X
VIEW ALL RESULTS
VIEW ALL RESULTS
    X
    X
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
    VIEW ALL RESULTS
      • Professional Services

      Forbes Travel Guide Stories

      Destinations, Restaurants

      5 Upscale Power Lunches In Guangzhou
      By Correspondent Kate Springer

      March 18, 2015

      FTGBlog-GuangzhouBusinessLunch-Jiang by Chef Fei-CreditMandarin Oriental Hotel Group

      Jiang by Chef Fei
      Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

      Anchoring southern China as the country’s third largest megalopolis, industrious Guangzhou is a stalwart stop for business travelers. Whether you’re in town for the twice-annual Canton Fair (April 15-May 5; October 15-November 4) or just trying to impress a client, snag a table for a power lunch at one of these top-tier restaurants.

      Jiang by Chef Fei
      Though newcomer Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou is filled with elegant dining options, the star of the show is Jiang by Chef Fei. With the talented chef Fei behind the wheel, the eponymous restaurant has been lauded for its delicate and creative dim sum, bespoke tea pairings and beautifully presented Cantonese mains. It’s not just about looks here, though; the culinary wizard has won numerous awards for his innovative approach to Chinese cuisine. For a tour of chef Fei’s signatures, try the flaky goose-shaped dumplings filled with radish and pan-fried goose, the Canadian red coral mussels with kale, or the Australian sirloin with pepper and chili. Pull up a chair in the sleek main dining room, or reserve one of the eight private dining rooms – all with floor-to-ceiling windows and skyline views.

      Lai Heen
      The striking entrance to Lai Heen, accompanied by the graceful plucking of a 21-string guzheng, augurs well for the epicurean experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou establishment. There are six private and eight semiprivate dining rooms, decked out in a tasteful burgundy palette with silver accents. Inspired by his family’s fungi business and childhood experiences exploring nearby forests, newly appointed executive Chinese chef Gordon Guo is all about using exotic ingredients – many of which you’ve likely never heard of. From rare grifola frondosa mushrooms to Yunnan tamarillo fruits to sea cucumber, chef Guo injects novel flavors into his Cantonese cuisine for a result that will surely pique your palate – or, at the very least, kick-start lunch conversation.

      FTGBlog-GuangzhouBusinessLunch-Yu yue Heen-CreditFour Seasons Hotels Limited

      Yu Yue Heen, Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels Limited

      Yu Yue Heen
      The crown jewel of the 103-story Guangzhou International Finance Center, the Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou overlooks the budding Pearl River New City district from the 69th to 100th floors. On the 71st level sits Yu Yue Heen, one of Guangzhou’s most notable Cantonese restaurants. The décor takes a contemporary twist on traditional Chinese banquet halls, and includes eight exquisite private dining rooms for more confidential conversations. Helmed by Chinese executive chef Mai Zhi Xiong, Yu Yue Heen serves classic Guangdong cuisine with a few creative embellishments and a strong emphasis on seafood. Chef Mai brings his pristine 30-year track record to the table with sophisticated signatures like Yunnan-style poached sliced lobster, a juicy pan-fried star grouper in supreme soy sauce and braised beef cheek. If you’re out to make a great first impression, a meal at Yu Yue Heen should do the trick.

      Panxi Restaurant
      Set along Liwan Lake, Panxi Restaurant is a lot to take in at first: the dizzying complex comprises several banquet halls and tea houses interconnected by picturesque footpaths and arching bridges. Thanks in part to its idyllic setting among classical Chinese gardens and peaceful ponds, Panxi Restaurant is one of the most famous Cantonese fine-dines in Guangzhou. As you can imagine, the main dining halls get pretty packed, so be sure to call ahead and reserve one of the impressive private dining rooms. These intimate quarters are decorated with ornate woodcarvings, colorful silk screens and glittering stained-glass windows. The tome-like menu is a little overwhelming, so jump to the signatures: rabbit-shaped shrimp dumplings, crispy pork belly, pot-stewed pig tripe and baked crab legs.

      Social & Co
      Need a break from Chinese cuisine? For a Western fix, head to casual-chic Social & Co. One of the city’s latest additions, Social & Co marries a quirky sense of humor with a creative New Zealand menu. If the sun is out, snag one of the outdoor tables on the expansive patio for a side of people-watching to go with your meal. Otherwise, sink into one of the comfy leather booths indoors. As for the menu, choose from contemporary comfort foods like beef bourguignon, grilled grass-fed rib eye, pork belly or seared scallops. And those with a relentless sweet tooth may want to finish off with the signature pavlova with mixed berries – a crispy, airy and delightfully sweet Australian staple. If your power lunch calls for a little lubrication, choose from the hand-picked selection of antipodean wines.

      Share
      Tweet
      Pin
      Share
      Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou Guangzhou Jiang by Chef Fei Lai Heen Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou Panxi Restaurant power lunch Social & Co The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou Yu Yue Heen
      by Correspondent Kate Springer 

      About Correspondent Kate Springer

      View all posts by Correspondent Kate Springer

      Related Posts

      • Trees21 Stunning Hotel Christmas Trees
      • 10 Hotels With Unusual Architecture
      • Forbes Travel Guide Unveils Its 2020 Star Award Winners
      • 8 Mocktails That Everyone Can Toast To

      Copyright © 2023 · Prima Donna theme by Georgia Lou Studios

      Dreaming of your next trip?

      Let us inspire you with weekly special offers and stories about what's new and exciting in luxury travel.
      THANK YOU! CONFIRMATION EMAIL SENT.
      You can withdraw your consent at any time. Visit our Privacy Policy and Terms or Contact Us for more information.