吃在廣州 - 8 DAYS GUANGZHOU - 4 to 12 NOV 2018
As the cantonese saying goes, 吃在廣州 (Eat In Guangzhou), there are numerous good eating places in Guangzhou. Our one week trip did not cover all the recommended eateries.
We leisurely paced our stay in Guangzhou eating, strolling and taking in all the local sights and local delights. The city is huge and is filled with people everywhere mostly the local chinese. Foreigners are few.
The PRC traits were unmistakable. Line the streets with squats. Pollute the air with smoke.
Deafen the surrounding with noise. Jostling. Spitting.
We were surprised that Mandarin instead of Cantonese was mainly and widely used by the locals.
4 Nov 2018-Shamian
Island, Liwan 沙面岛
Shamian Island separated from the mainland by a small canal and is good place for a stroll overlooking the Pearl River.
The place showcases various architectural and historical buildings.
It also has a few small parks which are filled with shrubs and trees...
And creatively planted sculptures....
Mota Restaurant 摩打食堂
We had planned to dine at Mota Restaurant located at 36 Jiao Yu Road (near Beijing Road) 教育路
And we were thrilled to know they had an outlet at the Metropolitan Plaza, Huangsha Station 黄沙站
However, as shared in social media, the queue was really long.
We had to wait 1.5 hours for them to seat us.
This is the area outside the restaurant where you either hang around waiting for your queue number to be called or go shopping at Decathlon to wild the waiting time.
For that long wait, the dining experience was good and the wagu beef was heavenly which they limit 4 pieces per customer.
Left is the uncooked beef while the right is already 70% cooked by blow torch.
The meat is thinly sliced and succulently tender and flavourful
The plate of assorted sashimi was also abundantly fresh
The prawns were tastily grilled.
The caramel custard was unique a sweet sensation.
5 Nov 2018-Baiyun Mountain 白云山
We took the bus 210 from the Guangzhou Railway Station.
We scanned the Metro Card for a RMB2 ride which was a standard fee as we did not have to tap out.
The driver either shouts out the name of the bus stop or there was an electronic board showing the next destination. Inside the bus, there is a static board showing all the bus stops. At all bus stops, there is a board showing the bus numbers, the current, the next and the rest of the bus stops to its final destination. Instructions in Chinese were clear and precise.
We alighted at Bai Yun Suo Dao stop ( 白云索道) walked backwards to cross the overhead bridge to the other side of the road and then walk some 200m to Yuntai Garden then another 50m to Baiyun Cableway
Yuntai Huayuan (Yuntai Garden) is at the foot of the Baiyun Mountain just next to Baiyun Cableway where the Cable Car Ticketing Counter and Station are located
The garden has huge man made decorations which changes according to the seasons.
Entrance fee is RMB 10
There are restaurants and small eateries around the Yuntai Garden and Yuntai Cableway.
We had porridge and rice noodles at one of these eateries for RMB15 per set
We came on a weekday and there was no crowd.
On reaching the top, we visited the nearby aviary and its surrounding.
Moxing Ridge 摩星岭
It is the highest point of Baiyun Mountain at 382m above sea level.
It is walkable from the top to Moxing Ridge but it would be about 2km walk.
We took the mini bus ride to Moxing Ridge at RMB10 per person per trip while the entrance fee to Moxing is RMB10 per person.
As it was cloudy, the scenery was not fantastic though it cooling and air fresh.
In clearer days, the view should be fantastic
6 Nov 2018 - Shang Xia Jiu Pedestrian Street 上下九商业步行街
It is situated in the central area of Liwan district consisting of Shangjiu Road 上九路, Xiajiu Road 下九路 and Dishipu Lu 第十甫路
Bao Hua Noodles 宝华面店
We ordered the RenXin ShuangPiNai and steamed egg custard with red bean toppings.
But we find the desserts too sweet for our liking.
We saw a few REN XIN shops in the area which we think Ren Xin is a franchise chain.
Cost RMB 26
Nan Sing Dessert 南信双皮奶
From the shop front, it looks impressive and believe the desserts are too as per some good social media write ups and comments
7 Nov 2018 - Beijing Road Shopping Street 北京路步行街
Take Metro Line 1 or 2 to Gong Yuan Qian Station, get out at Exit C and walk straight for 2 short blocks
Or take Metro Line 6 and get off at Beijing Road Station
This photo shows a section of the underground old street in protected plexi-glass.
Wow, I cannot believe that I was there standing on a modern road that used to be an ancient street from the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD)
Tiger Prawn Vietnamese Restaurant 大头虾越式风味
548号 Huifu East Road 惠福东路
Take Metro Line 1 or 2 to Gong Yuan Qian Station, get out at Exit J and walk along Guangzhou Qiyi Road
The typhoon crab was huge and delicious.
Lia Cafe
29 Yushan Road 禺山路
Take Metro Line 1 or 2 to Gong Yuan Qian Station and get out at Exit C. Walk on Zhongshan 5th Road and turn right into Beijing Road. Continue to walk on Beijing Road and turn left at junction of Yushan Road
At the far end of Beijing Road near to the Pearl River is the ferry terminal, Tianzi Wharf
Take Metro Line 6 and get off at Beijing Road Station.
Walk on Beijing Road till junction of Yanjiang Middle Road.
For RMB, 2 you can take a normal ferry ride to the Canton Tower
Else for a 60 minute luxurious night cruise to the Canton Tower, it costs about RMB 100
Most bridges like the one on the right looks normal.
Night scene at Pearl River
Da Yang Yuan Wei Dun Pin 达杨原味炖品
162 Wen Ming Road 文明路
They sell a variety of chinese soups.
The chicken soup boiled in coconut husk is popular (RMB 20).
It was nourishingly tasty and flavourful.
The guilingao renowned for its health benefits and medicinal value was herbally sweet with a slight tinge of bitterness. (RMB 5)
Rose Dessert 玫瑰甜品
218 Wen Ming Road 文明路 (近中山图书馆)
We love Rose Dessert Stall as the sweetness of the walnut paste and almond paste were just about right.
The texture was smooth and silky.
It cost RMB 15 each.
9 Nov 2018 - Sek Wai Xin Restaurant 食为先酒家(海珠北路店)
11 Hai Zhu Bei Road, 2nd Floor of Zhuhai Economic Zone Hotel 海珠北路11号珠海特区大酒店2楼
Take the metro Line 1 to Xi Men Kou and get out at Exit C.
Walk along Zhongshan 6th Road and turn left at Haizhu North Road.
The restaurant is on the second floor.
We went on a weekday and was not crowded.
But beware that smoking is allowed!
We just mimicked our neighbours at the next table.
First, they went to the counter to pick up the hot water pot. Then, poured hot water into a container to wash the cups, plates, spoons and chopsticks. Once satisfied that the utensils were clean, hot chinese tea was poured into the drinking cups and they kicked start the meal....
If you settle the bill by 11am, you pay only 68% of the bill
We paid RMB 70 for this hearty dim sum breakfast
This restaurant is popularly frequented by the elderly as the dim sum is good and price is reasonably inexpensive.
The hargow and siew mai are huge in size and quite filling
Braised chicken feet with peanuts
Delicious
The skin of the Char Siew Bao was a little thick and rough though the ingredients were tasty.
The size was also a little to big and we had to pack away.
The spring rolls were a unique surprise as the popiah skin is wrapped with cheese.
Yummy!
10 Nov 2018 - Biao Mei Liang Dian Restaurant 表妹靓点餐厅
11 Jiao Chang West Road 较场西路11号
Take Metro Line 1 to Martyrs' Park and get out at Exit A.
Walk along Jiao Chang East Road and turn right into Yunhai Tongjin.
At the junction of Jiao Chang West Road, turn left and the shop is located just opposite.
The dim sum here is more exquisite than those of Sek Wei Xin. The cost was RMB 69
Fried Vietnamese prawn roll with mayonnaise.
Just about right. Not too oily
Dainty Siew Mai was fresh with crab meat and big prawn on top.
Steamed black pork ribs was tender and flavourful.
Fried carrot cake. Delicious
Jiu Long Cafe 九龙冰室
E107-E111, Floor M, Grandview Plaza, No.228, Tianhe Road (天河区天河路)
They have an outlet at
Dong Ji Xin Tian Di Shopping Mall, Level 1, which is located at the heart of the Shang Xia Jiu Pedestrian Street
But we went to the outlet at Grandview Plaza
Take Metro Line 1 to Tianhe Sport Center Station and get out at Exit D3
The cafe is like a typical Hongkong style tea restaurant serving beverages and snacks.
Crsipy fried chicken wings.
Toast bread drenched with sweet condensed milk.
Hot tea.
Egg tarts.
Comfort snacks for RMB 71
Xinghe Xiangjiang Hotel, Guangzhou Railway Station
We scoot our way here to arrive at 0830 hrs. Dreamliner seats were more spacious which made travelling much more comfortable. All foreigners were required to scan fingerprints at DIY area on arrival before proceeding to the Immigration Counter for customs clearance. I failed the DIY fingerprint scan and had to do it at the counter. What a start to the China experience
Airport Express Bus 1
We mistakenly bought the tourist version of the metro card at the airport whereby RMB 38 is a non refundable deposit with RMB 50 for use.
Buying tickets from the automated ticketing machines at the metro stations is also quite convenient as there are many available machines.
But we still preferred the metro cards for its convenience.
Room 517 faces the railway tracks but the noise was low as we closed the windows and pulled the curtain. We could sleep soundly through the night. We were pleased that there was no smell of cigarette smoke as reported in the trip advisors. The ac was cold and quiet. The showers powerful and hot. The bar counter lights were not working but was fixed immediately when we called reception. It brightened the room a lot.
The bus interchange is next to the hotel.
Lots of small eateries, fast food outlets and convenient stores.
We were spoilt for choice.
Noodles and Rice
alexjoshua
20 Dec 2018
We leisurely paced our stay in Guangzhou eating, strolling and taking in all the local sights and local delights. The city is huge and is filled with people everywhere mostly the local chinese. Foreigners are few.
The PRC traits were unmistakable. Line the streets with squats. Pollute the air with smoke.
Deafen the surrounding with noise. Jostling. Spitting.
We were surprised that Mandarin instead of Cantonese was mainly and widely used by the locals.
Shamian Island separated from the mainland by a small canal and is good place for a stroll overlooking the Pearl River.
You will see this canal before the entrance to the island.
Take Metro Line 1 or 6 to Huangsha Station 黄沙站 and get out at Exit F and walk across the overhead bridge to reach the island.
It also has a few small parks which are filled with shrubs and trees...
And creatively planted sculptures....
Mota Restaurant 摩打食堂
We had planned to dine at Mota Restaurant located at 36 Jiao Yu Road (near Beijing Road) 教育路
And we were thrilled to know they had an outlet at the Metropolitan Plaza, Huangsha Station 黄沙站
However, as shared in social media, the queue was really long.
We had to wait 1.5 hours for them to seat us.
This is the area outside the restaurant where you either hang around waiting for your queue number to be called or go shopping at Decathlon to wild the waiting time.
For that long wait, the dining experience was good and the wagu beef was heavenly which they limit 4 pieces per customer.
Left is the uncooked beef while the right is already 70% cooked by blow torch.
The meat is thinly sliced and succulently tender and flavourful
The plate of assorted sashimi was also abundantly fresh
The prawns were tastily grilled.
The caramel custard was unique a sweet sensation.
5 Nov 2018-Baiyun Mountain 白云山
We took the bus 210 from the Guangzhou Railway Station. We scanned the Metro Card for a RMB2 ride which was a standard fee as we did not have to tap out.
The driver either shouts out the name of the bus stop or there was an electronic board showing the next destination. Inside the bus, there is a static board showing all the bus stops. At all bus stops, there is a board showing the bus numbers, the current, the next and the rest of the bus stops to its final destination. Instructions in Chinese were clear and precise.
We alighted at Bai Yun Suo Dao stop ( 白云索道) walked backwards to cross the overhead bridge to the other side of the road and then walk some 200m to Yuntai Garden then another 50m to Baiyun Cableway
Yuntai Huayuan (Yuntai Garden) is at the foot of the Baiyun Mountain just next to Baiyun Cableway where the Cable Car Ticketing Counter and Station are located
The garden has huge man made decorations which changes according to the seasons.
Entrance fee is RMB 10
There are restaurants and small eateries around the Yuntai Garden and Yuntai Cableway.
We had porridge and rice noodles at one of these eateries for RMB15 per set
We bought a 1 way ticket at RMB25 per person for the 15 minute cable car ride with a journey of 1.6km to the top of the mountain.
Return trip is RMB20 per person
We came on a weekday and there was no crowd.
Moxing Ridge 摩星岭
It is the highest point of Baiyun Mountain at 382m above sea level.
It is walkable from the top to Moxing Ridge but it would be about 2km walk.
We took the mini bus ride to Moxing Ridge at RMB10 per person per trip while the entrance fee to Moxing is RMB10 per person.
As it was cloudy, the scenery was not fantastic though it cooling and air fresh.
In clearer days, the view should be fantastic
6 Nov 2018 - Shang Xia Jiu Pedestrian Street 上下九商业步行街
It is situated in the central area of Liwan district consisting of Shangjiu Road 上九路, Xiajiu Road 下九路 and Dishipu Lu 第十甫路
Take Metro Line 1 to Changshou Road station 长寿路站 and get out at Exit D2
Walk on Bao Hua Road and turn into Dishipu Road and continue walking onto Shangjiu Road
Walk on Bao Hua Road and turn into Dishipu Road and continue walking onto Shangjiu Road
As you walked the street, you will see both the European and Chinese characteristics in these buildings. And lots and lots of good food.....
117 Bao Hua Road 宝华路
The noodles were al dente.
The dumplings were huge. Each was wrapped with minced meat and a big prawn.
The broth reminded me of the Wanton Soup which I had in Hongkong. Yummy!
The braised pork trotters melt in the mouth.
Cost RMB 83
Cost RMB 83
Chan Tim Gei 陳添記食家
Further down the Bao Hua Noodle Shop is Chan Tim Gei.
The shop is also located in a small alley off Bao Hua Road
The three popular dishes at Chan Tim Gei are the Rice Rolls, Fish Skin and Teng Zai Porridge.
We found the roasted pigeon (RMB 25) and roasted pork (RMB 17.50) from 2 other stalls on the small alleys off Bao Hua Road
Teng Zai Porridge 艇仔粥 (RMB 19) from Chan Tim Gei.
Dine in price is RMB 9 each and additional RMB 0.50 for each takeaway
Ren Xin Desserts 仁信甜品
The shop is also located in a small alley off Bao Hua Road
The three popular dishes at Chan Tim Gei are the Rice Rolls, Fish Skin and Teng Zai Porridge.
We found the roasted pigeon (RMB 25) and roasted pork (RMB 17.50) from 2 other stalls on the small alleys off Bao Hua Road
Teng Zai Porridge 艇仔粥 (RMB 19) from Chan Tim Gei.
Dine in price is RMB 9 each and additional RMB 0.50 for each takeaway
Ren Xin Desserts 仁信甜品
We ordered the RenXin ShuangPiNai and steamed egg custard with red bean toppings.
But we find the desserts too sweet for our liking.
We saw a few REN XIN shops in the area which we think Ren Xin is a franchise chain.
Cost RMB 26
Nan Sing Dessert 南信双皮奶
47
Di Shi Fu Lu 第十甫路
We did not try the desserts at Nan Sing.
From the shop front, it looks impressive and believe the desserts are too as per some good social media write ups and comments
7 Nov 2018 - Beijing Road Shopping Street 北京路步行街
Take Metro Line 1 or 2 to Gong Yuan Qian Station, get out at Exit C and walk straight for 2 short blocks
Or take Metro Line 6 and get off at Beijing Road Station
It is a commercial street packed with shops, malls and restaurants.
It is pedestrian friendly with no cars and a mix of history and modernity
This photo shows a section of the underground old street in protected plexi-glass.
It is located near the junction of Zhongshan 5th Road and Beijing Road
Wow, I cannot believe that I was there standing on a modern road that used to be an ancient street from the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 AD)
Tiger Prawn Vietnamese Restaurant 大头虾越式风味
548号 Huifu East Road 惠福东路
At junction with Huifu East Road, turn left and walk towards junction with Jiaoyu Road
The restaurant is on your left
The typhoon crab was huge and delicious.
They provide disposable aprons and gloves so that you will not be messed up.
The pork neck was tender and delectable.
The prawns were tasty too though a little too small for their size
All were fresh and cost us RMB 317
Lia Cafe
29 Yushan Road 禺山路
Take Metro Line 1 or 2 to Gong Yuan Qian Station and get out at Exit C. Walk on Zhongshan 5th Road and turn right into Beijing Road. Continue to walk on Beijing Road and turn left at junction of Yushan Road
Lia Cafe offers very good western food and portions were huge.
The ambience was great for relaxing and enjoy a great meal.
The seafood chowder was super delicious and works well with the thin crust mushroom pizza
The oysters were fresh and juicy.
Pork was tender complimented with the crispy fresh greens
Total cost=RMB 247
Total cost=RMB 247
8 Nov 2018 - Pearl River
Pearl River - Tian Zi Wharf
Pearl River - Tian Zi Wharf
At the far end of Beijing Road near to the Pearl River is the ferry terminal, Tianzi Wharf
Take Metro Line 6 and get off at Beijing Road Station.
Walk on Beijing Road till junction of Yanjiang Middle Road.
For RMB, 2 you can take a normal ferry ride to the Canton Tower
Else for a 60 minute luxurious night cruise to the Canton Tower, it costs about RMB 100
Most bridges like the one on the right looks normal.
The chinese are really ingenious.
The pavement slope on the both sides of the steps serve as a platform for people to carry their personal stuff on wheels with ease eg pushing the bicycles, grocery trolleys up or down
Sundown at Pearl River
Sundown at Pearl River
Night scene at Pearl River
Yin Ji Steamed Rolled Rice Noodle – 银记粉肠店
199 Wen Ming Road 文明路
199 Wen Ming Road 文明路
Yin Ji has many outlets
We went to the store that is near the junction of Wen Ming Road and Dezheng Middle Road. It is a little off Beijing Road
It was a refreshing walk to the other end Wenming Road.
The texture is smooth and silky and the ingredients fresh and generous.
Cost was RM24
It was worth the walk.
Da Yang Yuan Wei Dun Pin 达杨原味炖品
162 Wen Ming Road 文明路
They sell a variety of chinese soups.
The chicken soup boiled in coconut husk is popular (RMB 20).
It was nourishingly tasty and flavourful.
The guilingao renowned for its health benefits and medicinal value was herbally sweet with a slight tinge of bitterness. (RMB 5)
Rose Dessert 玫瑰甜品
218 Wen Ming Road 文明路 (近中山图书馆)
We love Rose Dessert Stall as the sweetness of the walnut paste and almond paste were just about right.
The texture was smooth and silky.
It cost RMB 15 each.
9 Nov 2018 - Sek Wai Xin Restaurant 食为先酒家(海珠北路店)
11 Hai Zhu Bei Road, 2nd Floor of Zhuhai Economic Zone Hotel 海珠北路11号珠海特区大酒店2楼
Take the metro Line 1 to Xi Men Kou and get out at Exit C.
Walk along Zhongshan 6th Road and turn left at Haizhu North Road.
The restaurant is on the second floor.
We went on a weekday and was not crowded.
But beware that smoking is allowed!
We just mimicked our neighbours at the next table.
First, they went to the counter to pick up the hot water pot. Then, poured hot water into a container to wash the cups, plates, spoons and chopsticks. Once satisfied that the utensils were clean, hot chinese tea was poured into the drinking cups and they kicked start the meal....
If you settle the bill by 11am, you pay only 68% of the bill
We paid RMB 70 for this hearty dim sum breakfast
This restaurant is popularly frequented by the elderly as the dim sum is good and price is reasonably inexpensive.
The hargow and siew mai are huge in size and quite filling
Braised chicken feet with peanuts
Delicious
The skin of the Char Siew Bao was a little thick and rough though the ingredients were tasty.
The size was also a little to big and we had to pack away.
The spring rolls were a unique surprise as the popiah skin is wrapped with cheese.
Yummy!
10 Nov 2018 - Biao Mei Liang Dian Restaurant 表妹靓点餐厅
11 Jiao Chang West Road 较场西路11号
Take Metro Line 1 to Martyrs' Park and get out at Exit A.
Walk along Jiao Chang East Road and turn right into Yunhai Tongjin.
At the junction of Jiao Chang West Road, turn left and the shop is located just opposite.
The dim sum here is more exquisite than those of Sek Wei Xin. The cost was RMB 69
Fried Vietnamese prawn roll with mayonnaise.
Just about right. Not too oily
Dainty Siew Mai was fresh with crab meat and big prawn on top.
Steamed black pork ribs was tender and flavourful.
Fried carrot cake. DeliciousJiu Long Cafe 九龙冰室
E107-E111, Floor M, Grandview Plaza, No.228, Tianhe Road (天河区天河路)
They have an outlet at
Dong Ji Xin Tian Di Shopping Mall, Level 1, which is located at the heart of the Shang Xia Jiu Pedestrian Street
But we went to the outlet at Grandview Plaza
Take Metro Line 1 to Tianhe Sport Center Station and get out at Exit D3
The cafe is like a typical Hongkong style tea restaurant serving beverages and snacks.
Crsipy fried chicken wings.
Toast bread drenched with sweet condensed milk.
Hot tea.
Egg tarts.
Comfort snacks for RMB 71
We scoot our way here to arrive at 0830 hrs. Dreamliner seats were more spacious which made travelling much more comfortable. All foreigners were required to scan fingerprints at DIY area on arrival before proceeding to the Immigration Counter for customs clearance. I failed the DIY fingerprint scan and had to do it at the counter. What a start to the China experience
Airport Express Bus 1
Location of the hotel is great for travelling to and from airport as it is just about 100m (3 minute walk) from the Airport Express Bus 1 Stop. Bus journey is about 50 minutes
The metro is further away about 600m (12 minute walk).
Ticket is RMB 22 from the airport with insurance and RMB 19 to airport.
For the return trip, just buy ticket on day of travel as the frequency is 1 trip every 30 minutes
We mistakenly bought the tourist version of the metro card at the airport whereby RMB 38 is a non refundable deposit with RMB 50 for use. Buying tickets from the automated ticketing machines at the metro stations is also quite convenient as there are many available machines.
But we still preferred the metro cards for its convenience.
The bus interchange is next to the hotel.
Lots of small eateries, fast food outlets and convenient stores.
We were spoilt for choice.
Pastries and Breads
Noodles and Rice
alexjoshua
20 Dec 2018
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