Shijia Luo Hotel - Guangzhou Beijing Road Pedestrian Street

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 chain started life as a stall, before this hugely popular outpost opened in 1996. The veteran crew follows ancient recipes to craft its reasonably priced Cantonese fare. The signature Ze Ze eels are swamp varieties served sizzling in a claypot; the fried mantis shrimp in spiced salt bursts with sweetness; and the house-made ice cream is a must. Only private room reservations are accepted. Otherwise, come early to beat the long wait at peak hours.

Since 1985, this tiny gem has been specialising in double-boiled soups. The menu boasts some 20 health tonics that are grouped by medicinal properties – some nourish the lungs; others boost energy levels. Those slow-cooked in whole coconuts are especially loved by customers, like the coconut chicken soup that imparts sweet aromas. Steamed rice with pork patty and pickled mustard greens entices with briny umami and juicy, silky pork.

As the name suggests, Laifen noodle soup is the main item sold at this rustic shop, and is served alongside ingredients such as barbecue pork, beef balls or octopus. The creamy rice soup has hints of mushroom and dried shrimp flavours. "Water caltrop", consisting of rice noodles shaped like bite-size buffalo nuts topped with shredded egg, preserved cabbage, cracklings and peanuts, is an old-time dish that is hard to find elsewhere.

Since 1983, Dayang has been synonymous with double-boiled soups, which dominate its menu. Three stacks of steel steamers in the corner turn out tasty health tonics every couple hours and you never know in advance exactly what will be available. In the top-selling silkie chicken soup in whole coconut, meaty and nutty flavours mingle. The quail soup is also popular. Adventurous eaters might like to try the turtle jelly with milk and honey.

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.

Well-honed European techniques are put to use in the display kitchen to turn the best ingredients from around the world into creative, contemporary works of art. There is just one eight-course tasting menu and it changes bi-monthly, with a "best of" menu at the end of each year. Two wine pairing options are available at different price points. The wine list is well curated and the knowledgeable sommelier has some great tips for you.