When traveling to China, the culinary landscape offers a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas. Here are ten Chinese dishes you must try, each accompanied by an introduction and a list of ingredients.
1. Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
Introduction
Peking Duck is a renowned dish from Beijing, known for its crispy skin and tender meat. Traditionally, the duck is roasted in an open-air oven, which gives it a unique flavor and texture. The preparation process is meticulous, involving air-drying the duck for several hours to ensure the skin becomes crispy when roasted. Often served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and sliced scallions, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and is a must-try for any visitor.
Ingredients
- Whole duck
- Maltose syrup or honey
- Five-spice powder
- Salt
- Water
- Pancakes or steamed buns
- Sweet bean sauce
- Cucumber
- Scallions
2. Xiaolongbao (小笼包)
Introduction
Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, originate from Jiangsu province and are particularly famous in Shanghai. These delicate dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of minced pork and a rich, gelatinous broth that turns into soup when steamed. The art of eating Xiaolongbao involves carefully biting into the dumpling to sip the broth before consuming the rest. It’s a delightful experience that encapsulates the intricate techniques in Chinese culinary traditions.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Water
- Pork meat
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Soy sauce
- Shaoxing wine
- Gelatin or agar-agar
- Chicken stock
- Salt
- White pepper
3. Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)
Introduction
Kung Pao Chicken is a staple of Sichuan cuisine, renowned for its bold flavors and spicy kick. The dish features diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers, all brought together with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. The combination of textures—from the crunch of the peanuts to the tender chicken—makes it immensely satisfying. The dish’s origins trace back to Ding Baozhen, a Qing Dynasty official, and it has since become a popular dish worldwide.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thigh
- Roasted peanuts
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Dried red chilies
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Green bell pepper
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Shaoxing wine
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Rice vinegar
4. Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
Introduction
Mapo Tofu is another celebrated dish from Sichuan cuisine, characterized by its spicy and numbing flavors. The dish consists of silken tofu set in a spicy chili and bean paste sauce, usually containing minced meat (pork or beef). The distinctive numbing sensation comes from Sichuan peppercorns, which are a cornerstone of the region’s culinary identity. Served with steamed rice, Mapo Tofu is both comforting and exhilarating for the palate.
Ingredients
- Silken tofu
- Ground pork or beef
- Doubanjiang (fermented broad bean and chili paste)
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Soy sauce
- Chicken stock
- Sichuan peppercorns
- Cornstarch
- Sugar
- Sesame oil
5. Dim Sum (点心)
Introduction
Dim Sum refers to a variety of bite-sized dishes traditionally enjoyed in Cantonese cuisine. These small plates are typically served in bamboo steamers and can include dumplings, buns, rolls, and more. Dim Sum is often enjoyed during brunch alongside tea, in a practice known as “yum cha.” The sheer variety and intricate preparations of each dish make Dim Sum a culinary adventure, offering a taste of many flavors and textures in one sitting.
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Pork
- Mushrooms
- Bamboo shoots
- Wonton wrappers
- Rice flour
- Cornstarch
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Sesame oil
6. Hot Pot (火锅)
Introduction
Hot Pot is a communal dining experience where diners cook various ingredients in a simmering pot of broth placed at the center of the table. Originating from Mongolia and popular throughout China, Hot Pot can be adapted with different broths and dipping sauces to suit regional tastes. Ingredients can include thinly sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and noodles. The interactive nature of Hot Pot, along with its rich, customizable flavors, makes it a favorite for social gatherings.
Ingredients
- Broth (Sichuan, mushroom, tomato, etc.)
- Thinly sliced beef, lamb, or pork
- Shrimp, fish
- Tofu
- Leafy greens
- Mushrooms
- Noodles
- Soybean sprouts
- Dipping sauces (sesame paste, hoisin sauce, chili oil)
7. Sweet and Sour Pork (糖醋里脊)
Introduction
Sweet and Sour Pork is a classic Chinese dish characterized by its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation. This dish features bite-sized pieces of pork that are deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture, then stir-fried with a colorful array of bell peppers, pineapple, and onions. The sauce, a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess, brings all the elements together. Its balance of flavors and textures has made it a beloved dish both in China and internationally.
Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin
- Bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
- Pineapple chunks
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vinegar
- Ketchup
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
8. Chow Mein (炒面)
Introduction
Chow Mein, meaning “stir-fried noodles,” is a popular dish across China and among Chinese communities worldwide. It features noodles stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, meat, and sometimes seafood, all tossed in a savory sauce. The dish is versatile and can be adapted with various ingredients based on regional preferences. The combination of crispy noodles and tender meats and vegetables makes Chow Mein a satisfying and comforting dish.
Ingredients
- Egg noodles
- Chicken breast or beef
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- Bean sprouts
- Green onion
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
9. Jiaozi (饺子)
Introduction
Jiaozi, or Chinese dumplings, are a beloved traditional dish usually enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings. These dumplings can be filled with various ingredients, including minced meat, vegetables, and seasonings. They can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, each method offering a unique texture and flavor. Jiaozi are often enjoyed with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil, making them not only delicious but also highly customizable.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (for the dough)
- Ground pork or chicken
- Napa cabbage
- Green onions
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
10. Char Siu (叉烧)
Introduction
Char Siu, or Chinese BBQ Pork, is a Cantonese delicacy known for its sweet and savory glaze. The pork is marinated in a mixture of honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, then roasted until the exterior is caramelized and slightly charred. The juicy and flavorful meat is often enjoyed on its own, with rice, or as a filling in buns. Char Siu’s vibrant red color and enticing aroma make it a standout dish in Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients
- Pork shoulder or pork belly
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Chinese five-spice powder
- Garlic
- Shaoxing wine
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Sugar
These ten dishes offer a taste of China’s rich culinary heritage, showcasing the diversity and depth of flavors that make Chinese cuisine so beloved around the world.
