Guangzhou's Halal Hotspots: Dim Sum, Northwest Flavors & Iconic Muslim Cuisine
[Internet Repost]
Guangzhou's Must-Try Halal Chinese Restaurants: A Delicious Mashup of Cosmopolitan Cantonese Flavors and Northwest Culinary Arts
Here's the scoop:
We're curating Guangzhou's most popular Halal Chinese restaurants, diving into how they maintain strict Halal sourcing while masterfully blending the fresh, delicate techniques of Cantonese cuisine with the rich essence of Northern and Northwestern Chinese beef and lamb cooking. The result? A vibrant, diverse spread of Chinese Halal delicacies for discerning foodies.
Cantonese cuisine, one of China's four major culinary traditions, has, over its long history, not only preserved the traditions of Central Plains culinary culture but also absorbed culinary essences from various external influences. This has shaped a dining experience characterized by an abundance of dishes, refined cooking techniques, and superior flavors.
This time around, for all of you who've been asking, your trusty food guide is finally delivering on Guangzhou's Halal Chinese restaurants!
Zaocha / Yum Cha (Cantonese morning tea / dim sum)
When you talk about Guangzhou food, the first thing that probably comes to mind is zaocha / yum cha (Cantonese morning tea / dim sum), right?! In Guangzhou, sipping zaocha is *the* go-to way for folks to steal a few hours of chill time and escape the daily grind.
Guangzhou actually boasts two super authentic Halal zaocha spots. You probably already know which ones I'm talking about!
Bazar Food Xinjiang Cuisine · Dapanji · Xinjiang Fried Rice Noodles
(Xinjiang Mansion)
Whenever I asked folks on the Halal Life App about must-visit zaocha spots in Guangzhou, everyone kept pointing to the second floor of Xinjiang Mansion. They even made sure to tell me to get there before 11 AM. The reason this place stands out? Seriously authentic zaocha flavors, of course!
Image source: @ChristySin
Southeast Asian-style Fresh Shrimp Red Rice Noodle Rolls (Dongnanya Xianxia Hongmi Changfen)
When I asked my Guangzhou friends what's the absolute *must-have* for zaocha, the dish everyone enthusiastically recommended was the hongmi chang (red rice noodle rolls).
The outer layer is wrapped in those vibrant red rice noodles, and the red yeast rice powder gives it a unique aroma, releasing a fresh, subtle fragrance with every bite. The second layer is a crispy fried wrapper – it tastes kind of like the crunchy skin of a youtiao (Chinese fried dough stick), or even the breading on fried chicken. And the innermost layer? Tender, super fresh shrimp.
Taking a bite, these three layers just merge beautifully. The freshness of the outer and innermost layers perfectly balances out the slight richness of that middle fried bit. If you're craving something a bit bolder, you can dip it in the accompanying sauce for an extra kick of savory.
Signature Har Gow with Bamboo Shoots (Yuanzhi Sunjian Xiajiao Huang)
The skin is so translucent and delicate, just looking at them makes your mouth water! They have a lovely chewiness and springy texture when you bite in.
Inside, they're packed with plump shrimp (your food guide suspects they might have been rinsed with cold water after cooking to get that incredible bouncy, Q-texture!). These are truly the real deal when it comes to shrimp dumplings. With a touch of crisp bamboo shoots, they taste even fresher and more delightful.
Siu Mai with Fresh Shrimp and Chicken (Xianxia Jili Shaomai Huang)
The skin of the siu mai is thin and beautifully textured, not perfectly smooth. It's crimped around the edges like lace, with the filling nestled in the center. As soon as they arrive at your table, you can spot the chicken bits and fresh shrimp peeking out. And that steamy, fragrant sesame oil wafting up? Totally gets your appetite going!
Black Pepper Beef Short Ribs (Heijiao Jiaozhi Niuzai Gu)
Honestly, when this dish first hit the table, I thought it looked pretty standard. But the moment your food guide took the first bite, I was absolutely blown away!
The beef was incredibly tender and cooked to perfection, so soft. A gentle chew after that first bite, and your mouth is flooded with rich beefy flavor. Dipped in the sauce, the meaty juices become even more intense and satisfying. If you're a beef lover, you absolutely cannot skip this!
Beyond these 'heavy hitters' (main savory dishes) we've covered, there's actually a dessert you absolutely can't miss either.
Osmanthus Coconut Jelly (Guihua Yezhi Gao)
The moment the Guihua Yezhi Gao (Osmanthus Coconut Jelly) arrived, I was hit with its incredibly fresh osmanthus fragrance. It's delightfully cool on the palate, and the texture is a bit like a water chestnut cake. The coconut flavor is rich and creamy, blending beautifully with the delicate osmanthus aroma. It leaves you feeling exceptionally refreshed, with that lovely scent lingering long after you've finished.
Just a heads-up: Xinjiang Mansion's zaocha is only served until 11:30 AM. So, if you're planning to go, definitely aim to get there before then! Plus, if you pay before 11:30 AM from Monday to Friday, you score a sweet 20% discount.
Address: Xinjiang Mansion, 2nd-3rd Floor, 76 Tianhe North Road (near Times Square)
Average spend per person: ¥97
Guangzhou Muslim Restaurant (Huimin Restaurant)
The dining area is spacious and comfy with old-school decor. Because it's been around for a long time, you get this awesome nostalgic vibe the second you walk in, but it's kept super clean and tidy.
Photo source: @Eating, Drinking and Having Fun with Little Tomato
Steamed Chicken Feet with Hakka Soy Bean Sauce
These steamed chicken feet are off-the-charts good! The chicken skin is tender and soft, practically melting in your mouth with every bite, loaded with flavor. Wrapped in a rich, sweet, spicy, and savory glaze, the texture of the chicken feet gets even more complex and delicious.
Photo source: Halal Life App @Ya
Beef Offal Soup
It's a huge portion made with total sincerity, packed with beef intestines, beef tripe, and diced white radishes. The broth is super savory and completely free of any gamey smell, and the offal is prepped and cleaned really well.
The best surprise is the diced radish—it's pickled, so it has a nice tangy, sour kick. Even after drinking a massive bowl of soup, you never feel weighed down or greasy because of it!
Photo source: @Jingjing's Brisk Walk
Honey-Glazed Lamb Char Siu
A sweet-style char siu bun bursting with savory juices. The filling is mostly lean meat, and even though these buns are totally packed with lamb, there's zero gamey odor. Plus, they toss in some salted egg yolk, which makes them insanely good~
Photo source: Halal Life APP @YanKee
Lamb Char Siu Pastry
The crust is insanely crispy with gorgeous, flaky layers—totally top-tier pastry work, just like the flaky top crust of a freshly baked egg tart! The meat filling isn't huge, but one bite still gives you a mouthful of rich, meaty goodness.
Photo source: @Fat Mom
Compared to the Xinjiang Building, I lean a bit more toward the former when it comes to flavor and service, but this classic legacy restaurant definitely has its own unique charm~
Address: No. 325, Zhongshan 6th Road (50 meters left of Exit A, Ximenkou Metro Station)
Average price per person: 63 RMB
Hot Pot
What should you eat when it's cold out? Hot pot! What should you eat for a friends' hangout? Hot pot! As one of China's most iconic culinary inventions, hot pot is loved by all generations and holds a massive place in everyone's hearts.
Foodie Individual Hot Pot
If you want to grab hot pot with two or three friends, I totally recommend Foodie Individual Hot Pot~
The space is cozy, and the moment you step inside, you feel this warm, welcoming vibe with everyone sitting together sharing a joyful meal. The first time I went there in the winter, it honestly felt like being at home.
Photo source: @Jennifer
If you prefer lighter flavors, you can go for the triple-delicacy broth—it's super fresh and authentic. If you can handle the heat, spice lovers can roll with the numbing spicy mala broth for an absolute rush.
Photo source: Halal Life APP @Beibeina
The ingredients are super fresh and displayed in chillers where you can pick out whatever you want. Meat and veggies are kept separate, and you take your picks to the counter to be weighed—very clean and hygienic, and having your own individual hot pot is super convenient~
Photo source: @Floating Life Like a Dream
If you're a fan of beef and lamb, you'll find tons of sliced beef and mutton rolls. They taste amazing after a quick swish in the boiling broth—tender, not gamey, and never greasy.
Photo source: @Xiaoxuejoy
If you want something besides the mini hot pot, you can order the dry-pot shrimp with chicken wings—super generous portions and totally worth it.
Photo source: @Xiyangyang
The shrimp are flash-fried in hot oil, making them extra crispy when you bite into them! Tossed with all the seasonings from the dry pot, they pack a spicy, aromatic punch. The chicken wings are super juicy, and there are even little fried dough twists (mahua) mixed in—crunchy at first, then they soften up just a bit. Paired with green and red peppers, onions, and other veggies, the whole dish has an incredible depth of texture and flavor.
Photo source: @OdileDeng
Address: 2nd Floor, No. 97 Baohan Direct Street, Xiaobei Station (second floor across from the Northwest Muslim Restaurant)
Average cost per person: ¥116
Donglaishun Halal Restaurant & Mutton Hot Pot
(Teemall Department Store Aoti Branch)
The vibe is gorgeous, with a sleek, minimalist interior dominated by crisp white tones that make the space look super bright and open. There are even hallway seating spots and tent-style private booths right by the entrance.
Photo source: @Miaodaao
Cloisonné Hot Pot
If you're wondering where to get the tenderest shabu-shabu, it's gotta be Donglaishun~ A classic copper charcoal hot pot is their ultimate trademark: deep fire chambers and roaring heat. Eating mutton hot pot out of a traditional copper pot is the absolute most authentic way to do it!
Photo source: @Wojuededouxing
Traditional Mutton
The lamb is insanely fresh and tender—just dip it in the boiling broth and swish it around seven to eight times, and it's ready to devour. Pair it with their signature dipping sauce for a mouthful of rich flavor, completely game-free.
Photo source: @LemoncubEatsAndDrinks
Donglaishun Lamb Skewers
The skewers are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, generously dusted with a bold, spicy spice blend. The heavy hit of cumin makes it so you don't taste any gamey mutton flavor at all on the very first bite. Plus, the owner's recommended way of eating them—stuffing the skewers inside a flatbread (kaorou jia bing)—is stellar!
Photo source: Halal Life App @WangDongsiIdris
Overall, Donglaishun's dishes are solid, leaning toward a lighter flavor profile with a fantastic atmosphere, though it's a bit on the pricey side.
Address: Shop F112, 1st Floor, Aoti Utopia, No. 12 Aoti South Road
Average cost per person: ¥152
Xinjiang Cuisine
Xinjiang cuisine blends halal characteristics with the bold, heavily spiced, and aromatic cooking style of Northwest China. Famous dishes include whole roasted lamb (kao quan yang), big plate chicken (dapanji), lamb in baked naan (nang baorou), and hand-grabbed lamb (shouzhua yangrou), leaning toward savory and spicy flavors.
Jiangyue Banquet
The interior is totally drenched in exotic Central Asian vibes. You’ve definitely gotta check out the second floor—every little detail is packed with authentic Xinjiang elements~ There are several paintings on the walls, and as the owner told us, every single scene depicts local folklore and stories straight from Xinjiang.
Photo source: @RoundfacedTemptation
Yogurt
The yogurt is house-made by the owner and is super rich and thick. At first sip, it tastes like regular yogurt, but let it linger on your tongue for a second before swallowing, and you’ll catch a subtle, mellow aroma. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a deeply creamy milk flavor.
Image credit: @xiaoke-4512
Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken)
When we talk about Xinjiang cuisine, Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken) is an absolute must-try. The owner of the restaurant is from Xinjiang, so their Dapanji is super authentic. You can even customize the spice level, and the chicken portion is seriously massive – totally satisfying!
Image credit: @yuanliandeyouhuo
Plus, the potatoes are soft, flavorful, and totally soaked in that rich Dapanji sauce. Seriously, you won't be able to stop at just one bite!!!
When you're having Dapanji, definitely remember to add a serving of latiaozi (hand-pulled "belt" noodles). The noodles are super chewy and absorb all that amazing sauce, making them incredibly flavorful.
Image credit: Halal Life APP @Ishaq0124
Hongliu Kao Yangpai (Red Willow Branch Grilled Lamb Ribs)
Unlike your usual grilled lamb ribs, theirs are all skewered onto bamboo sticks. The lamb has a perfect mix of lean and fatty bits, with a rich, aromatic cumin flavor. Paired with kao nang (baked flatbread), it's absolutely epic!
Image credit: Halal Life APP @WangdongsiIdris
Address: No. 59 Jinjie, Wanda Plaza, Hanxi Avenue East (diagonally opposite Wanda Gate 4)
Average price per person: ¥80
Xinyuexin
Stepping inside, you're immediately greeted by sturdy wooden tables and unique Uyghur patterns and designs. Even the tableware has an ethnic flair. The service is attentive and super warm.
Image credit: @naizuipaopao
Laziji Banmian (Spicy Chicken Mixed Noodles)
This is a signature dish here. The noodles are wonderfully chewy and soak up all that fragrant, spicy chicken juice. The chicken is diced small, fried until crispy, and perfectly seasoned.
They load it with plenty of fiery bird's eye chilies and green peppers, so it's spicy all around. Your lips might turn red after eating, but it's totally thrilling and satisfying! If you're a spice-lover, you absolutely can't miss this one.
Image credit: @caibandao
Jin Pai Kao Yangpai (Signature Grilled Lamb Ribs)
When it first arrives, it's piping hot, and your first bite? Pure crunch! The lamb ribs are grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The lamb fat is incredibly fragrant, and the meat beneath is super tender and smooth, with that lovely cumin aroma – absolutely no gamey taste whatsoever.
Remember to eat it while it's hot, because once it cools down, the fat can harden a bit and affect the texture.
Image credit: @woshidabinzi
Fengwei Nang Bao Rou (Flavored Nang Bread Stewed with Lamb)
The nang bread is a generous piece, and it's totally soaked in the savory juices. But it still keeps its signature chewiness, making every bite extra fragrant. You get that crispy, toasty aroma of baked nang mixed with the rich flavor of the stewed lamb.
This spot is definitely considered super authentic when it comes to Xinjiang cuisine. However, the 'canteen master' (presumably the author's persona) felt it was a little pricey. They also charge for tea refills, so once you're full and happy, you can let the server know you don't need more tea~
Address: Shop 419, 4th Floor, South Zone, Hopson Plaza, No. 168 Diejing Road
Average price per person: ¥98
Nuerbostan
The storefront is a bit on the small side, but the owner is super welcoming and the servers hustle. However, during the peak lunch and dinner rushes, things can get a bit hectic, so if you're in a hurry, it's best to beat the crowds.
Photo source: @Qing庚
Kashgar Gangzi Rou (Kashgar Cup-Braised Mutton)
A clear mutton broth cooked up with some carrots. The soup base is super sweet and savory with ultra-tender meat—definitely the mildest dish of the bunch. If you prefer lighter flavors, you've totally gotta try this soup~
Photo source: Halal Life APP @A Zhong
Yangza Tang (Spicy Mutton Offal Soup)
The portion is massive. Even though it doesn't have a huge variety of offal inside, everything tastes amazing. The broth has a mild kick of spice with zero gamey taste, and it's loaded with crisp veggies and glass noodles in the base.
When the weather gets chilly, is there anything that warms the soul and stomach quite like a comforting bowl of yangza tang (spicy mutton offal soup)?
Photo source: @Little Duck Traveling Around the World
Kao Yangyao (Grilled Lamb Kidneys)
A piece of lamb fat wrapped around a chunk of lamb liver. I was initially worried it might be way too fatty or gamey, but biting into it was surprisingly refreshing! The lamb fat is grilled to a nice crisp without being greasy at all, with a great ratio of lean to fat. It's even better when you eat it with some nang (baked flatbread).
Photo source: @Sunflower Blooming
Address: Ground Floor, North 7, No. 160 Tianhe Zhijie (right next to the Bank of China)
Average cost per person: 94 RMB
Of course, there's tons of other halal food waiting for you in Guangzhou, especially around the Xiaobei area. Hit up the comments and let us know your favorites too~
Guangzhou's Must-Try Halal Chinese Restaurants: A Delicious Mashup of Cosmopolitan Cantonese Flavors and Northwest Culinary Arts
Here's the scoop:
We're curating Guangzhou's most popular Halal Chinese restaurants, diving into how they maintain strict Halal sourcing while masterfully blending the fresh, delicate techniques of Cantonese cuisine with the rich essence of Northern and Northwestern Chinese beef and lamb cooking. The result? A vibrant, diverse spread of Chinese Halal delicacies for discerning foodies.
Cantonese cuisine, one of China's four major culinary traditions, has, over its long history, not only preserved the traditions of Central Plains culinary culture but also absorbed culinary essences from various external influences. This has shaped a dining experience characterized by an abundance of dishes, refined cooking techniques, and superior flavors.
This time around, for all of you who've been asking, your trusty food guide is finally delivering on Guangzhou's Halal Chinese restaurants!
Zaocha / Yum Cha (Cantonese morning tea / dim sum)
When you talk about Guangzhou food, the first thing that probably comes to mind is zaocha / yum cha (Cantonese morning tea / dim sum), right?! In Guangzhou, sipping zaocha is *the* go-to way for folks to steal a few hours of chill time and escape the daily grind.
Guangzhou actually boasts two super authentic Halal zaocha spots. You probably already know which ones I'm talking about!
Bazar Food Xinjiang Cuisine · Dapanji · Xinjiang Fried Rice Noodles
(Xinjiang Mansion)
Whenever I asked folks on the Halal Life App about must-visit zaocha spots in Guangzhou, everyone kept pointing to the second floor of Xinjiang Mansion. They even made sure to tell me to get there before 11 AM. The reason this place stands out? Seriously authentic zaocha flavors, of course!
Image source: @ChristySin
Southeast Asian-style Fresh Shrimp Red Rice Noodle Rolls (Dongnanya Xianxia Hongmi Changfen)
When I asked my Guangzhou friends what's the absolute *must-have* for zaocha, the dish everyone enthusiastically recommended was the hongmi chang (red rice noodle rolls).
The outer layer is wrapped in those vibrant red rice noodles, and the red yeast rice powder gives it a unique aroma, releasing a fresh, subtle fragrance with every bite. The second layer is a crispy fried wrapper – it tastes kind of like the crunchy skin of a youtiao (Chinese fried dough stick), or even the breading on fried chicken. And the innermost layer? Tender, super fresh shrimp.
Taking a bite, these three layers just merge beautifully. The freshness of the outer and innermost layers perfectly balances out the slight richness of that middle fried bit. If you're craving something a bit bolder, you can dip it in the accompanying sauce for an extra kick of savory.
Signature Har Gow with Bamboo Shoots (Yuanzhi Sunjian Xiajiao Huang)
The skin is so translucent and delicate, just looking at them makes your mouth water! They have a lovely chewiness and springy texture when you bite in.
Inside, they're packed with plump shrimp (your food guide suspects they might have been rinsed with cold water after cooking to get that incredible bouncy, Q-texture!). These are truly the real deal when it comes to shrimp dumplings. With a touch of crisp bamboo shoots, they taste even fresher and more delightful.
Siu Mai with Fresh Shrimp and Chicken (Xianxia Jili Shaomai Huang)
The skin of the siu mai is thin and beautifully textured, not perfectly smooth. It's crimped around the edges like lace, with the filling nestled in the center. As soon as they arrive at your table, you can spot the chicken bits and fresh shrimp peeking out. And that steamy, fragrant sesame oil wafting up? Totally gets your appetite going!
Black Pepper Beef Short Ribs (Heijiao Jiaozhi Niuzai Gu)
Honestly, when this dish first hit the table, I thought it looked pretty standard. But the moment your food guide took the first bite, I was absolutely blown away!
The beef was incredibly tender and cooked to perfection, so soft. A gentle chew after that first bite, and your mouth is flooded with rich beefy flavor. Dipped in the sauce, the meaty juices become even more intense and satisfying. If you're a beef lover, you absolutely cannot skip this!
Beyond these 'heavy hitters' (main savory dishes) we've covered, there's actually a dessert you absolutely can't miss either.
Osmanthus Coconut Jelly (Guihua Yezhi Gao)
The moment the Guihua Yezhi Gao (Osmanthus Coconut Jelly) arrived, I was hit with its incredibly fresh osmanthus fragrance. It's delightfully cool on the palate, and the texture is a bit like a water chestnut cake. The coconut flavor is rich and creamy, blending beautifully with the delicate osmanthus aroma. It leaves you feeling exceptionally refreshed, with that lovely scent lingering long after you've finished.
Just a heads-up: Xinjiang Mansion's zaocha is only served until 11:30 AM. So, if you're planning to go, definitely aim to get there before then! Plus, if you pay before 11:30 AM from Monday to Friday, you score a sweet 20% discount.
Address: Xinjiang Mansion, 2nd-3rd Floor, 76 Tianhe North Road (near Times Square)
Average spend per person: ¥97
Guangzhou Muslim Restaurant (Huimin Restaurant)
The dining area is spacious and comfy with old-school decor. Because it's been around for a long time, you get this awesome nostalgic vibe the second you walk in, but it's kept super clean and tidy.
Photo source: @Eating, Drinking and Having Fun with Little Tomato
Steamed Chicken Feet with Hakka Soy Bean Sauce
These steamed chicken feet are off-the-charts good! The chicken skin is tender and soft, practically melting in your mouth with every bite, loaded with flavor. Wrapped in a rich, sweet, spicy, and savory glaze, the texture of the chicken feet gets even more complex and delicious.
Photo source: Halal Life App @Ya
Beef Offal Soup
It's a huge portion made with total sincerity, packed with beef intestines, beef tripe, and diced white radishes. The broth is super savory and completely free of any gamey smell, and the offal is prepped and cleaned really well.
The best surprise is the diced radish—it's pickled, so it has a nice tangy, sour kick. Even after drinking a massive bowl of soup, you never feel weighed down or greasy because of it!
Photo source: @Jingjing's Brisk Walk
Honey-Glazed Lamb Char Siu
A sweet-style char siu bun bursting with savory juices. The filling is mostly lean meat, and even though these buns are totally packed with lamb, there's zero gamey odor. Plus, they toss in some salted egg yolk, which makes them insanely good~
Photo source: Halal Life APP @YanKee
Lamb Char Siu Pastry
The crust is insanely crispy with gorgeous, flaky layers—totally top-tier pastry work, just like the flaky top crust of a freshly baked egg tart! The meat filling isn't huge, but one bite still gives you a mouthful of rich, meaty goodness.
Photo source: @Fat Mom
Compared to the Xinjiang Building, I lean a bit more toward the former when it comes to flavor and service, but this classic legacy restaurant definitely has its own unique charm~
Address: No. 325, Zhongshan 6th Road (50 meters left of Exit A, Ximenkou Metro Station)
Average price per person: 63 RMB
Hot Pot
What should you eat when it's cold out? Hot pot! What should you eat for a friends' hangout? Hot pot! As one of China's most iconic culinary inventions, hot pot is loved by all generations and holds a massive place in everyone's hearts.
Foodie Individual Hot Pot
If you want to grab hot pot with two or three friends, I totally recommend Foodie Individual Hot Pot~
The space is cozy, and the moment you step inside, you feel this warm, welcoming vibe with everyone sitting together sharing a joyful meal. The first time I went there in the winter, it honestly felt like being at home.
Photo source: @Jennifer
If you prefer lighter flavors, you can go for the triple-delicacy broth—it's super fresh and authentic. If you can handle the heat, spice lovers can roll with the numbing spicy mala broth for an absolute rush.
Photo source: Halal Life APP @Beibeina
The ingredients are super fresh and displayed in chillers where you can pick out whatever you want. Meat and veggies are kept separate, and you take your picks to the counter to be weighed—very clean and hygienic, and having your own individual hot pot is super convenient~
Photo source: @Floating Life Like a Dream
If you're a fan of beef and lamb, you'll find tons of sliced beef and mutton rolls. They taste amazing after a quick swish in the boiling broth—tender, not gamey, and never greasy.
Photo source: @Xiaoxuejoy
If you want something besides the mini hot pot, you can order the dry-pot shrimp with chicken wings—super generous portions and totally worth it.
Photo source: @Xiyangyang
The shrimp are flash-fried in hot oil, making them extra crispy when you bite into them! Tossed with all the seasonings from the dry pot, they pack a spicy, aromatic punch. The chicken wings are super juicy, and there are even little fried dough twists (mahua) mixed in—crunchy at first, then they soften up just a bit. Paired with green and red peppers, onions, and other veggies, the whole dish has an incredible depth of texture and flavor.
Photo source: @OdileDeng
Address: 2nd Floor, No. 97 Baohan Direct Street, Xiaobei Station (second floor across from the Northwest Muslim Restaurant)
Average cost per person: ¥116
Donglaishun Halal Restaurant & Mutton Hot Pot
(Teemall Department Store Aoti Branch)
The vibe is gorgeous, with a sleek, minimalist interior dominated by crisp white tones that make the space look super bright and open. There are even hallway seating spots and tent-style private booths right by the entrance.
Photo source: @Miaodaao
Cloisonné Hot Pot
If you're wondering where to get the tenderest shabu-shabu, it's gotta be Donglaishun~ A classic copper charcoal hot pot is their ultimate trademark: deep fire chambers and roaring heat. Eating mutton hot pot out of a traditional copper pot is the absolute most authentic way to do it!
Photo source: @Wojuededouxing
Traditional Mutton
The lamb is insanely fresh and tender—just dip it in the boiling broth and swish it around seven to eight times, and it's ready to devour. Pair it with their signature dipping sauce for a mouthful of rich flavor, completely game-free.
Photo source: @LemoncubEatsAndDrinks
Donglaishun Lamb Skewers
The skewers are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, generously dusted with a bold, spicy spice blend. The heavy hit of cumin makes it so you don't taste any gamey mutton flavor at all on the very first bite. Plus, the owner's recommended way of eating them—stuffing the skewers inside a flatbread (kaorou jia bing)—is stellar!
Photo source: Halal Life App @WangDongsiIdris
Overall, Donglaishun's dishes are solid, leaning toward a lighter flavor profile with a fantastic atmosphere, though it's a bit on the pricey side.
Address: Shop F112, 1st Floor, Aoti Utopia, No. 12 Aoti South Road
Average cost per person: ¥152
Xinjiang Cuisine
Xinjiang cuisine blends halal characteristics with the bold, heavily spiced, and aromatic cooking style of Northwest China. Famous dishes include whole roasted lamb (kao quan yang), big plate chicken (dapanji), lamb in baked naan (nang baorou), and hand-grabbed lamb (shouzhua yangrou), leaning toward savory and spicy flavors.
Jiangyue Banquet
The interior is totally drenched in exotic Central Asian vibes. You’ve definitely gotta check out the second floor—every little detail is packed with authentic Xinjiang elements~ There are several paintings on the walls, and as the owner told us, every single scene depicts local folklore and stories straight from Xinjiang.
Photo source: @RoundfacedTemptation
Yogurt
The yogurt is house-made by the owner and is super rich and thick. At first sip, it tastes like regular yogurt, but let it linger on your tongue for a second before swallowing, and you’ll catch a subtle, mellow aroma. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tart with a deeply creamy milk flavor.
Image credit: @xiaoke-4512
Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken)
When we talk about Xinjiang cuisine, Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken) is an absolute must-try. The owner of the restaurant is from Xinjiang, so their Dapanji is super authentic. You can even customize the spice level, and the chicken portion is seriously massive – totally satisfying!
Image credit: @yuanliandeyouhuo
Plus, the potatoes are soft, flavorful, and totally soaked in that rich Dapanji sauce. Seriously, you won't be able to stop at just one bite!!!
When you're having Dapanji, definitely remember to add a serving of latiaozi (hand-pulled "belt" noodles). The noodles are super chewy and absorb all that amazing sauce, making them incredibly flavorful.
Image credit: Halal Life APP @Ishaq0124
Hongliu Kao Yangpai (Red Willow Branch Grilled Lamb Ribs)
Unlike your usual grilled lamb ribs, theirs are all skewered onto bamboo sticks. The lamb has a perfect mix of lean and fatty bits, with a rich, aromatic cumin flavor. Paired with kao nang (baked flatbread), it's absolutely epic!
Image credit: Halal Life APP @WangdongsiIdris
Address: No. 59 Jinjie, Wanda Plaza, Hanxi Avenue East (diagonally opposite Wanda Gate 4)
Average price per person: ¥80
Xinyuexin
Stepping inside, you're immediately greeted by sturdy wooden tables and unique Uyghur patterns and designs. Even the tableware has an ethnic flair. The service is attentive and super warm.
Image credit: @naizuipaopao
Laziji Banmian (Spicy Chicken Mixed Noodles)
This is a signature dish here. The noodles are wonderfully chewy and soak up all that fragrant, spicy chicken juice. The chicken is diced small, fried until crispy, and perfectly seasoned.
They load it with plenty of fiery bird's eye chilies and green peppers, so it's spicy all around. Your lips might turn red after eating, but it's totally thrilling and satisfying! If you're a spice-lover, you absolutely can't miss this one.
Image credit: @caibandao
Jin Pai Kao Yangpai (Signature Grilled Lamb Ribs)
When it first arrives, it's piping hot, and your first bite? Pure crunch! The lamb ribs are grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The lamb fat is incredibly fragrant, and the meat beneath is super tender and smooth, with that lovely cumin aroma – absolutely no gamey taste whatsoever.
Remember to eat it while it's hot, because once it cools down, the fat can harden a bit and affect the texture.
Image credit: @woshidabinzi
Fengwei Nang Bao Rou (Flavored Nang Bread Stewed with Lamb)
The nang bread is a generous piece, and it's totally soaked in the savory juices. But it still keeps its signature chewiness, making every bite extra fragrant. You get that crispy, toasty aroma of baked nang mixed with the rich flavor of the stewed lamb.
This spot is definitely considered super authentic when it comes to Xinjiang cuisine. However, the 'canteen master' (presumably the author's persona) felt it was a little pricey. They also charge for tea refills, so once you're full and happy, you can let the server know you don't need more tea~
Address: Shop 419, 4th Floor, South Zone, Hopson Plaza, No. 168 Diejing Road
Average price per person: ¥98
Nuerbostan
The storefront is a bit on the small side, but the owner is super welcoming and the servers hustle. However, during the peak lunch and dinner rushes, things can get a bit hectic, so if you're in a hurry, it's best to beat the crowds.
Photo source: @Qing庚
Kashgar Gangzi Rou (Kashgar Cup-Braised Mutton)
A clear mutton broth cooked up with some carrots. The soup base is super sweet and savory with ultra-tender meat—definitely the mildest dish of the bunch. If you prefer lighter flavors, you've totally gotta try this soup~
Photo source: Halal Life APP @A Zhong
Yangza Tang (Spicy Mutton Offal Soup)
The portion is massive. Even though it doesn't have a huge variety of offal inside, everything tastes amazing. The broth has a mild kick of spice with zero gamey taste, and it's loaded with crisp veggies and glass noodles in the base.
When the weather gets chilly, is there anything that warms the soul and stomach quite like a comforting bowl of yangza tang (spicy mutton offal soup)?
Photo source: @Little Duck Traveling Around the World
Kao Yangyao (Grilled Lamb Kidneys)
A piece of lamb fat wrapped around a chunk of lamb liver. I was initially worried it might be way too fatty or gamey, but biting into it was surprisingly refreshing! The lamb fat is grilled to a nice crisp without being greasy at all, with a great ratio of lean to fat. It's even better when you eat it with some nang (baked flatbread).
Photo source: @Sunflower Blooming
Address: Ground Floor, North 7, No. 160 Tianhe Zhijie (right next to the Bank of China)
Average cost per person: 94 RMB
Of course, there's tons of other halal food waiting for you in Guangzhou, especially around the Xiaobei area. Hit up the comments and let us know your favorites too~
