Source: http://sysustudent.net/
Written by: Ian J. Heuer
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

Guangzhou is known for its advanced culinary culture. The area around Sun Yat-sen University is no exception, with an amazing range of restaurants perfect for any craving, from a snack to a banquet. Below is a run down of ten popular spots for dining in and around the South Campus. All the restaurants and stands listed are located in one of three are locations: inside the campus, outside the main gate, or outside the small north gate. How many have you tried?

10. Xue Yi Cafeteria 學一飯堂

A trek to Xue Yi after classes finish is a daily ritual for many students. And who can blame the them? The cafeteria is perpetually buzzing with students, teachers, and staff. The variety is great and the prices are the cheapest around- just make sure you get there before the lunch rush.


8. Small North Gate Street Food - 小北門

In addition to the huge array of restaurants outside the small north gate, there is also an endless selection of street food options available to those on the go. From a small snack to a quick meal, favorite options include slow-roasted pork sandwiches, bacon, egg and cheese wraps, and hand-rolled sushi.

7. Northwest Style Noodles - Lanzhou Lamian 蘭州拉面

Lanzhou Noodle joints can be found outside the small north gate, the main gate, and just about every nook and neighborhood in all of Guangzhou (and quite possible China). Each shop will vary, but the basic menu of Northwestern style noodle, potato, lamb, and bread dishes can be found no matter which shop you happen to pop in to. These restaurants are especially popular with Muslim students, as the dishes served meet Halal standards.

6. Longer Cafe

This cafe on Binjiang Road outside the north gate exudes cool. Chinese cities are totally deluged by Starbucks (there are three locations within walking distance of SYSU), making this cozy little independent cafe all the more welcome. The staff are knowledgeable, the coffee is delicious, and the menu is stocked with high quality western and Chinese dishes.  

5. Taiwanese Lunch Buffet - Jia Le Yuan 嘉樂緣

A lunch staple for off-campus dining. Across the street from the south gate, this restaurant is only open during two three hour windows covering lunch and dinner. The process of getting served here has been perfected, grab your tray and proceed along the line, stragglers will be nudged! The selection is staggering and the quality fantastic. The lunch rush can be insane but they work through the lines of hungry customers with breath-taking efficiency. Come back for dinner for a more relaxed experience.

4. Zijing Yuan Restaurant 紫荊園餐廳  

This restaurant is often overlooked by students, but features first-class Cantonese dim sum and banquet cuisine. The setting is formal and the prices a bit dear, but the experience is worth every RMB. Visiting dignitaries are often taken here for formal banquets, but the best time to go is early in the morning for dim sum. Cantonese dim sum is the best culinary experience in Guangzhou, and this is the best place at SYSU to enjoy it.
3. Northeastern Cuisine - Lao Dongbei 老東北

There are a handful of Northeastern (Dongbei) restaurants outside the small north gate. These are favorites of students from Western countries, as the dishes tend to be heartier than southern Chinese cuisine, often heavy on the potatoes, breads, and thick sauces. For my money, the best is a two-story restaurant called Lao Dongbei (Old Northeastern). The flavors are classic, the portions are big, and the boss is more than willing to spin a few tales about his days on the Manchurian plain. 

2. Korean Barbecue

When Korean students at SYSU (who comprise a hefty percentage of the international student population) feel a longing for home cooking, they do not want for options. The most popular among the general student population are the handful of restaurants just outside the south gate. But those in the know will tell you that the most authentic Korean dining experience to be had around SYSU is on the strip of Barbecue places tucked into a narrow side street outside the east gate. With TV’s showing Korean soap operas or pop music videos, authentic Korean side dishes and beverages, and throngs of Korean students, checking out these restaurants is the next best thing to booking a plane to Busan.

1. Spicy Dry Hot Pot - Ma La Xiang Guo 麻辣香鍋

Coming in a number one is a perennial favorite for international students. This no frills restaurant is perfect for individuals, couples, or groups of any size. A close cousin to the traditional Sichuan Hot Pot, the hands on approach to choosing food is a highlight of eating here. Take two pots, one for meats for one for veggies, and fill them up from the selection of fresh offerings on hand. Prices are calculated by weight, and the ingredients are friend together with chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. 

Admittedly, these choices and their order is pretty arbitrary and sure to engender spirited debate. I hope you enjoyed reading this rundown, let me know what you think here on Tubmlr or at facebook.com/sysuworld.