Yizhi Hotel Changgang Metro Station - Free Shuttle Bus during Canton Fair

This friendly neighbourhood shop specialises in sourdough rice noodles. While preserving her hometown culinary tradition, the owner also dials down the sourness to cater to local tastes. Noodles are made to order – fermented rice batter is squeezed into boiling water and then drenched in soup, or tossed with pickled string beans, ground pork and deep-fried tofu. You can also opt for the beef brisket version. Prepare to wait after placing orders.

This tiny gem has changed hands, but the kitchen is still run by Chaoshan natives. The small menu stars all the greatest hits of Chaoshan cuisine, with raw marinated mud crab that packs tons of oomph standing out in particular. Diners need to book via a texting app and pre-order their food, which does streamline the process immensely. To round out your meal, try the ‘ginger potato’ and split mung bean sweet soup.

The two chefs previously worked in the kitchens of a prestigious hotel, and their skills are unquestionable – which is why it's so hard to get a table here. Try the "premium trio", which used to be reserved for state banquets: buttery foie gras, squab with crispy skin and the tanginess of plum, and springy goose webs and wings in white marinade. Meat is barbecued daily in limited servings. Go with a group to enjoy the generous portions.

This long-standing institution boasts a classical landscaped garden complete with pavilions, bridges and water features. It makes the perfect backdrop for a dim sum lunch. The food is mostly Cantonese, with the odd dish from other provinces. Try their banded grouper two ways – steamed fillet rolls are silky and juicy; deep-fried bones are spiced up with peppered salt. Private rooms are worth splurging on for special occasions.

This multifaceted dining concept in a heritage building is supervised by celebrity chef Lan Guijun. It hits the spot every time, thanks to quality ingredients, deft execution and thoughtful service. A few set menus are available – all require pre-ordering. The assortment of six small plates in a silver box highlights the varied taste profiles in Sichuanese fare. Try also the five-colour cold noodles with spiny lobster, and golden thread noodle soup.

Chinese

As in other branches of this Singapore-based chain, the kitchen team never fails to deliver quality dishes thanks to inspired insights and honed skills. The must-try black pepper mud crab exudes an intoxicating aroma and seafood flavour, while double-boiled fish maw soup with shark bones warms the heart and soul. Their dim sum lunch is to die for – deftly crafted translucent rice noodle rolls and tofu skin rolls stuffed with shrimps and chives.