Chows in Banani, Dhaka, serves authentic Cantonese seafood dishes that stand out for their freshness and traditional preparation. Unlike other cuisines, Cantonese cooking emphasizes delicate flavors, minimal seasoning, and precise cooking techniques to showcase seafood’s natural taste. From steamed fish to roasted prawns, our menu reflects this philosophy rooted in centuries of Cantonese culinary tradition.
Why Cantonese Seafood Tastes Different
The secret to Cantonese seafood lies in what is NOT added. While other Asian cuisines rely on heavy sauces, deep frying, or bold spice blends, Cantonese chefs use light seasoning to let the ingredient speak for itself. A fresh piece of sea bass needs only ginger, scallion, and a splash of soy sauce. Prawns need only garlic and white pepper. This restraint requires absolute freshness — you cannot hide inferior seafood under heavy sauces. At Chows, we source our seafood daily from trusted suppliers in Dhaka and the coastal regions of Bangladesh, ensuring every dish starts with the best possible ingredient.
Signature Seafood Specialties
Our seafood menu at Chows highlights Cantonese classics. Try our roasted seafood platter, where fish and shellfish are glazed with soy and five-spice, or the dim sum seafood baskets featuring shrimp dumplings and crab rangoon. These dishes reflect Cantonese traditions of balancing umami and sweetness.
Steamed Whole Sea Bass with Ginger and Scallion
This dish is a hallmark of Cantonese seafood cooking. A fresh whole sea bass is steamed to precise doneness — usually 8 to 10 minutes depending on size — then dressed with julienned ginger, scallions, and a drizzle of hot oil and soy sauce. The technique preserves the fish’s natural sweetness while adding aromatic depth. The fish should flake easily with chopsticks and the flesh should be pearly white throughout. It is a must-try for anyone experiencing authentic Cantonese dining in Dhaka.
Salt and Pepper Prawns
Large tiger prawns are flash-fried and tossed with salt, white pepper, chili, and garlic. The result is a crispy exterior with tender, juicy flesh inside. This preparation is one of the most popular seafood dishes at Chows and a favorite among regular diners in Banani. The key is timing — the prawns are fried at extremely high heat for just 60 to 90 seconds, creating that signature crunch while keeping the inside perfectly cooked.
Cantonese Lobster with Ginger Scallion Sauce
For a premium seafood experience, our lobster is wok-tossed with ginger, scallions, and a light soy-based sauce. The high-heat wok technique locks in the lobster’s natural sweetness while creating a fragrant, savory coating. This dish is perfect for special occasions and private dining events. We recommend ordering it whole — the presentation is as impressive as the flavor.
Garlic Butter Crab
Whole crabs are wok-fried with generous amounts of minced garlic, butter, and a touch of Chinese rice wine. The shell cracks open to reveal sweet, tender crab meat that absorbs the aromatic garlic butter. This dish is popular for groups and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or the restaurant’s hand-pulled noodles.
How Cantonese Cooking Differentiates Seafood
Cantonese cuisine treats seafood with respect for its natural qualities. Unlike heavy marinades or spicy sauces common elsewhere, we use light stir-frying, steaming, or roasting. For example, our congee with seafood simmers fresh fish in fragrant broth, preserving its tenderness. This method contrasts with other regional styles that might overpower the ingredient.
For a lighter option, our seafood noodle soups use hand-pulled noodles and minimal broth, letting the seafood’s brininess shine. This approach is rooted in Cantonese principles of simplicity and harmony.
What Makes Chows Different from Other Seafood Restaurants in Dhaka
Many restaurants in Dhaka serve seafood, but few follow authentic Cantonese preparation methods. At Chows, every dish is prepared by trained Cantonese chefs who understand the importance of timing, temperature, and ingredient quality. We source fresh seafood daily and avoid frozen imports wherever possible. This commitment to quality is why diners across Dhaka choose Chows for their Cantonese seafood experience. Learn more about what makes Chows different.
Beyond Seafood: The Complete Cantonese Experience
While seafood is a highlight, Chows offers a full Cantonese experience. Our business lunch package includes dim sum and seafood mains, perfect for groups. For events, our private dining space provides an intimate setting for celebrations. Explore our yum cha and tea culture offerings for a complete Cantonese dining journey.
Whether you are a seafood enthusiast or simply looking for something different in Dhaka’s restaurant scene, Chows delivers an experience that is hard to find elsewhere in the city. The combination of fresh ingredients, traditional Cantonese techniques, and a warm dining atmosphere makes every visit memorable.
Visit us daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM in Banani. To reserve a table or inquire about private events, contact our team via our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood dishes are unique to Cantonese cuisine at Chows?
Our roasted seafood platter, salt and pepper prawns, steamed whole fish, and lobster with ginger scallion sauce showcase authentic Cantonese techniques like light glazing, flash-frying, and steaming that preserve natural flavors.
How does Cantonese seafood preparation differ from other styles?
Cantonese cooking focuses on preserving natural flavors with minimal seasoning. While other styles may use heavy sauces, deep frying, or bold spices, Cantonese preparation relies on freshness and technique — steaming, quick stir-frying, and light seasoning to let the seafood’s quality shine through.
Is Chows in Banani suitable for large seafood dinners?
Yes, we offer a business lunch package and a private dining area for events up to 40 guests. Our seafood platters and lobster dishes are especially popular for group celebrations and corporate dinners.
Can I book a table for a seafood tasting experience?
Reservations are available through our booking system or by calling our team directly. We recommend booking at least one day in advance for weekend dinner service.
Does Chows serve fresh or frozen seafood?
We prioritize fresh, locally sourced seafood and avoid frozen imports wherever possible to ensure the best quality. Our seafood is sourced daily from trusted suppliers in Dhaka and coastal Bangladesh.
What drinks pair well with Cantonese seafood at Chows?
Our traditional Cantonese teas — particularly chrysanthemum and pu-erh — complement seafood beautifully. We also offer a selection of beverages from our drinks menu that pair well with lighter Cantonese dishes.