Looking for authentic Cantonese seafood in Dhaka? Chows in Banani serves a menu of fresh, flavorful dishes that showcase how Cantonese chefs treat seafood with respect, speed, and subtle seasoning. From steamed fish to shrimp stir‑fries, each plate highlights the natural taste of the sea.
Why Cantonese Seafood Stands Out
Cantonese cuisine values the inherent flavor of ingredients. Seafood is typically cooked quickly—steamed, poached, or stir‑fried—to preserve its delicate texture and natural sweetness. Instead of heavy sauces, Cantonese chefs often rely on simple aromatics such as ginger, scallions, and light soy, letting the fish or shellfish shine.
Freshness is Key
Chows sources its seafood daily from local Dhaka markets and trusted suppliers. The restaurant’s open kitchen lets diners see the fish being cleaned and seasoned, assuring that every bite is as fresh as it can be.
Chows’ Signature Seafood Dishes
Explore the full range of dishes on the menu and find the ones that best suit your taste. Popular items include:
- Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and Scallions – a classic Cantonese starter that lets the fish’s natural flavor shine.
- Salted Egg‑Cracked Shrimp – shrimp lightly fried and tossed with a silky salted‑egg sauce.
- Crab with Black Bean Sauce – a savory, slightly sweet braise that highlights the crab’s sweetness.
- Steamed Clams with Garlic – clams steamed with minced garlic and a splash of soy, served with a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Seafood Dim Sum – small, bite‑size portions such as shrimp dumplings and fish ball soup available in the dim‑sum section for a lighter, shareable experience.
Cantonese Cooking Techniques for Seafood
Chows employs several classic Cantonese techniques that enhance seafood without overpowering it. The chefs use a high‑heat wok for quick stir‑fries, ensuring the seafood remains tender and juicy. Steaming is the preferred method for whole fish, as it locks in moisture and keeps the flesh tender. For richer flavors, a light braise in soy and chili gives depth without masking the sea’s natural taste.
All dishes are served with a side of steamed rice or noodles from the main courses page, which complements the delicate seafood flavors.
Pairing Seafood with the Right Drinks
Choosing the right beverage can elevate your seafood meal. Chows offers a curated selection of drinks that pair beautifully with Cantonese seafood. Light, crisp white wines or aromatic teas balance the umami of the dishes, while a chilled beer or sparkling water provides a refreshing contrast.
Business Lunch & Private Dining Options
Open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Chows welcomes both casual diners and corporate groups. The business lunch package offers a buffet of dim sum, seafood, and main courses, ideal for team meetings or client lunches.
For special occasions, Chows provides private dining events where guests can enjoy a tailored seafood menu in an intimate setting. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or corporate event, the restaurant’s experienced staff ensures a seamless experience.
To reserve a table or inquire about catering, visit the restaurant’s reservations page or contact the team directly for personalized service.
How to Order Seafood at Chows: A Step-by-Step Guide
If it is your first time eating Cantonese seafood in Dhaka, follow this simple order. Start with a light appetizer from the dim sum selection, then move to a steamed whole fish as the centerpiece of the meal. Add one stir-fried shellfish dish such as salted-egg shrimp or clams with garlic for contrast, and finish with a braised crab course if your group is larger. This progression mirrors how seafood meals are traditionally served in Guangdong, moving from delicate flavors to richer ones.
Our staff can recommend portion sizes based on your group, and the open kitchen means you can watch each dish being prepared. First-time visitors often pair this guide with our Cantonese dim sum guide to build a complete menu, or explore the reasoning behind each dish in our article on Cantonese seafood cooking techniques.
Why Freshness Matters More Than Anything Else
In Cantonese cooking, freshness is the single most important quality in a seafood dish. A fish that was swimming that morning needs only ginger, scallion and a spoonful of hot oil; a stale one would need heavy sauce to hide off flavors. That is why Chows receives seafood deliveries daily and why the menu follows what the suppliers bring in. When you dine here, ask the server what came in freshest that day — it is the best way to order like a regular.
To see how this philosophy shapes the wider menu, read our complete guide to authentic Cantonese cuisine in Dhaka or our overview of Chows as Banani’s leading Chinese restaurant in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cantonese seafood different from other cuisines?
Cantonese cooking preserves the natural flavor of seafood through quick steaming or stir‑frying and minimal, aromatic seasonings like ginger and soy.
Where is Chows located in Dhaka?
Chows is located in Banani, Dhaka, and is open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Does Chows offer a business lunch option?
Yes, Chows offers a business lunch package featuring dim sum, seafood, and main dishes suitable for corporate events.
Can I book a private dining event at Chows?
Chows provides private dining for events, allowing guests to enjoy a customized seafood menu in an intimate setting.