Sugar Water

Sugar Water in Guangzhou is not only a simple food that put sugar into the water as a dessert. Besides the sugar water, there are many materials that cooked together.

If you’ve ever wandered the bustling streets of Guangzhou after dinner, you might have noticed small, cozy shops filled with locals enjoying warm or cold sweet bowls. That’s Tangshui (literally “sugar water”), a beloved Cantonese tradition that’s more than just dessert—it’s a way of life. For centuries, Guangzhou residents have turned simple ingredients like beans, fruits, and grains into comforting, nourishing sweet treats, blending flavor with traditional Chinese wellness wisdom. Let’s dive into this delicious world of Guangzhou Tangshui!

What Exactly Is Tangshui?

Tangshui refers to a wide range of sweet soups, porridges, and desserts unique to Cantonese cuisine. Unlike heavy, cream-based Western desserts, Tangshui emphasizes lightness, natural sweetness, and balance. It’s often made with humble, nourishing ingredients such as red beans, mung beans, lotus seeds, taro, coconut milk, and fresh fruits. Tangshui can be served hot or cold—warm versions are perfect for cool evenings, while iced Tangshui is a refreshing escape from Guangzhou’s humid summers.

Must-Try Classic Tangshui in Guangzhou

With so many varieties, it’s hard to pick just a few, but these classics are a great starting point for any first-timer

Shuang Pi Nai (Double-Skin Milk)
Perhaps the most famous Tangshui! This silky-smooth dessert is made by simmering fresh milk, skimming off the top layer (the first “skin”), pouring the milk into a bowl with egg whites and sugar, then steaming it until a second skin forms. It’s delicate, creamy, and subtly sweet—often topped with red beans or osmanthus flowers.

Xi Mi Lu (Sago Pudding)

Sago pearls cooked until translucent, then simmered with coconut milk, mango, or lychee. The result is a chewy, refreshing treat that’s popular with both kids and adults. Try the mango sago for a burst of tropical flavor!

Hong Dou Sha (Red Bean Soup)

A comforting staple. Red beans are slow-cooked until soft and creamy, sweetened with rock sugar. It’s simple but deeply satisfying—many locals eat it warm in winter to “nourish the body” (per Traditional Chinese Medicine beliefs).

Taro and Coconut Milk Soup

Chunks of soft, fragrant taro simmered in rich coconut milk. The combination of taro’s earthy sweetness and coconut’s creaminess is irresistible—light enough for after-dinner but hearty enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Jiang Zhuang Nai (Ginger Milk Pudding)

A warming winter favorite with a unique making process! Fresh ginger is grated and squeezed to get intense ginger juice, then hot whole milk (at a precise temperature) is poured into the juice and left to set naturally. The result is a smooth, jiggly pudding with a spicy-sweet kick. It’s believed to warm the stomach and dispel cold, making it perfect for cooler days.

Yang Zhi Gan Lu (Mango Pomelo Sago)

A beloved refreshing Tangshui, especially popular in summer! It combines ripe mango chunks, tender sago pearls, and a hint of bitter-sweet pomelo pulp, all tossed in a creamy coconut milk base. The mix of sweet, tangy, and chewy textures makes it a tropical delight—light yet flavorful, and ideal for beating the heat.

Where to Enjoy Tangshui in Guangzhou

You’ll find Tangshui shops all over Guangzhou, from hole-in-the-wall spots to modern chains. Here are top recommendations and useful tips to help you find the best bowls

Baihua Dessert Shop (百花甜品店)

A legendary old-school spot founded in 1981, renowned for its massive menu featuring over 400 Tangshui varieties—making it a paradise for adventurous eaters. Beyond the must-try Osmanthus Shuang Pi Nai and Red Bean Lotus Seed Soup, don’t miss their signature Phoenix Milk Paste (a velvety egg-milk custard). Note that this traditional shop only accepts cash. Address: A6, 85 Xihu Road, Yuexiu District (a 5-minute walk from Beijing Road Pedestrian Street). Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 12:00 AM. Average cost: ¥15.

Wenming Road “Sugar Water Street”

A pedestrian street in Yuexiu District known as Guangzhou’s “Tangshui Central.” It’s lined with over 10 traditional and trendy dessert shops, allowing you to hop between spots and sample different treats. Highlights include century-old arcades and nearby historical sites like the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen, making it ideal for combining dessert with sightseeing. Location: Stretches from Beijing Road to Yuexiu Middle Road (Yuexiu District). Most shops open: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Heytea (喜茶) - Modern Twist

For a contemporary take on Tangshui, this Guangzhou-born chain blends traditional ingredients with innovative flavors. Their Mango Sago with Coconut Milk uses fresh mangoes, and seasonal offerings like Lychee Rose Sago are popular. The shop has a sleek, minimalist design—great for a quick refresh. Address example: Shop 102, 25 Helong 2nd Road, Baiyun District (Jiahe Square, near Jiahe Wanggang Metro Station). Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Average cost: ¥16.

Rose Dessert Shop (玫瑰甜品店)

Another beloved lǎozìhào (time-honored brand) located a short walk from Wenming Road. It’s famous for its ultra-creamy Shuang Pi Nai and Lotus Seed Paste with Ginkgo Nuts—a comforting, slightly nutty sweet soup. The shop has a cozy, retro atmosphere that feels like visiting a local family’s kitchen. Address: 33 Changle Road, Yuexiu District (near Wenming Road). Opening hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM. Average cost: ¥14.

Tasting suggestions

Enjoy slowly: Tangshui is best savored as a post-meal wind-down.
Pair with tea: Combine it with Cantonese tea for an authentic local experience.
Cash note: Baihua Dessert Shop only accepts cash.
Seasonal picks: Try warm options (like ginger milk pudding) in cool weather and iced ones (like mango sago) in summer.
Explore "Sugar Water Street": Wenming Road lets you hop between multiple shops for varied tastes.