For good fortune, try fried puffs...

Gong Hei Fat Choi! - This popular phrase rings in the Chinese New Year bells and sends everyone into a festive, boisterous mood. And for Cantonese people, a wide selection of foods is undoubtedly an essential part of these celebrations.
There are many special treats to be had during the Chinese New Year. Some are daily delicacies given auspicious names for celebratory purposes while others are only available for the holidays. Yao Gok (or You Jiao in Mandarin) fits into both categories as it comes in two forms, each with its unique texture and taste.
Yao Gok literally means "fried puffs" and is a deep fried pastry with sweet fillings. Cantonese people like Yao Gok not only for its enticing aroma and sweet taste, but also because of its golden look. It is also a symbol of fortune and has an auspicious undertone.

Dau Sha Gok
Yao Gok stuffed with mashed mung beans. It is wrapped in a pastry made from glutinous rice and thus has a soft and somewhat chewy texture. Many 
locals prefer Dau Sha Gok for its texture and slightly sweet taste. It is always served hot as it loses its charm when cold, and to pair it with a nice cup of tea makes a light, satisfying breakfast. Dau Sha Gok is a daily treat that can be found at Yum Cha (Cantonese morning tea) or traditional Cantonese bakeries across town.

Fa Sung Gok
Yao Gok with peanut crust, sesame seeds and sugar. It has a crispy wrap and looks like a mini dumpling. It is a special New Year treat that brings back childhood memories for many locals. In the past, almost every household would make this kind of Yao Gok before the Chinese New Year. Due to the unavailability of pastry moulds at that time, a rather creative approach was to take the top off an old-fashioned torch and use the hollow end to cut out pieces of pastry. When stuffed with fried ingredients and folded like a dumpling, it is deep fried in a pot of oil till golden brown. This household tradition is rarely practiced nowadays, but Fa Sung Gok remains a unique delicacy enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Where to find them:

Ri Mei Bakery
A Cantonese bakery that has served traditional pastries to the locals for over 60 years. It has many branches across Guangzhou.

6, Bao Hua Lu, Guangzhou (020 8194 5087) 广州市宝华路6号
516, Xi Hua Lu, Guangzhou (020 8109 1211) 广州市西华路516号
311, Ren Min Zhong Lu, Guangzhou (020 8186 3334) 广州市人民中路311号

Tao Tao Ju
One of the oldest restaurants in town. Strict Cantonese cooking traditions are observed and perfected here.
20, Di Shi Fu Lu, Guangzhou (020 8139 6111) 陶陶居，广州市第十甫路20号

Lian Xiang Lou
This is a trad-Cantonese restaurant especially famous for its pastry treats.
67, Di Shi Fu Lu, Guangzhou (020 8139 8297) 莲香楼，广州市第十甫路67号