12 Authentic Chinese Food Every Traveler Should Try

China is a huge country with numerous cooking styles and exquisite flavors that contribute to the nation’s gastronomic heritage. Chinese food is famous for its diverse flavors and complex combinations that are both bold and vibrant. To understand China’s vast cuisine, here is a compiled list of twelve of the most authentic and beloved dishes that just cannot be missed.

Tasty Chinese Food To Try During Your Visit

Join us on a journey through some of the best traditional food that will help you understand the pulse of one of the world’s oldest and most diverse cuisines.

1. Peking Duck 

Peking duck is one of the best Chinese foods that has been tantalizing the taste buds for more than 1,500 years now. A lot of effort goes into the preparation of this dish; firstly the duck is air-dried, then coated with maltose syrup, and finally roasted until crispy from the outside. Thinly sliced Peking duck is often served with pancakes, sweet bean sauce and mashed garlic.

2. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is an authentic Chinese food popular not just in China but outside of China too. The mouth-watering combination of flavors in this dish is what makes it a hit among all. Major ingredients like diced chicken, dried chili, vegetables, peppercorns and fried peanuts go into making of this dish. Kung Pao Chicken is easily available in almost all the restaurants in China.

3. Fried Rice

Fried rice also called as Chǎofàn is a staple food in Chinese cuisine. It is a simple, quick and complete meal loaded with a combination of ingredients. Cooked rice is often mixed with vegetables, scrambled eggs, shrimps, meat, scallions, and Chinese ham. This hearty dish has gained worldwide popularity as one can see different versions of the fried rice in different parts of the world. 

4. Xiaolongbao 

Call it a dumpling or steamed bun, one cannot stop but admire the craftsmanship that goes into making them. Each of the xiaolongbao is a mix of soup and meat packed inside a thin wrapper. There is a special technique to eat it too. Firstly make a small hole on the side of the dough to nibble at the flavorful soup and once the liquid is drained out, eat the wrapper and filling.

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5. Hot Pot 

This is one popular Chinese food that is a favorite among all, not just during the winters but throughout the year. A spicy broth is placed in the middle of the table on an induction hob to keep it hot and simmering throughout. Foodstuffs and condiments like raw meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu and other ingredients cut into small pieces are placed around the pot. Drop your favorite ingredients into the simmering pot to cook and enjoy them with a sauce.

6. Braised Pork Belly 

The Chinese braised pork belly is a classic dish that is generally served on special occasions. However due to its great taste and flavors, people have started including this dish into their daily meal. Here pork belly is cooked until tender and then tossed in a sweet and sticky sauce of vibrant red color. Due to its rich and complex flavors, it is best when served with plain white rice or stir-fried vegetables. It is one of the best Chinese dishes to try while here.

7. Dim Sum 

Dim sum is one of the most popular Chinese foods that has more than one thousand variations to it. Some like it steamed, some like it fried and some like it baked. However the steamed version is the most authentic and traditional one. A mix of shrimps, chicken, pork or vegetables are stuffed into a translucent wrapped and then steamed, baked or fried. This dish can be served along with breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sweet versions of the dim sums too are available in most of the restaurants. 

8. Biangbiang Noodles

Just like the Dim sums, there are over 1,000 types of noodles in China as well. The Biangbiang noodles are also called the belt noodles due to their wide shape. This shape is obtained by stretching and flapping the noodles as long as possible. These noodles are then soaked in savory/spicy sauces and then topped with vegetables and herbs. 

9. Jianbing

One of the most popular street foods in China is jianbing. It is a thin and savory fried pancake made of pancake flour, eggs and vegetables. Different batter made of mung bean flour, black bean flour, or wheat flour is spread on a hot pan until thin. It is then topped with eggs and flavored with various sauces, vegetables, scallions, pickles, and chili paste. When done it is rolled and ready to eat. 

10. Mapo Tofu 

This iconic numbing and spicy Sichuan dish is what defines the region’s cuisine. Strong and intense flavors like salty, peppery and spicy makes this dish a global favorite. The dish is generally cooked using minced pork or beef, scallions and tofu. Nowadays you can find restaurants serving different versions of mapo tofu with different types of meats.

11. Chow Mein

Apart from rice, noodles are another important item in Chinese cooking. The word Chow Mein translates to ‘stir-fried noodles’, so basically it is a dish made by stir-frying noodles. The noodles are cooked in boiling water for a while and then let cool. Next step is to mix any meat of your choice, vegetables, eggs, onions, celery and a few sauces. This easy but loaded dish is no wonder a favorite among all.

12. Steamed Fish

A traditional Chinese steamed fish symbolizes good luck, hence takes the centerpiece on the dinner table at holiday meals and special occasions. The dish may look simple but a lot of time and art goes into the making of this special dish. The whole fish is steamed with ginger, scallion, soy and cilantro until it is moist and tender. It is one of the must try Chinese food dishes.

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