6 Best Places to Enjoy Cantonese Morning Tea in Guangzhou

Recently updated on April 2nd, 2024 at 04:19 am

Cantonese morning tea, also known as Yum Cha, stands out among China’s diverse breakfast options for its distinctive form and features. Originating in the Qing dynasty, morning tea is a traditional Cantonese morning activity that has evolved over the years. Today, it typically involves serving an array of small dishes, known as dim sum, alongside Chinese tea.

Morning tea is important in shaping how Cantonese people eat and their food habits. Here are the 6 best places to enjoy Cantonese morning tea in Guangzhou. 

1. Guangzhou Restaurant 广州酒家

Guangzhou Restaurant is one of the most renowned tea shops in the area. Established in the 1930s, it holds nostalgic memories for many elderly residents of Guangzhou. The restaurant has earned its fame not only for its long history but also for its delectable cuisine and consistent quality. Signature Guangzhou dim sum dishes like prawn dumplings and durian crunchies are always popular choices. With 11 branches across Guangzhou, it’s easily accessible. You can find the Wenchang Store on Xiajiu Road, the Binjiangxi Store nearby, the Dongshan Store on Dongshan Street, and the Linjiang Avenue Store close to the Guangzhou Museum. 

Address: 2 Wen Chang Lu, Liwan district  荔湾区文昌南路2号 

2. Bei Yuan Restaurant 北园酒家

Bei Yuan Restaurant was established in the 1920s, boasting a nearly 100-year history. Located near Yangcheng North and Baiyun Mountain, it offers a serene and comfortable environment. Although it’s more than just a teahouse, it’s an excellent place to enjoy Cantonese Morning Tea.

Address: 200–202 Xiao Bei Road, Yuexiu District   越秀区小北路200-202号

3. Tao Tao Ju 陶陶居

Tao Tao Ju House holds the reputation as the oldest and most renowned spot for morning tea hours in Guangzhou. Established in 1880 during the Qing Dynasty, it boasts classic Guangzhou architecture and ambiance. It’s the go-to destination for experiencing local life in Guangzhou or sampling authentic Cantonese cuisine. The food is both delicious and reasonably priced, featuring a wide variety of famous Cantonese dishes. Despite the popularity, the service remains commendable. Due to its high demand, expect to wait in line for a bit before enjoying your meal.

Address: No.20, the tenth fu Road, Shang Xia Jiu Street, Liwan District

4. Lin Heung Tea House  莲香楼

This tea house in Guangzhou, with a branch in Hong Kong, is renowned for its exceptionally smooth lotus seed paste and is credited with pioneering mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Established in Guangzhou in 1889 and expanding to Hong Kong in 1918, it stands as one of the oldest tea houses in both cities.

Address: 67 Di Shi Fu Lu, Liwan District 荔湾区第十甫路67号

5. Panxi Restaurant  泮溪酒家

Panxi Restaurant is known as the biggest garden restaurant in China. It’s beautifully decorated with southern garden elements, giving it a simple and classy vibe. They offer a wide range of dishes like boiled chicken with sauce, sesame suckling pig, water chestnut cake, sticky rice in lotus leaf, roast pork, and roasted goose. However, the prices here are a bit higher compared to other places.

Address:151 Longjin West Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou

6. Dian Dou De  点都德 

Established in 1933, the time-honored brand “Dian Dou De” embodies the essence of Cantonese culture with its name, meaning “everything is possible.” Recently revived by the descendants of the original restaurant, Dian Dou De is now an all-day yum cha restaurant, each decorated in traditional Xi Guan style. Offering up to 108 types of dim sum, ranging from traditional to creatively contemporary options, they believe “yum cha” is a way of life for every Cantonese person. Their goal is to preserve dim sum culture while infusing creativity into their dishes. Highly praised dishes include the four-color ginseng soup prawn dumplings, rice paper rolls with deep-fried dough and prawns, and durian desserts. Locals say, “You always have to queue, but you never leave disappointed.”

Address: 

Main branch – 587 Long Jin Zhong Lu, Liwan district  荔湾区龙津中路587号
Beijing Road branch – 470 Hui Fu Dong Lu, Yuexiu district 越秀区惠福东路470号