China has an endless list of delicious dishes developed over many centuries. Different regions of the country have their distinct culinary practices. A common feature of Chinese dishes is their tender taste and colorful appearance. Let’s take a short culinary trip to see what the Asian giant has to offer.
8 Popular Chinese Dishes
Gong Bao Chicken
Also known as Kung Pao Chicken, the dish is a popular traditional dish originating from the Sichuan regions and is well-known for its tender taste and spicy flavor. The dish also has a westernized version. The Sichuan type comes with fresh, moist, unroasted cashew nuts or peanuts. The nuts are first dipped fried to a golden brown color before the chicken and other ingredients are added to the mix.
Fried Rice
Rice is a staple in China and most Asian countries. Fried rice is one of the many varieties of rice dishes popular in China. The dish is made from rice, egg, meat, seafood, sausage, vegetables etc.
The rice is usually made with leftover rice to reduce the moisture to allow it fry properly.
Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a favorite snacks that can be eaten anytime. It is a popular snack among the Chinese and there are different versions depending on the region that you are. It is particular special among people of Zhejiang. Spring rolls is a roll containing an assortment of fillings such as vegetables, meat etc.
Sweet and Sour Pork
This is also a popular dish among the Chinese people. You will find varieties of this dish in many regions and it is even popular outside of China. The dish tastes as the name; sweet and sour. But how can a dish be sweet and also sour?
Well, the sweetness comes from the ketchup, sugar, and pineapple dices, while the sour taste is from the vinegar. Other ingredients include fried pork, onion, green pepper, and soy sauce.
Pecking roasted duck
If you are in Beijing, the best dish you might come across is the Pecking Roasted Duck. Initially, the dish was the preserve of royalty, but with the fall of the emperors, some of the secrets within the palatial walls became accessible to the public.
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Pecking roasted duck has a crispy skin with bright colors, and the meat is tender and juicy. Whenever you are in Beijing, make sure to have a taste of this royal delicacy.
Szechwan Chili Chicken
This delicious dish is also from the Sichuan region. Be warned! This dish is spicy! It comes loaded with strong spices including red chilies, green chilies, white pepper, brown, and ginger.
Yak Meat Dumpling (momo)
Momo is popular in Western China and Tibet. This delicacy consists of dumplings wrapped around juicy yak meat. It is super tasty.
Mutton stew (yang rou pao mo)
This dish is from the Xi’an region. It consists of pao mo with mutton, but sometimes it can be beef or pork. Unleavened bread replaces noodles in this wonderful dish. Other ingredients include pickled garlic, and chili sauce.
Wrap up
There are many other Chinese dishes that are popular among the locals and tourists alike, but these are some of the favorites we love to enjoy. China is not just a vast land of culture and industry; it also has a rich culinary culture dating back over a millennium.
