The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou’s signature Cantonese restaurant Lai Heen earned its first Michelin star in the brand’s inaugural Guangzhou guide this year. Only eight restaurants in the city received the coveted award.

Lai Heen, with Chef Gordon Guo at the helm, produces exquisite Cantonese dishes using seasonal ingredients to create a balance of color and texture, aroma and taste. The menu, though constantly changing, includes contemporary takes on classic favorites, such as braised shrimp with okra, steamed crab custard and poached sunflower chicken.

The restaurant features an old Canton-inspired decor with burgundy and silver hues across a sophisticated, luxurious setting. Each dish is served on delicate bone china and guests may enjoy their meal using silver-tipped ebony chopsticks.

“We are very privileged that Lai Heen has been awarded a star in this first edition of the Michelin Guide Guangzhou,” said Matthias Vogt, general manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou. “It is a testament to our commitment to culinary excellence in a city known as the food capital of China. This is a well-deserved recognition for the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, from our culinary teams to our restaurant operations teams, who dedicate themselves to crafting memorable and exceptional dining experiences for our guests every day.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou is the ninth Asia-Pacific Ritz-Carlton property to receive a Michelin star for its on-site dining. Eight others boast one star each while The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong’s Tin Lung Heen boasts two.