The Master Behind Closed Doors

For most of Guangzhou, De Chu remains an enigma. Hidden in Yuexiu District, the private kitchen has operated quietly for over thirteen years, never publicly advertised, welcoming only the friends of Chef Xian-xin Zeng and his longtime patrons. Yet among insiders, De Chu has become legendary—favoured by film directors, business magnates, and seasoned gourmets alike—for one reason: the presence of “Xin Ge,” a master whose life has been devoted to dim sum and the broader craft of Cantonese cuisine.

A Lifetime of Craft
Chef Zeng’s story is woven into the fabric of Guangzhou’s dining history. Over forty years ago, he was already heading the dim sum department at the landmark Guangzhou Hotel. Later, he spent two decades in Japan, absorbing the country’s meticulous approach to craft and precision. That discipline now permeates every dumpling, bun, and pastry he shapes. In 2010, he returned to Guangzhou to oversee De Chu, where he applies a perfectionist’s touch to a repertoire that spans Shunde, Hakka, and Chaozhou traditions.

Perfection in Every Detail
What makes Xin Ge remarkable is not only his technical command but his pursuit of flawlessness. He embodies a craftsman’s spirit, approaching each piece of dim sum with the same care an artist gives to brushstrokes. Guests speak of the near-impossible consistency of his work—skins as thin as silk, fillings balanced with clarity, textures executed with precision. It is a standard rooted in tradition yet honed through global experience.

An Unsung Legend
Though discreet and almost hidden from the public eye, Chef Zeng has been quietly shaping Guangzhou’s culinary culture for decades. His accolades include recognition as one of the “Top Ten Chefs of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau,” but perhaps his greatest achievement lies in his influence: teaching diners to appreciate the discipline, patience, and mastery that true dim sum requires.
By naming Zeng Xianxin as Dim Sum Chef of the Year (Asia Region), we honour not only a life dedicated to the perfection of Cantonese dim sum but also an enduring symbol of humility and excellence. His story reminds us that the greatest masters do not always stand in the spotlight—they let their work speak for them.

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De Chu
♦ 1/F, No. 15-8B, Miaoqian West Street, Shuqian Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou