10 Best Chinese Cuisine You Should Try

Chinese cuisine is known for its diversity, rich flavours, and deep cultural roots. China’s culinary offerings are both exciting and varied. In this article, we’ll explore ten must-try dishes that represent the best of Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply curious, these dishes are worth trying. Let’s go!

1. Peking Duck

Source: Wikipedia

One of the most iconic dishes in Chinese cuisine is Peking Duck. Originating in Beijing, it’s a delicacy that dates back centuries. The duck is prepared-well by seasoning it, allowing the skin to dry, and then roasting it to perfection. The result is a crispy exterior with tender, flavourful meat inside.

Eating Peking Duck is also an experience in itself. Traditionally, it’s served with thin pancakes, spring onions, and a sweet bean sauce. Diners wrap the duck slices, onions, and sauce together, creating a perfect combination of flavours and textures. Peking Duck is a must-try dish that showcases the sophistication of Chinese cooking.

2. Dim Sum

Source: National Geographic Indonesia

Dim Sum is a collection of small dishes served in bamboo steamers or on small plates. Originating from the Cantonese region, this dish is often enjoyed with tea, making it a traditional Chinese brunch experience.

Dim Sum includes a variety of flavours, from steamed dumplings to fried spring rolls and pork buns. Each piece of Dim Sum is made with precision, ensuring both taste and presentation. For a true experience of Chinese cuisine, try a range of Dim Sum dishes, such as Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) and Sui Mai (pork dumplings).

3. Hot Pot

Source: Foodies.id

Hot Pot is a communal dish, popular in regions like Sichuan and Mongolia. The meal involves a simmering pot of broth placed at the middle of the table. Diners dip various ingredients, such as thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and tofu, into the broth.

The dipping process allows each ingredient to absorb the flavours of the broth. Hot Pot is customizable, as you can choose spicy or mild broths and add your preferred ingredients. This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family and provides a cozy, enjoyable dining experience.

4. Mapo Tofu

Source: Two Plaid Aprons

Mapo Tofu is a beloved Sichuan dish known for its bold, spicy flavours. The dish combines soft tofu with ground meat, typically pork, and a spicy sauce made from chili and fermented bean paste. Sichuan peppercorns add a numbing sensation that’s characteristic of this regional cuisine.

This dish is rich in flavour, and the tofu’s soft texture contrasts with the spicy sauce. Mapo Tofu is a great introduction to Sichuan cuisine for those who enjoy a little heat in their food.

5. Sweet and Sour Pork

Source: Tasty

Sweet and Sour Pork is a classic dish that’s popular worldwide. It is from Guangdong but it is enjoy across China and beyond. The dish consists of crispy pork pieces coated in a tangy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and tomato paste.

This dish’s flavors are both sweet and savory, making it appealing to a wide audience. It usually come with bell peppers and pineapples, which add texture and sweetness. Sweet and Sour Pork is a delightful example of how Chinese cuisine balances flavors.

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6. Kung Pao Chicken

Source: Once Upon a Chef

Kung Pao Chicken is another famous dish that originated in Sichuan province. It’s a stir-fried dish that come with diced chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers. The sauce, which combines soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, provides a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.

This dish has become popular worldwide due to its delicious taste and satisfying texture. The peanuts add crunch, while the chicken is juicy and tender. Kung Pao Chicken is a must-try for anyone that really like spicy in Chinese cuisine.

7. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

Source: The Spruce Eats

Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, are a unique dish from Shanghai. These delicate dumplings is coming with pork and a savory broth. They just prepare the soup dumpling well so that the broth stays inside the dumpling until the first bite.

Xiaolongbao are typically served in a bamboo basket and eaten with ginger and vinegar dipping sauce. The combination of the savoury broth and tender dumpling skin makes Xiaolongbao an unforgettable experience. These soup dumplings are a must-try for anyone exploring Chinese cuisine.

8. Chow Mein

Source: Once Upon a Chef

Chow Mein, meaning “stir-fried noodles,” is a popular Chinese dish. It is from wheat noodles, vegetables, and often meat. The dish usually come in a variety of ways, but it usually involves stir-frying the noodles until they’re slightly crispy.

The sauce, a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce, coats each noodle, enhancing its flavour. Chow Mein is easy to find in Chinese restaurants worldwide, and its savoury, satisfying taste makes it a favourite for many.

9. Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

Source: The Woks of Life

Braised Pork Belly, known as Hong Shao Rou, is a traditional dish from Hunan province. It involves slow-cooking pork belly in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to penetrate the meat, making it tender and flavourful.

This dish has a sweet and savory flavor, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Braised Pork Belly is popular across China and is a great choice for those who enjoy rich, hearty dishes.

10. Jianbing (Chinese Crepes)

Source: Red House Spice

Jianbing is a popular street food, especially in northern China. It’s a savory crepe with the combination of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, green onions, and various sauces. Additional fillings, like crispy crackers, are often include for texture.

Jianbing is a common food for breakfast, but it’s also a satisfying snack any time of day. The crepe is so good and cooked to order and offers a unique mix of flavors, from savory to slightly sweet. This dish showcases the diversity of Chinese cuisine and its ability to transform simple ingredients into a delightful meal.

Conclusion

Chinese cuisine offers a vast array of dishes, each with its unique flavors and cooking methods. Whether you prefer spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s something for everyone. Every dish provides insight into China’s culinary traditions. By exploring these ten dishes, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the art and flavor of Chinese cuisine.