Huifu East Road is not just a side alley branching off the bustling Beijing Road. It is a world of its own and a true culinary mecca of Guangzhou. While the main pedestrian artery is lined mostly with shops, here on Huifu, you will find nothing but restaurants, eateries, and food stalls. It is a place where you can genuinely taste the flavor and spirit of old Canton.
The street is especially beautiful in the evening. As dusk falls, numerous lights come on: the bright neon signs of the establishments and, most magically, stylized Chinese lanterns, hung in clusters from the branches of old banyan trees.
Atmosphere and Spirit of the Street:
The street is not large but densely built up: the facades of old multi-story buildings, whose ground floors are dedicated to eateries, form a kind of "food canyon." An important and striking feature of the scenery are the mighty banyan trees, whose sprawling canopies and peculiar aerial roots create a green, shady vault over the street.
And on their branches, like fruits, hang stylized Chinese lanterns that glow year-round. These are not traditional red cylinders but elegant clusters of spherical or pear-shaped lanterns in warm hues—amber-orange, sunny yellow, and peach. During the day, they decorate the greenery, and at dusk, they light up, casting a soft, cozy glow onto the sidewalks and facades, transforming the street into a fairytale tunnel. Signage—from bright neon characters to simple wooden boards—is plastered with the names of dishes.
Gateway to the Great Temple:
Beyond gastronomy, Huifu East Road holds significant spiritual importance. This is where you will find the main entrance to one of Guangzhou`s most significant and ancient temples—Dafo Ancient Temple.
A bit about the temple: Dafo Temple, or the Temple of the Great Buddha, is a revered Buddhist complex whose history dates back to the Southern Han Dynasty (10th century). It was restored to its present splendor in the early 21st century. Its main treasure is one of the largest gilded bronze statues of the seated Buddha Shakyamuni in southern China, standing 6 meters tall and weighing 10 tons, leaving a lasting impression. In the evening, the temple is spectacularly illuminated, creating a magical contrast with the lights of the culinary street.
Culinary Legends of the Street:
Huifu East Road has dozens of establishments, but some have become true institutions, famous far beyond the district. Here are the iconic spots you shouldn`t miss:
Chan Cheng Du Ji – The Kingdom of Fish Skin.
A humble shop that has become a legend. They serve a signature dish that many try with trepidation but leave raving about—marinated fish skin. Crispy, savory, and served with peanuts and bean sprouts. Also, be sure to try their rice noodle rolls, "zhangfen," with soy sauce. Simple, cheap, and unforgettable.
Bao Yuan Tang Dian – The Temple of "Liang" Soups.
This establishment specializes in traditional Cantonese tonic soups ("liangtang"). In the display window are dozens of clay pots simmering with medicinal broths made from herbs, roots, meat, and seafood. Each soup is intended to balance the body`s energy according to the season and one`s health. Be sure to ask the server (or gesture) for their recommendation of the day.
Kai Fung Restaurant – The Sweet Empire.
No visit to Huifu is complete without dessert. "Kaifung" is a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. They serve classic Cantonese "tong sui" desserts: red bean soup with glutinous rice, sesame paste, tofu pudding with ginger syrup ("doufuhua"), and, of course, the famous mango pudding with sago and coconut milk—refreshing and not overly sweet.
Nanyu Milk Company – Dairy Traditions.
Another monument to local dessert artistry. Famous for its incredibly silky-smooth milk pudding ("shuangpinai") that melts in your mouth and Cantonese-style yogurt. They also serve excellent noodles and dim sum, but sweets are their forte. Expect a queue, especially in the evening.
Standard but Impeccable Dim Sum Restaurants. All along the street, you`ll find eateries with steam carts or extensive menus where you can try har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, spring rolls, steamed barbecue pork buns ("charsiu bao"), and rice noodle rolls. Choose the one with the most locals—you won`t go wrong.
Come to Huifu East Road hungry and with company. The best tactic is a culinary stroll: order one dish at one place, eat it standing or at a small table, and then move on to the next spot. This way, you can sample the maximum number of flavors. Be sure to return after dark to see the clusters of lanterns in the banyan tree canopies light up, making the street an even more magical place.
