Zhongshan Gourmet Restaurant-Shi Qi Lao

Zhongshan City (in Chinese: 中山市), historically known as Xiangshan in ancient Chinese, is a prefecture-level city in the south of the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong province, China, the important waterway that connects Guangzhou with Hong Kong and Macau. Zhongshan, one of the few cities in China with an eponymous name, is named after Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866–1925), also known as Sun Zhongshan. Sun Yat-sen, who was born in Cuiheng village in Nanlang Township of what was then Xiangshan County, is acclaimed as the founding father of the Republic of China as he devoted himself to the overthrow of the last feudal Qing Dynasty and the foundation of a new democratic republic in China. After his death in 1925, Xiangshan was renamed Zhongshan in his honor.

When visiting the city, you are recommended to visit a series of historical attractions relating to Sun Yat-sen. For example, the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the Sun Yat-sen Park, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall and even the Sun Yat-sen’s Former Residence. Meanwhile, Zhongshan local food is a must try for all visitors.

Cantontours team recently finished up a culinary exploring tour to Zhongshan, one of the places where Cantonese cuisine originated from and flourished in this area.
Here are some quick mini reviews of the famous Shi Qi Lao restaurant which we ate at. Hopefully it will serve as a reference when other clients visit the area. Our previous group member like it very much.

Why did we dine here? – Shi Qi Lao is famous for squab and a must visit for any one coming to Zhongsan. This restaurant is extremely popular and busy. The front of the restaurant features cooking stations that show off their talents. Inside the restaurant are seafood tanks filled with a variety of live animals.

Overseas Chinese from Singapore & Malaysia – We enjoyed every dish prepared by Shi Qi Lao, especially the Squab, Salt-and-pepper Fish, Cantonese Soup, Pineapple Bread etc. It’s really a nice restaurant to try the original Zhongshan cuisine. We will recommend to our family and friends.

Insider Tip – Come early to avoid the crowds.

                  Squab is limited per day & first come first service.

Style – Cantonese cuisine


Location – Zhongshan, Guangdong, China

Service – Shi Qi Lao had reasonable service with lots of servers running around. This is not a fine dining restaurant, so don’t expect miracles.

Verdict – Shi Qi Lao is a must visit for squab if you are in Zhongshan, China.

Signature Dishes – Squab

Shi Qi Lao’s Menu is very extensive with many classic Cantonese dishes along with some local specialties.

Deep Fried Squab is the specialty of the house and main reason people come here. The squab was excellent, very juicy, and cooked perfectly. The squabs here is kind of smaller, so most people order several for themselves. Don’t order too much so that you have stomach to try other dishes.

Super huge sesame ball like dessert that we had to order. It was very greasy and had a very thin skin. Local people believe that it brings good fortune.

Besides, visitors are strongly recommended to try Pineapple Bread as well, which is not a bad idea for dessert.

There are still more dishes that they are far better than most versions in other area.

Shi Qi Lao does not have a official website, please visit Trip Advisor or Dianping for further details and reviews.