Guangzhou, often referred to as “Canton,” is a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage. One of its most distinctive features is the prevalence of cold delicacies, which are perfect for the city’s hot and humid climate. These cold dishes not only offer a refreshing respite from the heat but also present a symphony of flavors that captivate the palate. Here’s a guide to the top 10 must-try cold delicacies in Guangzhou.
1. Chilled Rice Noodles (凉拌米粉)
Chilled rice noodles are a staple in Guangzhou. Made with thin rice noodles, this dish is typically served with a mixture of pickled vegetables, peanuts, and a rich, spicy sauce. The key to its appeal lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- Thin rice noodles
- Pickled carrots, radishes, and bamboo shoots
- Peanuts
- Garlic, chili, and soy sauce for the sauce
Preparation:
- Soak the rice noodles in water until they are soft.
- Boil them until al dente and then rinse with cold water.
- Mix with the pickled vegetables, peanuts, and sauce.
2. Cold Chicken (白切鸡)
Cold chicken is another beloved dish in Guangzhou. The chicken is boiled to perfection, then sliced thinly and served with a simple, flavorful dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
- Whole chicken
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Scallions
- Ginger
Preparation:
- Boil the chicken in water with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Let it cool and then slice it thinly.
- Serve with the dipping sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, scallions, and ginger.
3. Double Boiled Duck (烧鹅)
While not a traditional cold dish, the double-boiled duck is a must-try in Guangzhou. The duck is slowly cooked until tender, then sliced and served with a side of cucumber slices.
Ingredients:
- Whole duck
- Salt
- Soy sauce
- Honey
Preparation:
- Rub the duck with salt, soy sauce, and honey.
- Cook the duck in a slow cooker or in the oven until tender.
- Slice and serve with cucumber.
4. Shredded Pork with Pickled Chinese Cabbage (酸辣粉)
This dish is a spicy and sour delight, featuring thinly shredded pork and pickled Chinese cabbage, served over a bed of rice noodles.
Ingredients:
- Pork belly
- Chinese cabbage
- Rice noodles
- Spicy bean paste
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Chilies
Preparation:
- Boil the pork belly until tender and then shred it.
- Cook the Chinese cabbage in a separate pot.
- Mix the shredded pork and cabbage with rice noodles, spicy bean paste, vinegar, garlic, and chilies.
5. Pork and Tofu Skin Rolls (猪肠粉)
These rolls are made with thinly sliced tofu skin and filled with ground pork, served with a sweet and savory sauce.
Ingredients:
- Tofu skin
- Ground pork
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Garlic
- Sesame oil
Preparation:
- Cook the tofu skin in boiling water.
- Mix the ground pork with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Roll the tofu skin around the pork mixture and cook until done.
- Serve with the sauce.
6. Shrimp Paste with Garlic (蒜蓉虾酱)
This simple yet flavorful dish features shrimp paste mixed with minced garlic and served with steamed vegetables or rice.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp paste
- Garlic
- Vegetable of choice
- Rice
Preparation:
- Heat shrimp paste and minced garlic in a pan.
- Steam your vegetable or rice.
- Serve the shrimp paste on top of the steamed food.
7. Pork Tripe (猪杂汤)
This hearty soup is made with a variety of pork organs, including tripe, liver, and kidney, served in a rich, flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
- Pork tripe
- Pork liver
- Pork kidney
- Pork bones
- Various spices
Preparation:
- Boil the pork organs with pork bones and spices until tender.
- Strain the broth and serve with the cooked organs.
8. Shredded Pork with Pickled Cucumber (酸辣瓜片)
This dish combines thinly shredded pork with pickled cucumber, creating a refreshing and tangy flavor.
Ingredients:
- Pork belly
- Pickled cucumber
- Garlic
- Chilies
- Soy sauce
Preparation:
- Boil the pork belly until tender and then shred it.
- Mix the shredded pork with pickled cucumber, garlic, chilies, and soy sauce.
9. Fish Ball Soup (鱼丸汤)
Fish ball soup is a classic Guangzhou dish, featuring delicate fish balls in a clear, flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
- Fish meat (usually white fish)
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- Vegetables for garnish
Preparation:
- Mix the fish meat with eggs and cornstarch to form fish balls.
- Boil the fish balls in a clear broth.
- Serve with garnished vegetables.
10. Sweet and Sour Pork (咕噜肉)
Although not traditionally a cold dish, sweet and sour pork is a popular dish in Guangzhou, and its cold, crispy texture makes it perfect for this list.
Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin
- Cornstarch
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Eggs
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
Preparation:
- Coat the pork in cornstarch and eggs.
- Fry the pork until golden brown and crispy.
- In a separate pan, cook tomatoes, peppers, sugar, and vinegar to create the sauce.
- Toss the pork in the sauce and serve.
Guangzhou’s cold delicacies offer a diverse and delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, sour, sweet, or savory flavors, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. So, the next time you find yourself in Guangzhou, don’t miss out on trying these top 10 must-try cold delicacies.