China is another world. The colors, sounds, aromas, and flavors are often unfamiliar to European tourists. We recommend easing into the country’s culture through its cuisine, so Rustourismnews.com compiled a list of Chinese must-try dishes you must try while traveling in China.
Peking Duck
Juicy slices of duck meat under crispy skin, accompanied by a garnish of radish, cucumber, green onions, and sweet bean sauce – it’s no wonder this dish has been popular for centuries. Legend has it that the recipe for roasted duck originated over 1500 years ago in Nanjing, the former capital, and was later brought to Beijing when the imperial family relocated there in the 1400s.
Kung Pao Chicken
One of the most famous Chinese dishes, Kung Pao Chicken is prepared by stir-frying diced chicken with green onions, ginger, peppercorns, chili peppers, and fried peanuts. The dish is named after Ding Baozhen, a governor of Sichuan Province in the 1800s, whose nickname was Kung Pao.
Steamed Dumplings
A staple of Chinese cuisine, dumplings come in a myriad of fillings, shapes, and serving styles! From duck-filled dumplings to pork-filled ones, the variety is endless.
Hujiao Bing (Spicy Dumplings)
Spicy dumplings with meat filling, also known as “black pepper,” are particularly popular in Fujian Province and Taiwan. Made from yeast dough and filled with minced meat, garlic, onions, black pepper, “five spice” seasoning, and rice wine, these baked dumplings are a flavorful delight.
Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu, which ranks among the top 20 spiciest dishes in the world, is a Sichuan specialty known for its bold flavors and fiery kick.
Cold Fish or Crab from Chaozhou
The coastal city of Chaozhou in Guangdong Province is renowned for its seafood dishes, with cold fish or crab being among the best. Before cooking, the fish or crabs are lightly seasoned with salt, chilled, and served at room temperature. Fish is often dipped in a special soybean paste, while crabs are served with a garlic-vinegar sauce.
Braised Pork Ribs on Rice Cakes
One of the most popular dishes in Shanghai cuisine is braised pork ribs served on fried rice cakes.
Lamian
Hand-pulled noodles in lamb broth with chunks of fresh lamb, cilantro, and spices.
Steamed Stone Fish
Stone fish, a type of marine fish, is steamed and served with a special sauce.
Zhajiangmian
Zhajiangmian, a popular noodle dish with meat, vegetables, and fermented bean sauce, is a simple and hearty dish found in many street cafes and restaurants.
Embark on a culinary adventure and savor the diverse flavors of China’s rich gastronomic heritage!
