China is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse and delicious range of cuisines and flavors. From the spicy Sichuan dishes to the delicate Cantonese dim sum, there’s something for every palate. With so many regional specialties to try, it can be overwhelming to navigate the Chinese food scene. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you discover the best dishes and culinary experiences in China.
First on the list is Beijing, the capital city and home to some of the country’s most iconic dishes. Peking duck, a delicacy that originated in the city, is a must-try. The dish is made by roasting a whole duck until the skin is crispy and then serving it with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean paste. Another Beijing specialty is zhajiangmian, a hearty noodle dish made with fermented bean paste and vegetables.
For spicy food lovers, a trip to Sichuan province in southwest China is a must. The province is known for its fiery dishes, particularly hotpot, a traditional Sichuan dish where a simmering pot of spicy broth is placed at the center of the table and diners can cook a variety of meats and vegetables in the broth. Mapo Tofu, a Sichuan dish made with tofu and ground beef in a spicy sauce, is also a must-try.
For seafood lovers, a trip to the coastal city of Canton, now known as Guangzhou, in southern China is a must. The city is known for its Cantonese cuisine, particularly its dim sum. Dim sum is a traditional Cantonese dish where small steamed or fried dumplings and buns are served with tea. Visitors can try a variety of dim sum dishes such as har gow, steamed shrimp dumplings, and cha siu bao, steamed buns filled with roast pork.
Another destination for food lovers is Shanghai, the city is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, particularly the local Shanghai-style dishes such as xiaolongbao, steamed soup dumplings, and hongshao rou, braised pork belly.
For a unique culinary experience, consider visiting a tea house in China. Tea culture is an important part of Chinese culture and visitors can sample a variety of Chinese teas and learn about the history and preparation of tea.
China’s food scene is vast and diverse, and this guide just scratches the surface of what the country has to offer. With this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the best dishes and culinary experiences in China. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, China is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.