China is a foodie’s dream destination with a rich and long culinary history that has simply led to the creation of some of the world’s best dishes.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of spicy Sichuan classics to the daintier flavors of Cantonese dim sum, each region of the country has something to offer.
This post goes over the most popular dishes to try as well as general food practices and etiquette to assist you as you eat your way around China.
The Diversity of Chinese Cuisine
China’s vast geography and cultural diversity have given rise to a wide range of regional cuisines, each with its own distinct flavors and cooking techniques.
Here are the eight major styles of food in the country:
1. Sichuan Cuisine
Characterized by bold, spicy, and numbing flavors from the Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers it uses. Highlights include Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Hot Pot.
2. Cantonese Cuisine
Flavors tend to be delicate, fresh, and focused on seafood, roasted meats, and dim sum. Signature dishes are Char Siu (BBQ Pork), Steamed Fish, and Har Gow (shrimp dumplings).
3. Shandong Cuisine
It’s a northern cuisine featuring fresh seafood, crispiness, and pronounced flavors.
Popular dishes include Sweet and Sour Carp, Dezhou Braised Chicken, and Shandong-style Pancakes.
4. Jiangsu Cuisine
Elegant, a little sweet, and uses refined cooking techniques with an emphasis on presentation. Popular dishes are Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, Lion’s Head Meatballs, and Braised Pork Belly.
5. Zhejiang Cuisine
They often make use of seasonal produce, with light, fresh flavors. Some popular dishes include Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Sauce, and Beggar’s Chicken.
6. Hunan Cuisine
Spicy and fragrant, it frequently incorporates chilis and hearty sauces.
You’ll want to sample dishes like Chairman Mao’s Red Braised Pork, Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili, Spicy Fried Chicken.
7. Fujian Cuisine
Expect dishes that are fish-based, subtlety flavored, and feature different kinds of soups. Favorites include Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Oyster Omelette, and Fish Ball Soup.
8. Anhui Cuisine
This cuisine is rustic and hearty, with a strong emphasis on wild herbs and mountain produce.
Dishes to try are Braised Soft-shelled Turtle, Smelly Mandarin Fish, and Bamboo Shoots in Chicken Soup.
Must-Try Chinese Dishes
If you are traveling to China, here are some popular foods to put on your radar:
1. Peking Duck
A crispy-skinned, roasted duck dish served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions.
2. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Steamed dumplings filled with savory broth and minced pork, originating from Shanghai.
3. Hot Pot
A style of hot pot originating from Sichuan and Chongqing, in which people dip and cook their own meats, seafood, and vegetables in a communal pot of simmering broth.
4. Dim Sum
A variety of small dishes including dumplings, buns, and rolls, typically served with tea in Cantonese cuisine.
5. Biang Biang Noodles
Broad noodles hand pulled into shape and a popular street food from Shaanxi.
6. Gong Bao Chicken
In this Sichuan specialty, diced chicken is stir-fried with peanuts, chili peppers, and a tangy sauce.
7. Zha Jiang Mian (Fried Sauce Noodles)
A Beijing specialty with thick wheat noodles topped with savory soybean paste and minced pork.
8. Roujiamo (Chinese Burger)
A popular street food is a flaky flatbread stuffed with stewed pork.
9. Stinky Tofu
A fermented tofu dish with a strong aroma but rich umami flavor, often found in night markets.
10. Jianbing (Chinese Crepe)
A popular breakfast item made from a thin pancake filled with eggs, crispy dough, and savory sauces.
Chinese Street Food and Snacks
Exploring China’s street food scene is a must for any foodie. Here are some popular street foods to try:
1. Tanghulu
Skewered, candied hawthorn berries with a sweet and sour taste.
2. Scallion Pancakes
Crispy, flaky pancakes infused with scallions and sometimes filled with eggs or meat.
3. Chuan’r (Grilled Skewers)
These skewers of spiced lamb or beef are cooked using charcoal and are a northern Chinese specialty.
4. Mala Tang
A build-your-own spicy hot pot, with ingredients cooked in a Sichuan-style numbing broth.
5. Tea Eggs
Eggs hard-boiled in a spiced tea broth, which gives them a marbled look.
Dining Etiquette in China
Knowing the proper etiquette is really important when you visit China. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Chopstick Etiquette
Don’t place chopsticks standing up in a bowl of rice, as this is only done when incense is burning at a funeral.
2. Toasting and Drinking
When touching glasses to toast, always do so with your glass below a senior person.
3. Sharing Dishes
Most meals are served family-style, so be prepared to share dishes.
4. Slurping and Burping
In some regions, slurping noodles is a sign of enjoyment, but burping is less acceptable.
5. Tea Pouring
Tap fingers on the table to thank someone for refilling your tea.
FAQ
1. What are vegetarian-friendly Chinese dishes?
Mapo Tofu (without meat), Stir-fried Greens, and Buddha’s Delight are great options.
2. How do I order food in China if I don’t speak Chinese?
You can use picture menus or translation apps such as Google Translate.
3. How does Chinese food you get in China differ than at home?
Chinese cuisine overseas is far different than in China itself, where the range is more varied and authentic.
4. Do the Chinese really eat rice for every meal?
Rice is the main food staple in the south, with noodles and dumplings dominating the north.
Conclusion
Chinese cuisine is not just a cuisine. It is a testament to millennia of history, regional influences, and culinary art. From Peking Duck in Beijing to street food in Chengdu, every meal has a tale to tell.
Through food is one of the best ways to understand a country and its culture, exploring China through its cuisine is a must.