Guangzhou Hongcheng Hotel

This street was once known for the sheer number of seafood restaurants on it. Though most of its competitors were shuttered for good, Xin Ji is still going strong after over 30 years of service. And of course, picking live critters from the fish tank at the door is part of the ritual. If you have no idea what to pick, try their signature eel dishes – freshwater eel braised with roast pork and swamp eel rice, both boasting fatty, firm flesh.

The dimly lit space is dotted with red lanterns and bamboo screens; the sizzling sounds and intoxicating smells from the semi-open kitchen prime diners for a feast that engages all senses. The menu features around 30 dishes served in claypots, complemented by an array of home-made sauces – try the rice paddy eel variety with firm, flavoursome meat. The double-boiled soups and home-made ginger juice milk curd ice cream are also worth trying.

Chinese

Nestled in an old neighbourhood, this shop has kept regulars coming back for almost three decades with their no-frills, tasty food at frugal prices. Come early for their double-boiled soups which tend to run out early. Fish head soup particularly entices with succulent flesh and a hint of Chinese herbs; brace yourself for the heady aromas when you lift the paper lid. Steamed chicken, roast goose and steamed pork patties are also popular choices.

Besides river views and stunning murals, Hongtu Hall is prized for its exquisitely crafted dim sum ranging from the classics to novel creations, as well as velvety congee and juicy roast meats. Make sure to try their shrimp dumplings and shrimp shaomai. Tableside tea service is also a nice touch. The restaurant is always busy during opening hours and reservations are accepted for guests staying in the hotel only. Other customers have to simply join the queue.

For over 40 years, the owner has been insisting on shopping for fresh beef offal daily, painstakingly preparing and braising it in a rich stock made from scratch with beef and lamb bones. His beef bone marrow boasts a creamy texture and is a perfect match with the house-made radish pickles. Beef tripe tip is another premium cut, available only after 11am. As well as beef offal, also try wonton noodle soup, braised beef brisket and tendon.

You can't miss the long queue at the door, but that doesn't put avid foodies off coming here. Available in both Singaporean and Malaysian styles, bak kut teh is simmered for three hours with pork ribs, garlic, white peppercorns and herbs until the meat falls off the bone. You will even find Thai and Vietnamese classics on the menu – the sautéed Chinese violet buds in Vietnamese fermented shrimp paste taste floral and pungent at the same time.