1. Peking Duck
A Beijing dish that unites crispy skin and tender meat, often served with pancakes and sweet bean sauce.
2. Dim Sum
Originated from Guangdong Province, Dim Sum means a gathering of small food portions in steamer baskets or on small plates.
3. Hot Pot
Communal eating where ingredients are cooked in a central pot with a simmering soup base at the center of a table for dining.
4. Jiaozi
A Northern China staple, dumplings can be stuffed with pork, beef, chicken, vegetables, or seafood.
5. Kung Pao Chicken
A spicy dish of chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers all stir-fried together.
6. Mapo Tofu
One of the better-known dishes from Sichuan province; it is spicy and pungent.
7. Baozi
A standard Chinese breakfast will include meat- or vegetable-filled steamed buns; these are known as Baozi. Another additional advantage of Baozi is that it is handy and self-sufficient for a meal, which can be consumed while moving about. Filled with savory meats or fresh vegetables, the buns provide versatility for breakfast. Furthermore, the soft and fluffy texture has made them a favorite across different regions in China. Well, in that case, Baozi has found its way into the Chinese morning routine, which just proves how much the Chinese love foods that are simple yet full of flavor.
8. Noodles
From hand-pulled to rice or egg noodles, each region of China has its own special noodle dish. What is more significant is that the noodles reflect the vast diversity of food cultures around the country. The thick and heavy hand-pulled noodles are typical in the northern areas, while thin rice noodles are characteristic of the south. Then, there are rich, full-bodied egg noodles that are preferred in a great number of areas. Therefore, noodles assume the prime place in Chinese cuisine and contribute a line of fine flavors to this rich tapestry that is the country.
9. Rice
Well, as the staple food, rice is available in different forms: plain steamed rice, fried rice, and glutinous rice balls. Other than its many uses, people actually incorporate rice into many dishes. Also, chefs, in creativity, prepare rice to serve in honor of different tastes and occasions. For instance, present it plainly as a side dish or make it into yummy fried rice. Moreover, glutinous rice balls offer a sweet and sticky dessert variant. It means, therefore, that rice takes due place in most cuisines, adapting itself to both simple and elaborate meals.
10. Mooncakes
Mooncakes are a type of Chinese traditional pastry usually taken during the Mid-Autumn Festival. They are normally filled with red bean or lotus seed paste. The pastry, other than having lots of cultural significance, is shared amongst families and friends. Many gifts are also mooncakes during this festival. Even as the variety of ingredients and flavors differ, the most common fillings are red bean and lotus seed paste. Thus, these pastries carry a rich meaning in Chinese food culture. The celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival would be incomplete without them.
Conclusion
Each one of these dishes represents an integral part of Chinese culinary history. The next time any of you guys travels to China, make sure that you don’t fail to experience these delicacies!
