Listen to this articleChina has gone through a long period of history and development to become one of the most influential countries in the world, and China has long been the ideal destination for tourists not only for its unique culture, various customs, but also for its most famous spot – Chinese food.
Food is the representation of a country and its race’s culture, image and history, and this article will introduce to you 5 most famous Chinese foods international visitors must eat in China.
1Dumplings:
Dumplings are dough wraps stuffed with fillings, usually ground meat and vegetables. They are eaten boiled, steamed or pan-fried. Dumplings are popular throughout China with many variations in wrapping and fillings. The most famous ones are jiaozaig from Northern China, xiaolongbao from Shanghai and wontons from Canton. Dumplings are delicious comfort food, especially in winter.
2Peking Duck:
Peking Duck is a signature dish of Beijing. The duck is first inflated by pumping air between the skin and fat layer, then roasted in a wood-fired oven. The crispy skin is usually wrapped in pancakes with spring onions and hoisin sauce. Peking Duck is considered one of the most delicious dishes in the world with a history of over 600 years.
3Hot Pot:
Hot Pot is a social dining event where people gather around a simmering pot of broth and dip thin slices of meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles, and dumplings to cook in the broth. The broth is usually spicy which helps stimulate appetite in winter. Sichuan hot pot flavored with chili oil and Sichuan spices is the most popular. Hot pot originates from Mongolia and represents a warm, communal eating culture.
4Kung Pao Chicken:
Kung Pao Chicken is a classic Sichuan dish named after the court official Ding Baozhen. It features stir-fried chicken cubes, peanuts, vegetables and chili peppers in a wok. The chicken pieces are marinated, then quickly stir-fried with the other ingredients. Kung Pao Chicken tastes both spicy and savory. It has become one of the most popular Chinese dishes worldwide.
5Xiaolongbao:
Xiaolongbao is a type of steamed bun from Jiangnan region, especially associated with Shanghai cuisine. It has a thin wrapping and is usually filled with minced pork. When served, the hot soup inside the dumplings bursts out upon biting, which enhances the flavor and experience. Xiaolongbao exemplifies the delicate and innovative nature of Jiangnan cooking with its aromatic fillings and soup inside the tender wraps.
The 5 foods represent different culinary traditions across China. But they all share some common characteristics of Chinese food like valuing fresh ingredients, seasoning with balanced flavors, artistic presentations and most importantly, meant for sharing.
Trying these famous foods in China is the best way to understand Chinese culture and connect with locals. While there are regional distinctions, Chinese gastronomy as a whole signifies the inclusiveness, diversity and continuity of Chinese civilization that acculutirated and adapted throughout its history. From a single dumpling or hot pot, you can glimpse the depth of culture and philosophy behind.
More than just sustenance, Chinese cuisine is a way of life and a source of pride.
Welcome to China and taste Chinese style of living and one-of-a-kind cultural horizon.
