Chinese food is incredibly diverse, with different regions offering vastly different flavor profiles. That makes picking the “best” Chinese dish a fun but subjective journey.
This article will cover some of the most popular and iconic Chinese dishes, highlighting their regional variations and how they came to be.
We will also touch upon where you can find some excellent options when you’re hunting for China’s best menu items.
Regional Variations in Chinese Cuisine
When we talk about Chinese food, it’s important to remember that we’re not talking about one unified cuisine. Instead, it’s a collection of eight major regional cuisines, each with its own distinct character.
These regional cuisines include Sichuan, Hunan, Shandong, Zhejiang, Fujian, Anhui, Cantonese, and Jiangsu.
Each region’s cooking style is heavily influenced by its climate, its geography, and the ingredients that are readily available.
Key Differences
- Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, thanks to ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns.
- Cantonese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and delicate flavors, and chefs often use steaming and stir-frying techniques.
- Jiangsu cuisine is famous for its elaborate presentation, as well as its sweet and savory flavors.
Iconic Dishes: Peking Duck
Peking duck is famous around the world for its super-crispy skin and tender meat. This dish has a long and storied history; it was originally prepared for emperors.
Chefs traditionally prepare Peking duck by roasting a whole duck in a specialized oven to get the skin just right.
It’s typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. The best way to eat it is to assemble your own little duck-filled pancakes.
Popular Dishes: Kung Pao Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork
Two of the best-loved dishes on Chinese menus are Kung Pao Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a stir-fry of chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers in a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce. It’s a staple on menus in China and in the West, although the Western versions may be tweaked to suit local tastes.
Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and Sour Pork is a Cantonese standard featuring crispy pieces of pork in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. If you’re a fan of both sweet and savory tastes, this dish is definitely worth a try.
Comfort Food: Hot Pot and Dumplings
When you’re looking for something warm and satisfying, it’s hard to beat a steaming bowl of soup or a plate of perfectly cooked dumplings.
Hot Pot
Hot pot is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a communal dining experience where you and your companions cook an assortment of meats, veggies, noodles, and seafood in a simmering pot of flavorful broth right at the table.
Hot pot is perfect for social gatherings, allowing everyone to customize their meal and interact throughout the process.
Dumplings
Dumplings are a classic Chinese dish, with regional variations and fillings galore. Whether boiled, steamed, or fried, they’re always a hit.
Some popular types include jiaozi (boiled dumplings), baozi (steamed buns), and potstickers (pan-fried dumplings). Each offers a unique texture and taste that’s sure to please.
Other dishes you can’t miss
No conversation about Chinese food is complete without mentioning these standouts:
- Ma Po Tofu: A spicy, flavorful tofu dish that comes from China’s Sichuan province. It’s made with soft tofu in a chili-based sauce and ground meat.
- Char Siu: Cantonese barbecue pork, glazed to perfection with sweet and savory spices. You can eat it as part of a meal or stuff it in a bun.
- Chow Mein and Fried Rice: These noodle and rice dishes are popular worldwide, and they’re easy to customize!
Experience Chinese food through a guided tour
One of the best ways to experience the sheer variety of Chinese cuisine is through a guided food tour.
A good food tour can give you access to local restaurants and hidden culinary treasures that you might not find on your own. Tours also offer insight into the history and culture that shaped the food.
Consider a food tour when planning your next trip!
Finding Chinese Restaurants
Resources like Tripadvisor can help you find Chinese restaurants near you. You can filter your searches by price, dietary restrictions, and the type of Chinese cuisine you’re looking for. Awards like the Travellers’ Choice award can also help you find highly-rated restaurants.
Putting It All Together
Chinese cuisine is vast, varied, and deeply satisfying. Exploring the different regional cuisines and the dishes that define them will give you a much deeper appreciation for Chinese culture.
Whether you sign up for a food tour or just visit your local Chinese restaurant, there are plenty of ways to experience the best of China’s menu.