Our first meal in Guilin set the tone for the trip. 椿记烧鹅 is a well-known restaurant chain with several outlets across the city. We went to the one near Shangri-La Hotel, just after checking in, on the recommendation of our driver guide.
The roast goose, their signature dish, was just what we needed after a day of travel. The skin was crisp, the meat juicy and tender, and the flavours beautifully balanced. I also loved their creative prawn balls, shaped like lychees hanging from a little tree. The presentation was playful and dramatic, and the taste was equally impressive.
The steamed grouper was fresh and cooked in a classic Hong Kong Cantonese style, allowing the natural sweetness of the fish to shine. The braised pork belly looked stunning but was a bit too sweet for my liking, while the waxed meat claypot was rich and heavy.
Overall, the food suited our Singaporean taste buds well. Service was attentive, and I liked the interesting touch of an hourglass on every table. From the moment the first dish is served, they aim to deliver all dishes within 45 minutes. A thoughtful gesture that shows their pride in efficiency and consistency.
A satisfying start to our Guilin adventure, hearty, flavourful and full of local charm.