Kitchen • 03 April, 2025
The art of taste: the secrets of Cantonese cuisine
Cantonese cuisine, the epitome of refinement and harmony, has won the hearts of gourmets around the world. Its emphasis on fresh ingredients, the delicate mastery of balancing flavors and its deep connection to traditions make it a true culinary art form. We spoke with Vincent Lin, a native of Guangzhou and Vice President of Sales at Oriental Sky Aviation, to uncover what makes Cantonese cuisine so unique and unparalleled.
Cantonese cuisine prioritizes highlighting the natural flavors of ingredients, often with minimal use of heavy spices or sauces. It also reflects the coastal location of Guangdong, featuring an abundance of seafood. Unlike Sichuan cuisine, known for its fiery spiciness due to its abundance of chili and Sichuan pepper, or Shanghai cuisine, characterized by its sweet accents and preference for braised dishes with soy sauce, Cantonese chefs focus on lightness and naturalness. With minimal use of spices and heavy seasonings, the true taste of fresh ingredients shines through.
"Cantonese cuisine demonstrates how the natural freshness of ingredients creates a richness of flavors".
The flavorful facets of Guangdong
In different cities across Guangdong province, Cantonese cuisine takes on unique characteristics, making it even more fascinating and diverse. For example, Guangzhou is renowned for its traditional dim sum, small gastronomic masterpieces and roasted meat dishes prepared according to classic regional recipes.
Shenzhen, being a young and dynamic city, has absorbed the influence of numerous migrants, which is reflected in its local cuisine. Here, traditional dishes are often reinterpreted with a modern twist, incorporating fusion elements that blend tradition with contemporary trends. Meanwhile, Shunde, often referred to as the culinary capital of the region, is famous for its innovative cooking techniques. In this city, a creative approach and mastery in preparing seafood are especially valued, crafting dishes that captivate both the imagination and the palate. These differences between cities only highlight the richness and diversity of Cantonese cuisine, while its versatility and harmony of flavors continue to inspire gourmets around the world.
What about the origins?
The development of Cantonese cuisine has been significantly influenced by both historical events and the cultural characteristics of the region. Guangzhou, as an important trade hub, has served as China's gateway to the world since ancient times. This led to the introduction of foreign spices, ingredients, and culinary techniques. Migration waves also played a pivotal role, as foreign communities settling in the region enriched local cuisine with their traditions, creating unique fusion elements. The abundance of natural resources cannot be overlooked either. Guangdong’s coastal location provided access to a wide variety of seafood, while fertile lands enabled the cultivation of fresh vegetables and fruits, laying the foundation for Cantonese cuisine’s renowned emphasis on freshness and natural flavors.
"Each dish of Cantonese cuisine tells its own story, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the region. Every serving becomes not just a meal/treat, but a true journey into the world of centuries-old gastronomic heritage".
Iconic dishes
Cantonese cuisine features 5 iconic dishes, each embodying its traditions while combining natural flavors, high-quality ingredients, and culinary expertise: ●Dim Sum (a variety of dumplings): a symbol of Cantonese food culture, showcasing variety and culinary mastery in small, delicate portions. ●Char Siu (roasted BBQ pork): the sweet and savory glaze epitomizes the style of Cantonese barbecue. ●Wonton Noodle Soup: a simple yet exquisite dish that reflects the balance and purity of the cuisine. ●Steamed Fish: highlights the freshness of ingredients, a cornerstone of Cantonese cuisine philosophy. ●White Cut Chicken: emphasizes the natural flavor of high-quality poultry. What are the cooking secrets? The principles and techniques of Cantonese cooking have been rigorously observed over the centuries. These include the emphasis on freshness, achieved through the use of high-quality ingredients, the balanced addition of seasonings to enhance natural flavors, the aesthetics of serving, and the verified precision of cooking. To preserve the texture and taste of the ingredients, Cantonese chefs often steam, roast/stir-fry, or braise their dishes. And, of course, all of this is accompanied by beautiful serving. "Our cuisine is not just about taste; visual appeal is equally important here". More than just food Without exaggeration, it can be said that food in Guangdong is a key part of everyday life. Each resident starts their day with a sip of delicious "yum cha" tea, followed by indulging in dim sum. By dinner time, the table transforms into a haven of fresh seafood. But the most important aspect of all this is the bonds between people who gather around the table, as a meal is an excellent opportunity to strengthen family or business relationships. "For us, residents of Guangdong, cuisine is a way to be closer to each other". Festive dishes Traditional festive dishes of Guangdong are not only delicious but also informative, as they introduce us to the culture and customs of the region. "The form and taste of festive dishes are connected to the centuries-old tradition of honoring history and cultural heritage". Mooncakes, a symbol of unity and harmony, invariably adorn tables during the mid-autumn festival, when families gather to admire the full moon. Tangyuan, sweet rice balls symbolizing family warmth, are served during the Lantern Festival. Roast suckling pig with crispy skin and tender meat is a must-have dish at weddings and major celebrations as a symbol of abundance and prosperity. And zongzi, rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, are prepared for the Dragon Boat Festival in memory of the poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself into the river to protest against the emperor's injustice. According to legend, after his death, people mourned him, boarded boats, and searched for the poet's body in the water for a long time. Fishermen threw rice, eggs and rice wine into the water so that the Water Dragon and other inhabitants of the river would not eat the remains of Qu Yuan. A flavor that conquered the world Cantonese cuisine has gained worldwide popularity due to its remarkable ability to tailor any taste while remaining true to its origins. The art of emphasizing the freshness of ingredients, combining delicacy and harmony makes it a true gastronomic treasure. Immigrants from Guangdong played a key role in spreading these culinary traditions. Thanks to their efforts, Cantonese restaurants have appeared in major metropolitan areas of the world, ranging from New York to London, from Sydney to Tokyo. Today, crispy dim sum, flavorful soups and refined sauces have become synonymous with sophistication and gastronomic pleasure, uniting food lovers around the world in their love of this unique cuisine. The new life of Cantonese cuisine Today, we are witnessing fascinating trends in the way Cantonese cuisine is being tailored for an international audience. First, recipes are being simplified to better align with Western tastes and dining habits. This allows people unfamiliar with authentic dishes to enjoy them without a feeling of something so alien. Second, local ingredients are being actively incorporated. For example, instead of the traditional whole chicken, the more familiar chicken breast is increasingly used in dishes. And of course, one should not fail to mention the fusion trend. Modern interpretations of Cantonese dishes surprise with unexpected combinations: dim sum with truffle purée or smoked salmon has become a true hit. All these changes not only preserve the spirit of Cantonese cuisine, but also make it more accessible and appealing to people around the world. How to start to explore the cuisine? We would suggest to start exploring Cantonese cuisine with the most recognizable dishes. Surely, you’ve guessed that we will begin with dim sum—the symbol of the gastronomic art of the entire region. These tiny dumplings with various fillings, be it shrimp, pork or vegetables, are simply made to win hearts. And they are truly delicious! And what about the pork in sweet and sour sauce? It's a perfect blend of flavors that leaves no one indifferent. Then there’s Char Siu—roast pork with a caramelized glaze, whose aroma alone is enough to whet your appetite. Those who prefer halal food will appreciate steamed fish with soy sauce - a dish that emphasizes the main principles of Cantonese cuisine: freshness of ingredients and minimalism in preparation. And one should wrap up the exploration by trying the roast goose, whose crispy skin and succulent meat are considered a true masterpiece of Cantonese gastronomy. Finally, no Cantonese meal is complete without egg tarts. With their delicate custard filling and flaky crust, these desserts deliver the perfect finishing touch—one bite, and you’ll fall in love with Cantonese cuisine. We've already tried it! Have you? The editorial staff of Centrum Travel Magazine embarked on a gastronomic expedition to Guangzhou, and we can say with full confidence that Cantonese cuisine is not just food, it's a true art. The Centrum Air crew, who shared this culinary adventure with us, couldn't get enough of how vividly and succulently these flavors resonated, where every ingredient perfectly complements the other. Even the most sophisticated gourmets couldn’t help but be amazed. From our beloved dim sum to flavorful soups and exquisite appetizers, every meal here turns into a little discovery. So, if you haven't been to Guangzhou yet, soon pack your bags and do visit this city where food is not just a necessity, but a real ritual of enjoyment. The food is really delicious, the atmosphere is indeed amazing here, and trust us, your gastronomic journey will stay in your memory for a long time!