Traditional Chinese foods have been shaped from centuries of regional diversity, and cultural influence. It’s a cuisine that tells the story of China, one of innovation, adaptation, and a deep respect for nature’s bounty. From the fiery spices of Sichuan to the delicate flavours of Cantonese cooking, each region boasts a unique culinary identity that has not only shaped the tastes of China but has also influenced kitchens around the world.
1. Peking Duck (Beijing Roast Duck)
Peking Duck is a celebrated dish from Beijing, renowned for its perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The duck is roasted in a special oven until golden and then carved table-side, showcasing the skill of the chef. Served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and fresh scallions, each bite offers a harmony of textures and flavours that has captivated diners for centuries. Dating back to the Imperial era, Peking Duck has evolved into a symbol of Chinese culinary artistry and hospitality.
2. Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Xiaolongbao are delicate, steamed dumplings filled with savoury broth and tender meat, typically pork. These soup dumplings originate from Shanghai and require careful craftsmanship to create their thin, pleated wrappers. When enjoyed with a splash of vinegar and slivers of fresh ginger, they provide an exquisite burst of rich flavour and a satisfying blend of textures. Eating Xiaolongbao is an art in itself, carefully lifting them without breaking the wrapper and savouring the hot, flavourful broth before taking a full bite.
3. Kung Pao Chicken (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)
Kung Pao Chicken, a signature dish from Sichuan province, brings together tender chunks of chicken with crunchy peanuts and dried chili peppers. Known for its irresistible combination of spicy, sweet, and savoury elements, the dish is elevated by Sichuan peppercorns that create a unique tingling sensation on the tongue. With a medley of textures and layers of flavour, Kung Pao Chicken is a favourite both in China and worldwide, representing the bold and complex nature of Sichuan cuisine.
4. Mapo Tofu (Spicy Tofu)
Mapo Tofu is a Sichuan classic that features silky soft tofu immersed in a spicy, aromatic sauce. The combination of minced meat, usually pork or beef, with fermented black beans, chili paste, and Sichuan peppercorns creates a bold flavour that’s both comforting and invigorating. The interplay between the heat of the chilies and the numbing sensation of the peppercorns makes Map Tofu a dish that’s deeply satisfying for those who crave intensity in their meals.
5. Chow Mein (Stir-Fried Noodles)
Chow Mein, meaning “stir-fried noodles” in Chinese, is a popular dish that showcases the versatility of noodles in Chinese cooking. Made with thin wheat noodles, an assortment of fresh vegetables, and a choice of meat or tofu, this dish is stir-fried until slightly crisp, coated in a savoury sauce. Originating from Northern China, Chow Mein is beloved for its combination of textures—crisp-tender vegetables, chewy noodles, and flavourful meat, all brought together with a light yet flavourful seasoning.
6. Sweet and Sour Pork (Tang Cu Li Ji)
Sweet and Sour Pork is a classic Cantonese dish known for its vibrant appearance and irresistible taste. The crispy pieces of pork are coated in a glossy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and ketchup, which gives it its distinctive sweet and tangy flavour. Often accompanied by pineapple chunks and bell peppers, this dish provides a delightful balance of flavours and a satisfying crunch, making it a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine both at home and abroad.
7. Wonton Soup (Huntun Tang)
Wonton Soup is a comforting Cantonese dish featuring delicate dumplings filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, and seasonings, all floating in a clear, flavorful broth. The wontons, with their silky, thin wrappers, provide a burst of savory goodness in every bite, while the broth is light yet rich in taste. This soup is often enjoyed as a starter or a light meal, appreciated for its simplicity and its warming, satisfying qualities, especially during colder months.
8. Moo Shu Pork (Stir-Fried Pork with Vegetables)
Moo Shu Pork is a Northern Chinese stir-fry that brings together strips of tender pork, scrambled eggs, and an array of vegetables such as cabbage and wood ear mushrooms. This hearty filling is typically served with thin, soft pancakes and a smear of hoisin sauce, allowing diners to create their own wraps. The combination of flavours and textures. savoury, slightly sweet, and umami-rich makes Moo Shu Pork a fun and interactive dish that’s perfect for sharing.
9. Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Soybean Paste)
Zhajiangmian is a comforting Beijing specialty consisting of thick wheat noodles topped with a rich, savoury sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. Fresh julienned vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, and bean sprouts add a refreshing contrast to the intense, umami-packed sauce. Often described as Chinese “spaghetti,” Zhajiangmian is a satisfying, hearty dish that embodies the robust and homey flavours of Northern Chinese cuisine.
10. Peking Ravioli (Pan-Fried Dumplings)
Also known as Jiaozi, Peking Ravioli are dumplings filled with a mix of ground meat, typically pork, and finely chopped vegetables like cabbage and scallions. These dumplings are pan-fried until their bottoms are golden and crisp, while the tops remain tender and chewy. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, they’re a versatile dish enjoyed across China, with regional variations that make each version unique in terms of flavour and texture.
11. Beef Chow Fun (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Beef)
Beef Chow Fun is a Cantonese favorite featuring tender beef strips stir-fried with wide, chewy rice noodles, fresh bean sprouts, and scallions. Cooked over high heat in a wok, the dish takes on a smoky char, known as “wok hei” or the breath of the wok, which adds a distinctive flavor. The combination of the silky noodles, succulent beef, and crisp vegetables makes Beef Chow Fun a popular comfort food that’s both satisfying and full of character.
12. Tea-Smoked Duck (Zhangcha Ya)
Tea-Smoked Duck is a Sichuan specialty, where the duck is first marinated, then smoked over tea leaves, and finally steamed to achieve a tender and flavourful result. The smoking process gives the duck a unique depth of flavour, combining the aromatic notes of tea with a slight sweetness from the marinade. Often served with steamed buns and fresh vegetables, Tea-Smoked Duck showcases the complexity of Sichuan cooking, where layers of flavour are built through different techniques.
13. General Tso’s Chicken (Sweet and Spicy Chicken)
General Tso’s Chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Although its exact origins are unclear, the dish has become a comfort food staple for many, offering a delightful balance of flavours. The caramelized sauce, combined with the tender meat and crunchy exterior, makes General Tso’s Chicken a perfect example of the bold, addictive flavours that characterize Chinese-American dishes.
14. Lion’s Head Meatballs (Stewed Pork Meatballs)
Lion’s Head Meatballs are large, juicy pork meatballs braised in a rich broth with vegetables such as napa cabbage or bok choy. Originating from Eastern China, particularly the Jiangsu region, these meatballs are tender and succulent, with a texture that almost melts in the mouth. The dish is named for the supposed resemblance of the meatballs to a lion’s head, with the vegetables resembling its mane, and it’s a symbol of family unity and celebration.
15. Buddha’s Delight (Vegetarian Stir-Fry)
Buddha’s Delight is a vegetarian stir-fry traditionally enjoyed during the Chinese New Year as a symbol of purification and renewal. Made from a variety of fresh vegetables, tofu, and often an assortment of mushrooms, all cooked in a light, flavourful sauce, this dish embodies the principles of balance and health in Chinese cooking. It is not only nutritious but also satisfying, with each ingredient bringing its own texture and subtle flavour to the harmonious mix.
16. Lo Mein (Tossed Noodles)
Lo Mein is a versatile Chinese dish featuring soft wheat noodles tossed with vegetables, meat, or seafood, all coated in a savoury soy-based sauce. Known for its satisfying chewiness and rich taste, Lo Mein is often enjoyed as a quick, comforting meal. Unlike Chow Mein, which has a slightly crispy texture, Lo Mein noodles are kept tender, absorbing the flavours of the sauce and accompanying ingredients to create a cohesive, flavourful dish.
17. Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
Char Siu is a classic Cantonese roast pork, marinated in a sweet and savoury mixture of honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder before being roasted to caramelized perfection. Its signature bright red exterior comes from the marinade, while the interior remains juicy and tender. Often enjoyed on its own, with rice, or in buns, Char Siu is an iconic example of Chinese barbecue, loved for its bold flavours and aromatic sweetness.
18. Congee (Rice Porridge)
Congee is a versatile rice porridge that can be enjoyed in countless ways, from plain with a sprinkle of scallions to enriched with toppings like shredded chicken, century eggs, or fish. This dish is a popular breakfast in China, known for its smooth, velvety texture and ability to warm and comfort. Easy to digest and deeply nourishing, Congee is a staple of Chinese cuisine, often served to those seeking a gentle yet fulfilling meal.
