Yum cha is a meal you can build gradually. Two people can start with two or three baskets and congee or rice rolls, then add more after seeing the portions. Tea on the table is not necessarily included in the food price.
Guangzhou's tourism authority explains the early-tea regulation effective from 1 May 2026, including disclosure of charges and production methods. It does not set one citywide price or abolish tea charges.
Recognise these names: 虾饺, shrimp dumplings; 烧卖, siu mai; 叉烧包, barbecued pork buns; 肠粉, steamed rice rolls; 粥, congee. Ask how many pieces are in a basket. Check fillings, wrappers and sauces: siu mai may combine pork and shrimp, rice-roll mixtures vary, and congee may use meat stock.
Before ordering, ask whether tea is priced per person or pot, how children count, whether plain water costs extra and whether service or private-room charges apply. If QR ordering is difficult, request a paper menu or staff assistance and avoid duplicate orders on several phones.
For caffeine avoidance, explicitly exclude tea leaves; a chrysanthemum drink may be blended with another tea. Use serving utensils, ask before refilling another person's cup and keep children away from hot-water handling. Table-tapping thanks is a custom to understand, not a test visitors must pass.
Show: “我们两位，先点这些。请说明茶位和其他费用，茶不要太浓。” This asks for a small first order, all charges and lighter tea.
Transparent wrappers do not establish gluten-free food. Strict allergies need full kitchen confirmation; otherwise choose a verifiable alternative or another venue. If an attraction reservation follows breakfast, set a departure deadline and switch to a simpler breakfast when queues become too long.
Checked 2026-10-22. Actual recipes, portions and prices depend on the restaurant; no current venue endorsement is made.
Editorial archive date: 2026-02-09. This guide was compiled later; use the source-check dates stated in the text.
