Pazhou Laiste International ApartHotel Canton Fair Complex Branch

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.

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.

A must-try for spicy food lovers. Named after famous statesman Zeng Guofan of Qing Dynasty, the room pays tribute to him with his literary and calligraphic works. The menu also focusses on dishes and seasonal ingredients from Hunan province, where Zeng hailed from. The signature softshell turtle is either braised in sauces or blanched in stock, best ordered ahead of time. Also try the braised pork belly, a recipe from Shuangfeng County.

Adjacent to a convention centre, the restaurant is spread over two floors with both a main dining area and many private rooms. Bird and flower murals and marble with exquisite veining add to the contemporary Chinese chic. In addition to Cantonese barbecue and dim sum, Chef Fei and his team excel in Chaoshan favourites such as marinated raw seafood and soy-marinated meats. Must-try items include the baby pigeon with its crispy skin and juicy meat.

Slat wood panels, exquisite bonsai, a soundtrack of a flowing river – it all imparts a Zen-like ambiance. The young chef has extensive experience in plant-based cooking and the single tasting menu features the season's best produce. The course water bamboo three ways, in particular, showcases the chef's vision and meticulous skills. The plant is grilled, basted in sauce, oven baked and made into a roll, for varied textures and flavours.

Showcasing a ceramic theme, this restaurant doubles as a cultural hub for art making and exhibitions. The interior resembles an elegant tea house, whereas the food shows international influences and creative touches—emphasising MSG-free, healthful recipes. The signature surfer fish with pickled cabbage is cooked tableside, as the server pours scalding broth onto the raw fish. Tofu and sea urchin in claypot melds and balances all the great flavours.

Chinese