornings. On my latest food adventure, I made it my mission to hunt down the best dim sum in Guangzhou, and after visiting four popular spots — 樊楼, 陶陶居, 少林厨房, and 点都德 — here’s my honest take (and one clear winner). These four places can be walkable from Beijing Lu.
|
Dim Sum Place |
Vibe |
Price (¥) |
Best Dish |
Verdict |
|
Faanlou 樊楼 |
Elegant,
Traditional |
60–90 |
Har Gow,
Siew Mai |
⭐
Best Overall |
|
Tao Tao Ju 陶陶居 |
Historic,
Touristy |
70–100 |
Har Gow,
Siew Mai, rice, crab |
Must-Visit |
|
Shaolin Kitchen 少林厨房 |
Local Gem |
40–70 |
Porridge |
Cozy
Choice |
|
Dian Dou De 点都德 |
Chain,
Convenient |
60–80 |
Har Gow |
Skip
Unless Nearby |
💡 Fun fact: Dim sum in Guangzhou is usually bigger and made with real, premium ingredients compared to what you’ll find in Singapore or Malaysia. With just three ladies, five baskets were already more than enough!
How Locals Eat Dim Sum
Locals call it “yum cha” — literally “drink tea.” You’ll always start by choosing your tea (Pu’er, Oolong, or Chrysanthemum) before food. The tea isn’t just for sipping — it also cleanses your palate between dishes.
1. 樊楼 Faanlou — Classic Elegance with Refined Taste
📍 Address: No. 208 Yuexiu South Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou
🕒 Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
💰 Average Price: ¥60–90 per person
⭐ Best For: Elegant atmosphere & authentic Cantonese dim sum done right
Walking into 樊楼 (Faanlou) feels like stepping into a refined chapter of old Canton — modern antique décor, polite servers in traditional attire, and the gentle aroma of tea being brewed tableside.
When we arrived at 8 AM, there was no queue. By the time we left at 10, the place was packed — a sign of its popularity. (My sister queued 2.5 hours during her last visit!)
What to Try:
- Har gow (shrimp dumplings): translucent and perfectly springy
- Siew mai: juicy pork and shrimp blend
- You cha kuai: huge and crispy
- “Lychee-like” crispy muah chi: sweet-salty surprise
👉 Tip: Come early, around 8:00 AM, before the brunch crowd takes over. Locals love gathering here for a slow, elegant morning tea.
🫖 Verdict: Refined, balanced, and beautifully presented — Fanlou easily tops my list of must-try dim sum in Guangzhou.
2. 陶陶居 (Tao Tao Ju): The Legendary Name You Can’t Miss
📍 Address: 20 Dishifu Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Beijing Road branch also popular)
🕒 Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
💰 Average Price: ¥70–100 per person
⭐ Best For: Tourists & first-timers craving authentic yet accessible dim sum
Tao Tao Ju is an icon — serving Cantonese fare since the Qing Dynasty! Expect an energetic scene: chatter, steam, and endless trays of dim sum gliding through the air.
The turnip cake (萝卜糕) was crispy on the outside yet soft inside, while the prawn dumplings were packed with real shrimp. Do note: the turnip cake uses white radish and has a strong peppery taste — not for everyone!
Why It’s Worth It: Heritage, nostalgia, and plenty of variety (you can even order Cantonese crab or rice dishes here).
👉 Tip: Come early, around 8:00 AM, before the brunch crowd takes over. Locals and tourist love gathering here for a slow, elegant morning tea.
🫖Verdict: Iconic, lively, and full of old-town charm — a must for first-timers.
3. 少林厨房 (Shaolin Kitchen): Hidden Local Gem for Everyday Cantonese
📍 Address: 65 Longjin West Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou
🕒 Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
💰 Average Price: ¥40–70 per person
⭐ Best For: Locals who love comfort food without the frills
Shaolin Kitchen is where Guangzhou locals unwind — the real deal. The décor is simple, but the flavors are warm and nostalgic.
Their porridge is silky smooth, and the colorful har gow instantly brightens your morning. The ji chai keuh (chive dumpling) was another standout — fragrant and chewy.
Opposite Shaolin Kitchen, there is a tea street where you can get tea leaves there. This place was recommended by the local there.
4. 点都德 (Dian Dou De): Famous Name, But Overly Salty
📍 Address: Multiple outlets (popular one at 587 Longjin Middle Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou)
🕒 Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
💰 Average Price: ¥60–80 per person
⭐ Best For: Convenience if you’re short on time
Dian Dou De is everywhere in Guangzhou, so of course I had to try it. Sadly, the food didn’t live up to the hype.
While the har gow were decent, several dishes were too salty — especially the pepper intestines and chee cheong fan. Maybe it depends on the branch, but mine fell short.
👉Try: Only if you’re nearby and curious
🫖Verdict: Convenient but inconsistent.
Extra Tips for Your Dim Sum Adventure:
- 💰 Budget: Around ¥60–¥100 per person.
- 🚇 Nearest Metro: Gongyuanqian Station (Line 1/2) or Beijing Road Station (Line 6).
- 📅 Best Time: Mornings between 8–10 AM for freshest dishes.
- 📍 After-Meal Idea: Take a stroll down Beijing Road Pedestrian Street — perfect for walking off that dim sum belly!
Final Thoughts
Most Guangzhou teahouses fill up fast on weekends, so arrive before 8 AM or make a reservation. Don’t hesitate to point at dishes on nearby tables — locals do it too! It’s part of the fun.
Among the four, Faanlou clearly wins for its refined balance of tradition, flavor, and hospitality.
❤️ Stay Connected
💬 Personal note: There’s something magical about Guangzhou mornings — sipping fragrant tea while the city wakes up around you. Whether you’re a first-timer or a dim sum devotee, this city’s culinary soul is best savored one bamboo basket at a time.
