8 Guangzhou restaurants awarded Michelin star in new guide

The Michelin Guide unveiled a selection of 63 restaurants in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on June 29, making its second foray into the Chinese mainland after Shanghai last year.

Guangzhou, the global hub for Cantonese food, became the 32nd destination in the Michelin Guide's footprint worldwide.

Michael Ellis, international director for the Michelin Guide, said in a news release: "This very first Guangzhou selection highlights a great local gastronomic interest. In this city, the culinary scene reflects great talent in the kitchen, wonderful ingredients and a mastery of different flavors."

Eight restaurants obtained their first star in the Michelin Guide Guangzhou 2018: Bing Sheng Mansion, Bing Sheng Private Kitchen, Jade River, Jiang by Chef Fei, Lai Heen, Lei Garden (Yuexiu), Wisca (Haizhu) and Yu Yue Heen. All eight specialize in Cantonese cuisine.

The Guangzhou selection also featured 20 restaurants which were awarded a Bib Gourmand, an award handed out by Michelin inspectors to eateries offering exceptionally good food at moderate prices－and for providing a quality menu under 200 yuan ($30).

Tong Ji earned a Bib Gourmand because of its signature dish of steamed chicken and stir-fried ribbon rice noodles. Even though it was tucked away in an alley, the restaurant－which has been running for more than 30 years－did not fail to escape the attention of the inspectors.

Jian Ji won the Respectable Recipe Award for their noodles, which have been made on the premises for over 50 years using the same traditional recipe and cooking methods. Ze 8 won the Revitalized Cuisine Award for turning traditional and representative Cantonese clay pot dishes into highly popular modern interpretations.

Another 35 restaurants were awarded a Michelin Plate for their solid cooking skills, to indicate to customers that they will be able to enjoy a carefully prepared meal using fresh ingredients.