Courtyard By Marriott Guangzhou Pazhou

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.

Chao Yue means jumping waves, echoing the sculptural wave form on the ceiling of the spacious dining room. Three fixed price menus put the fun back into fine dining and globally sourced produce is used in impeccably presented, playful and pleasantly surprising dishes, such as eel maw disguised as sticky lychee rice balls. Chaozhou traditions and innovative techniques are melded seamlessly in dishes like boneless crispy skinned pigeon in bean sauce.

Chinese

The majestic red and gold colour scheme is a fitting lead-in to the Cantonese classics reimagined by Chef Chan with a refined touch. Try his juicy and tender char siu or the Peking duck with its dark and crispy caramelised skin. The array of dim sum on offer, such as apple sauce char siu puff pastry, is also a highlight. With vivid colour and varied textures, the steamed red yeast rice roll stuffed with minced shrimp in a crispy crust is enticing.

In a main dining room and 32 private rooms, all exuding understated glamour, this place champions innovative and refined Cantonese fare. It serves hand-crafted dim sum, a rare thing these days. The menu has an array of double-boiled tonics, such as fish maw and ginseng soup. Pre-order to avoid disappointment. Round off the meal with black sesame sweet soup over milk custard for double indulgence. Other signatures include stir-fried flat rice noodles with beef, and juicy roasted goose.

The chain operates branches in Hunan and Guangdong, but everything started in this flagship venue with a landscaped garden and a running stream. Its namesake signature dish is rice cooked in a pigeon and pork bone broth, boasting a crispy golden crust on the bottom and topped with steamed pigeon or a combo of pigeon meat and gizzards. Besides deep-fried or salt-baked fowl, the sautéed squid with cucumber is also a must.

Perforated windows, ceiling fans and chandeliers impart retro Lingnan flair. Chef Feng also bases his recipes on Lingnan traditions and seasonal local produce, but slightly tweaked to the local palate and spruced up with unique creativity. His Shunde minced fish soup perfumed by makrut lime leaves, and roast goose that takes 45 minutes to cook in the oversized grill, tend to sell out fast. End the meal with silky ginger milk curd in Shawan style.