Historical recipes preserved at the Guangzhou Museum
On August 8, China Hotel, Guangzhou unveiled the fourth season of its renowned “Rediscovery (消失的名菜)” menu, marking the continuation of a cultural and culinary journey that began in 2020. In collaboration with the Guangzhou Museum, China Hotel launched this innovative brand, which has evolved from reviving historical recipes to recreating Republic-era banquets, and now publishing a collection of these rediscovered dishes.
This year, the “Rediscovery” menu takes a fresh approach, using the Cantonese language as a cultural bridge to preserve and share the essence of Cantonese cuisine through word of mouth.
Fried Sea Cucumber with Shallot (京参动魄). Image by Billy Jiang/That’s
The main dish, “Fried Sea Cucumber with Shallot (京参动魄),” plays on the Cantonese phrase “惊心动魄,” meaning “heart-pounding.” The chefs at China Hotel have innovatively prepared sea cucumber by frying it to achieve a crispy golden exterior with a tender and chewy interior. The dish is further enhanced by the addition of three types of shallots—Beijing shallots, dried shallots, and red shallots—sliced and fried to enrich the aroma and complexity of the dish.
Braised Chicken Wing Stuffed with Abalone and Mushroom (鲍你笋到飞起). Image by Billy Jiang/That’s
Another highlight is the creatively named “Braised Chicken Wing Stuffed with Abalone and Mushroom (鲍你笋到飞起),” which draws inspiration from the iconic 1950s and 60s dish “Dragon Soaring with Phoenix Wings (龙穿凤翼).” The dish features chicken wings, symbolizing success and prosperity, stuffed with dried abalone and mushrooms. The combination of rich flavors and meaningful symbolism makes this a standout offering on the menu.
Golden Purse Dumpling in Soup (荷包涨卜卜). Image by Billy Jiang/That’s
The dish “Golden Purse Dumpling in Soup (荷包涨卜卜),” inspired by the traditional Guangzhou snack “E Jie Steamed Dumpling (娥姐粉果),” is a fried dumpling served with a special broth. Resembling a golden purse, this crispy dumpling symbolizes wealth and prosperity, embodying the spirit of good fortune.
A Perfect Union (花好月圆). Image by Billy Jiang/That’s
To conclude the meal, diners are treated to a sweet and soothing lotus seed soup, paired with translucent, soft-bean crystal cakes and rose petals. This dessert, symbolizing “A Perfect Union (花好月圆),” reflects the Chinese appreciation for an ideal life and expresses a deep longing for happiness.
Hong Kong edition of the Rediscovery book
In March of this year, China Hotel, part of the Lingnan Group, partnered with New World Development Company Limited to host a series of “Rediscovery” cultural exhibitions at K11 MUSEA in Hong Kong. These events fostered cultural exchange within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Additionally, China Hotel and Hong Kong’s Joint Publishing released the Hong Kong edition of the Rediscovery book, showcasing the rich history and innovative spirit of Guangzhou’s culinary heritage, while promoting cultural integration, culinary interaction, and consumer transformation within the Greater Bay Area.
“Rediscovery Mooncake” packaging
Continuing the “Rediscovery” cultural project, China Hotel is once again collaborating with the Guangzhou Museum to introduce a co-branded mooncake collection. This year’s offering revives the “Rediscovery Mooncake,” based on century-old recipes, and is presented in packaging inspired by a second-class national relic from the Guangzhou Museum’s collection. This initiative aims to recreate the authentic flavors of traditional Cantonese mooncakes, further promoting the integration of culture, tourism, and gastronomy.
China Hotel, Guangzhou
No.122 Liuhua Lu, by Jiefang Bei Lu, Yueixu 越秀区流花路122号
For Reservations: +8620-8666 6888
[Cover image via China Hotel, Guangzhou]