Chinese Food Guide
Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each region offering unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. This guide will help you navigate China’s culinary landscape.
Eight Great Cuisines
Sichuan Cuisine (川菜)
Characteristics: Spicy, numbing (mala), bold flavors
Famous dishes: Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, Hot Pot
Where to try: Chengdu, Chongqing
Cantonese Cuisine (粤菜)
Characteristics: Light, fresh, subtle flavors
Famous dishes: Dim Sum, Char Siu, Wonton Noodles
Where to try: Guangzhou, Hong Kong
Shandong Cuisine (鲁菜)
Characteristics: Salty, crispy, seafood-focused
Famous dishes: Sweet and Sour Carp, Dezhou Braised Chicken
Where to try: Jinan, Qingdao
Jiangsu Cuisine (苏菜)
Characteristics: Fresh, slightly sweet, delicate
Famous dishes: Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, Lion’s Head Meatballs
Where to try: Suzhou, Nanjing
Zhejiang Cuisine (浙菜)
Characteristics: Fresh, tender, light
Famous dishes: Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish
Where to try: Hangzhou
Fujian Cuisine (闽菜)
Characteristics: Light, umami-rich, seafood
Famous dishes: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Oyster Omelet
Where to try: Fuzhou, Xiamen
Hunan Cuisine (湘菜)
Characteristics: Hot and sour, fresh, aromatic
Famous dishes: Chairman Mao’s Red-Braised Pork, Steamed Fish Head
Where to try: Changsha
Anhui Cuisine (徽菜)
Characteristics: Wild herbs, ham, braising techniques
Famous dishes: Braised Turtle with Ham, Stinky Mandarin Fish
Where to try: Huangshan
Must-Try Dishes
Peking Duck (北京烤鸭)
Where: Beijing
Best restaurants: Quanjude, Da Dong
Price: 200-400 RMB per duck
Xiaolongbao (小笼包)
Where: Shanghai, Jiangsu
What: Soup dumplings with delicate skin
Best: Din Tai Fung, Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant
Hot Pot (火锅)
Where: Sichuan, Chongqing, nationwide
Types: Spicy Sichuan, Mild Cantonese, Mongolian
Price: 80-200 RMB per person
Dim Sum (点心)
Where: Guangdong, Hong Kong
Best time: Brunch (10 AM - 2 PM)
Price: 50-150 RMB per person
Street Food
Jianbing (煎饼)
Savory crepe with egg, crispy cracker, and sauces. Perfect breakfast food.
Baozi (包子)
Steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables. Available everywhere.
Roujiamo (肉夹馍)
Chinese hamburger with spiced meat. Famous in Xi’an.
Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
Fermented tofu with strong smell but delicious taste. An acquired taste!
Dining Tips
Restaurant Types
- Fine Dining: High-end restaurants with English menus
- Local Restaurants: Authentic but may lack English
- Street Food: Cheap, delicious, but be cautious about hygiene
- Food Courts: Good variety, safe, English signage common
Ordering
- Point at pictures or other tables
- Use translation apps for menus
- Learn dish names in Chinese
- Ask for “bu la” (not spicy) if you can’t handle heat
Payment
- Cash is still common in local restaurants
- WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted
- Credit cards accepted in tourist areas
Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian Options
- Buddhist restaurants (often marked with 素)
- Vegetable dishes available in most restaurants
- Tofu and mock meat dishes
Halal Food
- Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
- Halal restaurants marked with 清真
- Avoid pork and alcohol
Allergies
- Learn to say your allergy in Chinese
- Carry a translation card
- Be cautious with sauces and hidden ingredients
Food Safety
- Street Food: Choose busy stalls with high turnover
- Water: Drink bottled water only
- Ice: Avoid ice in drinks outside major cities
- Fruits: Wash or peel before eating
- Hot Food: Prefer freshly cooked items
Regional Specialties by City
- Beijing: Peking Duck, Zhajiangmian (noodles)
- Shanghai: Xiaolongbao, Shanghai hairy crab
- Chengdu: Hot pot, Mapo Tofu
- Xi’an: Roujiamo, Biang Biang noodles
- Guangzhou: Dim Sum, Wonton noodles
Budget Guide
- Street Food: 10-30 RMB per meal
- Local Restaurant: 30-80 RMB per person
- Mid-range Restaurant: 80-200 RMB per person
- Fine Dining: 200+ RMB per person
Chinese food is an adventure in itself. Don’t be afraid to try new things, but also know your limits with spice!